Bison, SD

Riparian vegetation, which is highly valued in western South Dakota for its biological diversity and aesthetic qualities, is experiencing a drastic reduction of natural occurring woody vegetation regeneration due to drought and browsing by cattle and deer. That, combined with existing old-aged stands has left many areas with few mature trees; in poor health and with no measurable recruitment.

 The Perkins County Conservation District, Tatanka RC&D, Grand River Ranger District, National Wild Turkey Federation and South Dakota State University are in the planning stages to reestablish cottonwood trees along stream corridors (riparian) on 40 acres of the Grand River National Grassland and 60 to 80 acres on private lands in the Northwest Area. To date, two grants have been written and approved, totaling $91,000. Northwest Area Conservation Districts participating in this project include Perkins, Harding, Dewey, Corson, Ziebach, and Tri-County Districts in South Dakota. In the spring of 2008, county conservation districts will be looking to recruit private landowners to participate in the project. Landowners will be signed up on a first come-first serve basis. Conservation Districts will have final review and approval to make sure only quality riparian sites are accepted into the project. Perkins County Conservation District will be the lead county as they are the sponsor of the Conservation Commission funding request. Each site will be evaluated to designate exactly what type of planting (type of fencing, plant material selection) will work best at each individual site. Cost-share figures regarding landowner participation have not been determined at this time. If you are interested in knowing more about this project or are interested in being placed on a list contact please contact your local Conservation District.

The 2nd of 3 Strategic Planning committee meetings met at the Main Street Bakery on Tuesday, November 13th at 5:00.  We completed our Vision and Mission Statements.  We had a very diverse group working together on our Vision and Mission Statements.  We wrote this to show what we envision Bison to be in 2008.  We also wrote our goals.  All this after a wonderful meal that was, again, provided by Theo Larson.

Mission Statement for Bison

The Horizons Strategic Planning Team is committed to the growth and development of the Bison area.  We will pursue our goals to improve the community and engage community members in a cooperative improvement effort, by linking local assets to the goals of our plan. We will consider the opinions of all community members and respect the views of all people to make the plan a reality.

Vision Statement for BisonThe Bison Community will be vibrant, thriving, progressive, attractive, and inviting.  Revenue generating businesses will provide an environment that maintains and improves the infrastructure and provides a foundation of sustainability for the community.  Programs and activities will be available for people of all ages.  We will provide a safe, beautiful community and support a quality family life which encourages the next generation to raise their families in the Bison area.    

Bison’s Strategic Goals

·        Develop and support community activities.

·        Develop an After School Program Committee to set up program for kids k-6th grade.

·        To provide job opportunities for the Bison Community. 

·        Improve the appearance of Bison.