For more information, please contact:

Conservation Alliance of the Great Plains,
P.O. Box 22809, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68542-2809

Anchored by Badlands National Park, Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, this site covers approximately 2.8 million acres or 1.1 million hectares.  The area contains the most successful black-footed ferret recovery site, expansive complexes of prairie dog towns, and the potential for the restoration of tens of thousands of bison.  The recently-reintroduced swift fox is of particular interest because it demonstrates the potential for ecosystem restoration at the site.

Conata Basin is a broad depression extending south of the national park.  Although largely grazed by cattle, the area also supports a good population of black-tailed prairie dogs.

You can get a good overview of the scenery by viewing these beautiful photos of Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks.

Description

This area brings a dramatic contrast in scenery as the rolling prairies, rugged badlands topography, islands o ponderosa pine and small prairie rivers create a rich mosaic of habitats.

Badlands National Park is currently the most visited area within the site.  The park has a visitor center and several trails on the east half of the North Unit, but many outdoors people choose to hike among the bison in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area in the west half of the North Unit.  The National Grassland Visitor Center in Wall, SD, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, describes and promotes the prairie ecosystem, as well as the Forest Service’s role in conserving it.  Further to the west, the Black Hills themselves are a favorite tourist destination, filled with every imaginable kind of recreational facility, from tacky to profound.

Conservation strengths

Landscape
The site has a rich diversity of habitats ranging from rolling mixed-grass prairie, barren and rugged badlands topography, cottonwood lined prairie rivers, woody draws of elm and ash, pockets of juniper on the north slopes, and islands of ponderosa pine forest.  All these habitats are generally distributed throughout the site, creating a rich landscape mosaic that lends itself well to the conservation of many species and quality outdoor experiences. 

Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave give tours into the rarest landform in North America - caves, while on the surface, elk and other wildlife graze on fescue grassland.

Vegetation - Generally excellent condition.  However, fire has been suppressed on many of the lands and exotic plants are an issue in some places, especially where disturbance has occurred.  Most livestock grazing is at levels that maximize production, so the area doesn’t have the diversity of grazing pressures and seral stages that it would naturally.

Wildlife - Good variety, with free-ranging bison in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park.  Prairie dogs are keystone species and can still be found, especially on protected lands.  Elk are found in the Black Hills, with a few venturing into the prairie.  Bighorn sheep, swift fox and black-footed ferrets have all recently been reintroduced.  Mountain lions are just becoming established in the prairies, and are the top predator.

Recreation opportunities

Road access
Interstate 90 skirts the north edge of this region.  Excellent access is available on asphalt roads from this highway. 

Hiking
Hiking is allowed on most public land in the region, with the Sage Creek Wilderness Area being a particularly remote area where one can experience free-ranging bison.  The Indian Creek area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland is also remote and has excellent scenery.  The area is proposed for Wilderness designation.  (All hikers should definitely carry potable water with them since there is very little available on the prairie.)

Cycling
Short cycling trails have been designated in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland just south of Wall.  George S. Mickelson Trail (>100 miles) on an abandoned rail line for double-track cycling and hiking through the Black Hills.

Horseback riding - Several guest ranches provide guided horse riding.

Canoeing - There are a few navigable rivers that are best experienced in the spring.

Wildlife viewing
Interpretive facilities in the parks give a good introduction what may be seen in the area.

A large number of geological sites have interpretive facilities, including some fossil mammoth excavations at Badlands National Park.

Camping - Some private campgrounds in the area, as well as the park sites.  Camping is allowed throughout most of the National Grasslands.

Winter activities
Winter activities are very limited due to the cold temperatures, high winds, and limited snow cover.  However, wildlife viewing is still possible for those who brave the elements or visit during a warm spell.

Cultural resources
Native Americans - Wounded Knee and Stronghold Table are both significant cultural resources within the site.  Bear Butte, near Sturgis, is also important for Native Americans.

Historic sites
Several small settlements, nearly ghost towns, such as Scenic, SD, provide a glimpse of the history of the region.

Hot Springs has a well-preserved historic district dramatically perched along the cliff above the river.

Modern culture
Historic Hot Springs brings the boom days of the nineteenth century to life. 

Industrial intrusions
Industry is not obvious in the region.  Small farms and tourist facilities are found along the main roads, but these are quite localized.

Management

Organizational resources

Other supportive land managers
Black Hills National Forest - RR #2, Box 200, Hwy 385 North, Custer, SD 57730 ph. (605) 673-2251
Badlands National Park, Interior, SD

Political climate - Somewhat conservative, however the entire region is becoming economically oriented toward conservation and tourism, as ranching and farming continue to decline in importance.

Current challenges - More work is needed to get local residents to embrace natural resource conservation and the tourism opportunities that come with it.