Custer State Park scenic easements

Custer State Park Vista

Custer State Park is known around the world for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreational assets. Most of what visitors see in the Park is far removed from commercial development. The Park is bounded on the north and west by National Forest land and on the south by Wind Cave National Park. But the Park's scenic roads including the renowned Wildlife Loop Road and the Iron Mountain Road on the eastern boundary of the park abut private land in numberous places. Commercial development anywhere along the Park's eastern boundary would significantly detract from the scenic views found within the Park and negatively affect the wildlife in the park.

Federal funding for conservation easements along the Park's eastern edge is available to cover up to 80% of the cost of easements. Private funds of up to $200,000 must be raised to match the Federal dollars before these easements can be secured. The Nature Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Northern Prairies Land Trust, and South Dakota Conservation Alliance join Custer State Park, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation to endorse the project. The Foundation is the primary fundraiser for the effort to protect the Park's eastern viewshed.

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