SOUTH DAKOTA’S CUSTER STATE PARK DECISION
In late 2022, Custer State Park Airport’s asphalt surfaces were determined to require extensive maintenance. RAF South Dakota Liaison Karl Jungclaus reported that the financial burden would have been placed upon the Park. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) determined closing the airport was the best option.
The RAF, South Dakota Pilots Association (SDPA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and other groups and individuals all endeavored to raise public awareness, and provide supportive reasons to preserve the airport.
Leadership from SDGFP was receptive to pilots’ opinions, but continued with their plan to close the existing airport. They considered complex factors including financial, public opinion, natural environment and habitat before making the decision to close the airport.
In June 2024, a video conference was conducted between the RAF and SDGFP leadership. The idea of an alternative site within the park to operate aircraft was determined to be worthy of investigation. Custer State Park staff searched for suitable locations. “Unfortunately, the staff felt that no suitable locations were available due to complicated topography, boulders, prairie dog holes, power lines, bison travel corridors and the obligation for the park to protect its population of endangered Black Footed Ferrets,” Jungclaus reported.
“While this is certainly a disappointment and ends an era of aircraft operations within Custer State Park, a solid and respectful relationship was started between SD Game, Fish and Parks leadership and multiple aviation interest groups including RAF, SDPA, and AOPA; along with multiple like-minded groups and individuals,” Jungclaus said. Not one to be deterred in carrying out the RAF mission, Jungclaus added, “We hope to explore other public land opportunities within South Dakota where recreational aviation could thrive.”
Submitted on November 7, 2024.
Karl, thanks to you and the RAF for your efforts. Very disappointing and short sighted decision by the SoDak GFP. There is clearly more going on here than what meets the eye, but since I have nothing good to say about the decision, best to say nothing at all. I won’t even mention the $13 million the state can afford to spend on a shooting range; nor how much it spent tearing out the perfectly good asphalt runway. Not a word.
No money available to pay for maintaining their asphalt runway? Then plow it up, put it in sod! The price of maintaining (mowing) a nice grass strip would certainly be less and the RAF would certainly be available to assist. Our aviation community would love to have another beautiful grass strip to fly into. Camping??
My thanks to the RAF for always being available to fight the fight to save existing air strips and volunteer to help maintain and improve them.
Sounds like great efforts again by RAF. Not my region, but very few people on earth can bully the government, so sometimes it’s best to play the long game… sounds like the seeds are planted for success down the line.
Sorry to here,
I landed at Custer State Park in a Cub years ago with a group called the 70 knotters. ( airplanes that cruised roughly 70 knots). I believe there was 16-18 airplanes and we all camped at the campground down away across the road towards the summer home of one of our past presidents, maybe Coolage?What a great time we had and most of us were in taildraggers back then. We offered some rides to some of the waitresses that worked in the restaurant by the campground. They loved the rides and seeing the beautiful scenery out in that park. I’ve been there again since that and really enjoyed the strip there. I like the idea of a grass strip there. Ted Davis (Wisconsin)