Page 3 - SDWF Out of Doors

Out of Doors 3 January - April 2023
SDWF WELCOMES A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Executive Director Column by Megan Howell
Hello from the new Executive Director
and Outreach Coordinator!
I am excited to announce my arrival
as South Dakota Wildlife Federation’s
Executive Director and Outreach
Coordinator. I look forward to building
upon and strengthening South Dakota’s
oldest conservation organization. I
grew up in a small hunting and fishing
destination town in north central South
Dakota called Pollock. Growing up in
Pollock gave me first hand experience
in how important our hunting and fishing
heritage is to our local economies and it
rooted a deep-seated love for all things
wild. I grew up hunting pheasants and
fishing for walleye with my family and
friends. The outdoors became a huge
part of who I am and what I live for so
the opportunity to work with the South
Dakota Wildlife Federation to make an
impact on our outdoor heritage is one I
don’t take lightly.
Some background on me: I went to
college and got my degree in Natural
Resource and Ecology Management
at Iowa State University. Shortly after
graduation I was hired by the Iowa DNR
as a Natural Resource Technician. I
conducted research projects involving
upland birds, mostly pheasants, but
also gained experience in fisheries,
human dimensions, aquatic invasive
species, and public access programs. Executive Director, - Megan Howell
RECAP OF THE 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The South Dakota 98th Legislative Session came to a close after 38
days on March 27th. This year there were 35 new legislators with
30 in the House of Representative and 5 in the Senate. With over a
third of the legislators being new that contributed to less bills being
introduced as they learn the process and develop issues they want
to see addressed. This year there were 451 bills introduced and
generally there are between 550 and 600. Fully expect next year,
another election year there will be a full slate of bills.
The number of bills related to the outdoors, hunting and fishing and
general conservation were very minimal this year. House Bill 1100
was introduced by Representative Rocky Blaire which would have
allowed land owners on their own land prairie elk licenses. The bill
did get defeated in committee. Working with the proponents of the bill
we’ve agreed to meet with the land owners and discuss the issues
surrounding the passage of this type of legislation and see if there isn’t
a path forward to allow for some additional public access for hunting
prairie elk in addition to what is presently available.
After my term with the Iowa DNR
was over, I worked with the MN DNR
as a Natural Resource Technician. I
conducted research on pheasant nest
site selection and brood-rearing survival.
Next, I hopped on board with Pheasants
Forever as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist
working with agricultural producers,
state agencies, conservation minded
NGOs, and USDA partners to get quality
habitat on the ground and to improve
public access in SW MN. After 6 years
in SW MN, I jumped at an opportunity to
come back to my home state of South
Dakota to work as a Farm Bill Wildlife
Biologist with Pheasants Forever in
Pierre. My time with Pheasants Forever
in Pierre was a short 3 months before
being offered a position working with the
South Dakota Wildlife Federation!
Personally, I am an avid outdoorsman
and enjoy bird dogs, hunting, fishing, and
foraging. I have thoroughly enjoy making
a career out of my outdoor passion and
I look forward to making my mark on
the South Dakota Wildlife Federation by
bringing more diversity, strength, and
direction as we move forward. I would
love to hear from our readers so please
feel free to contact me at mhowell.
sdwf@outlook.com with any comments
or suggestions on what you would like
to see in the bright future of the South
Dakota Wildlife Federation!
Senate Bill 79 brought by Senator Bryan Breitling sought to appropriate
$3 million dollars to Game Fish and Parks to repair Hiddenwood Lake
which is located near Selby. The bill had great support from local
residents and businesses and did pass the Senate but did not find
support in the Joint Appropriations committee and was defeated in
committee.
Many of the new legislators and outdoors men and women and enjoy
fishing, hunting, outdoor recreation and use of the South Dakota State
Park system. Developing local relationships with them through your
local sportsman clubs will be key to getting support for bills the SDWF
is supporting or opposing in upcoming sessions. Please make an
effort to introduce yourself to your local legislator and let them know
you vote and have an interest in outdoor issues in South Dakota.
By Mitch Richter