December 26, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com Volunteers Sought To Reduce Elk Population In Wind Cave National Park WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD-- The National Park Service (NPS), working with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), is again seeking skilled volunteers to reduce its elk herd at Wind Cave National Park (Wind Cave) to help address the high rate of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the park. A total of eight trained volunteers will be needed, four each week for the first two weeks in February. The volunteers will be selected through a lottery system managed by GFP and after qualifying will work with NPS staff to reduce the number of elk inside the park. Current population estimates indicate numbers of around 260 elk in the park. The long-term elk management plan for Wind Cave has a targeted population objective of 232 to 475 elk. Data collected from last year’s elk reduction has shown the current CWD prevalence rate in the park’s elk herd to be 13.9%. It is believed that reducing the elk population within the park and keeping it near the low population objective, may reduce the prevalence of CWD. The effectiveness of this management action will be evaluated over the next several years to coincide with the lifespan of the disease in elk. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009. “We were very pleased with the partnership and support we received from GFP on this project, and we look forward to working with our partners again this year to improve the health of our herd,” Wind Cave Superintendent Vidal Dávila said. “The study will inform wildlife managers throughout our agency and the State for the long-term health of the species.” Every animal taken during this operation will be tested for CWD. The NPS is partnering with GFP to distribute meat with a “non-detected” finding for CWD to Feeding South Dakota, an organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in the state. Also, volunteers who work an entire week on this operation will be eligible to receive some of the elk meat. Only meat with a ‘not-detected’ test result for CWD will be distributed. Four different volunteers will be needed each of the two weeks of this operation beginning February 5. Two teams will be formed, each consisting of an NPS team leader and 2 volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer must submit an online application through GFP website at: https://apps. sd.gov/gf79license/login.aspx. A lottery, similar to those conducted for elk permits, will be conducted. Applications will be accepted from January 3, 2018, to January 10, 2018. Only online applications will be accepted. No paper applications will be allowed. Applicants need to be over 18 years of age, a South Dakota resident, not have a felony record, and be willing to undergo a background check. On their first day, volunteers will be required to demonstrate advanced firearms proficiency and physical fitness to participate. This will include shooting a minimum of 3 out of 5 shots into an 8-inch circle at 200 yards using their own firearm and non-lead ammunition. During the week, volunteers will be required to hike up to 10 miles over rough terrain and carry packs up to 70 lbs. in winter weather conditions. The operation will be conducted in February. For information and requirements for participation as a trained volunteer, visit: https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/ management/upload/Elk-Reduction-FAQs.pdf If you don’t get the word out about your business, no one else will!!! Broadcaster Press 9 Winter Storm Preparedness BROOKINGS, S.D. - Winter storms, blizzards and the occasional loss of electricity associated with them, can catch even the most seasoned South Dakotan by surprise. Before an emergency leaves your home, ranch or farmstead without electricity, have a plan in place, said John Keimig, SDSU Extension 4-H Associate. When crafting a plan, Keimig encouraged folks to consider devising a plan for the following three stages: •Stage one, preparation (before the storm); •Stage two, survival (during the storm) and •Stage three, recovery (after the storm). Stage 1: Preparation During the preparation stage, create an emergency kit and have your children help gather supplies to build your kit. "Engaging your children in the process, allows them to feel empowered and may help bring a sense of relief knowing there is a plan in place," Keimig said. If you have access to a generator, use an extension cord that allows the generator to remain at least 20 feet from any door, window or vent. Also, make plans for how you can avoid driving. Emergency Supply List: •Food & Water: 3-Day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna, peanut butter, etc.). At least a gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and hygiene. •Utensils: Can opener, paper plates, plastic cups & utensils, paper towels. •First Aid Kit: Prescription and non-prescription (overthe-counter medications) and medical supplies. •Sanitation Supplies: Supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, diapers, and plastic bags (for use when water resources are limited). •Blankets & Clothing: Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags. •Electronics: Flashlight with extra batteries. Batterypowered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries. Stage 2: Survival During the survival stage, stay inside and avoid driving as much as possible. What everyone is reading. www.broadcasteronline.com If the power goes out, here are a few easy steps to take: •Close off unused rooms to consolidate and conserve heat. •Dress in layers to keep warm during power loss. •Bring pets inside that do not have adequate shelter. •Limit time outdoors. And, if you are outside, dress for the weather and avoid frostbite. •Do not use the stove to try to heat your home. •Never use generators, outdoor heating or cooking equipment to try to heat your home. These use oxygen and can give off harmful carbon monoxide. •If you must drive, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Visit this link for information on what you should pack in this kit. Stage 3: Recovery If the power is out for very long, many communities will set up warming shelters. Consider going to them. If you do not have enough supplies, consider going to the community shelter. If you must go outside, dress warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold and wind to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. When the power comes back on there will be other things to consider, such as your refrigerator and freezer contents. Visit this link to learn more about food safety after electricity outages. www.plaintalk.net Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber The views of a University of South Dakota political science professor who fears President Trump’s recent decisions will lead to unrest in the Middle East. The latest coverage of Vermillion City Council action from their Dec. 18 meeting at City Hall. Offical Notice Nomination petitions for districts 1 & 2 are now available at the office of Clay-Union Electric, Monday-Friday between 7:30am and 4:00pm. Petition filing deadline is at 4:00pm, Friday, January 26, 2018. The annual meeting of Clay-Union Electric will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Gayville School gym in Gayville, S.D. Contact Mike Kjose, Member Service 624-2673 with any questions. Custodial Cleaning Supplies Surplus Sale January 4 1-4pm The sale site is located at Julian Hall, room 131 located on the southwest corner of campus. Parking is available in lot 8, next to Akeley Science Center located on Dakota Street. Signs will be posted with directions to Julian Hall. Entrance to Julian Hall is located on the east side of the building. Terms of the sale are cash only. Questions may be directed to USD Auxiliary Services at 605-677-5669 or 605-677-6623. Photos from the Vermillion High School Mainstreet Big Band concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the VHS Commons. The Big Band Christmas events featured refreshments and space for dancing. And if you want to see: A story about steps that will be taken soon to get the next phase of improvements to the DakotaDome underway. A report of what youngsters in Vermillion are thankful for this holiday season. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! 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