The Dahl's Cyclorama was filled to standing room only.
More than 100 fans of parks, wilderness and western history packed the Cyclorama January 17 for the second in the “Green Cubed” series of events co-sponsored by the Dahl, Friends of Rapid City Parks and Democracy in Action.
The program featured Mt. Rushmore Superintendent Gerard Baker and six regional writers whose work centers on West River land, landscapes and environment. The “history of green” event complemented the Dahl’s “Green” art exhibit.
The History of Green Literary Event will be held at the Dahl Art Center on Sunday, January 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with Gerard Baker, Superintendent of Mt. Rushmore Memorial, as featured speaker. Six area authors will sell and autograph their books and visit with members of the audience.
The event is jointly sponsored by the Dahl Art Center, Friends of the Rapid City Parks, and Democracy in Action. The general public is invited. There is no admission fee. Authors are available for book signings beginning with an opening reception at 2:00 pm.
This slide presentation gives a summary of what has happened in Rapid City parks with waterfowl feeding, and what a citizen committee has proposed to do about it.
An ordinance to ban feeding the ducks and geese in Rapid City’s parks will get its first airing Monday night.
The ordinance comes at the recommendation of the Urban Wildlife Committee, a group of wildlife experts and local interested volunteers named to figure out possible solutions to the increasing waterfowl populations on Canyon Lake, Meadowbrook Golf Course and Storybook Island. A ban on feeding the ducks and geese is the first step in other management actions, such as population control measures.
The difference in this version and unsuccessful attempts to take action in the past is that the fine for feeding the birds is lowered to $5 per violation. The council has been deadlocked 5-5 on the issue. Recent revelations on the cost of cleaning up after the birds and the change in the fine may be enough to tip the scales. The ordinance and a presentation on the issue are included as articles.
Friends of Rapid City Parks supports the feeding ban, and is calling on its members to let the council members know.
The Waterfowl Management Plan urges actions in addition to the feeding ban, including interpretive signs, public education and visits to schools are included in the Waterfowl Management Plan. If the feeding ban is adopted, other actions to stabilize the population and deter waterfowl from nesting sites can be taken.
