Keystone in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Wildlife and Fire
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 7, 2011
1. Wildlife and Fire Marker
Inscription.
Wildlife and Fire. . It would seem that a large forest fire would destroy an area for wildlife. However, the Galena Fire has improved much of the Park's wildlife habitat. The fire created many open meadows where grasses and shrubs are now growing. The mixture of meadow and forest created by a large fire provides better food and cover for animals. Initially, Park managers seeded the severely burned areas with quick growing clover to prevent erosion. Now a wide variety of plants can be found throughout the burned area.
Another positive effect of the fire is the increased water flow in area streams. Because grasses and shrubs use less moisture than trees, more water makes its way into the streams. Park managers are using measuring devices called weirs to gauge stream flow. Trout will be stocked when the water flow can support their needs.
Today, Custer State Park is more like the landscape that Lt. Col.George Custer saw on his expedition to the Black Hills in 1874. Those who settled the Hills suppressed wildfires, and slowly the open meadows Custer's expedition photographed became covered with ponderosa pine. The Galena Fire has returned much of Custer State Park to its presettlement appearance.
It would seem that a large forest fire would destroy an area for wildlife. However, the Galena Fire has improved much of the Park's wildlife habitat. The fire created many open meadows where grasses and shrubs are now growing. The mixture of meadow and forest created by a large fire provides better food and cover for animals. Initially, Park managers seeded the severely burned areas with quick growing clover to prevent erosion. Now a wide variety of plants can be found throughout the burned area.
Another positive effect of the fire is the increased water flow in area streams. Because grasses and shrubs use less moisture than trees, more water makes its way into the streams. Park managers are using measuring devices called weirs to gauge stream flow. Trout will be stocked when the water flow can support their needs.
Today, Custer State Park is more like the landscape that Lt. Col.George Custer saw on his expedition to the Black Hills in 1874. Those who settled the Hills suppressed wildfires, and slowly the open meadows Custer's expedition photographed became covered with ponderosa pine. The Galena Fire has returned much of Custer State Park to its presettlement appearance.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 43°
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47.378′ N, 103° 21.052′ W. Marker is in Keystone, South Dakota, in Pennington County. Marker is on U.S. 16. Marker is in Custer State Park. There is an entry fee. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Keystone SD 57751, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
