RAPID CITY, S.D. – Belle Fourche Reservoir increased visitors during the 2022 recreation season. Reclamation, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, and volunteers, is proud to manage Belle Fourche’s public federal lands, that belong to the American people, and exist for the benefit of all. Staff members at Belle Fouche are working hard to maintain the areas and make improvements for recreationists to continue to enjoy the resources for many years to come.
With this season’s high use also came high misuse. Several agency employees and volunteers recently spent a day at the reservoir removing old tires, vehicle seats, furniture, and more to properly dispose of it at the Belle Fourche landfill. Reclamation is asking for the public’s help to keep these shared resources clean and in good order so these areas can continue to be used by all visitors.
When using Belle Fourche recreation areas or campgrounds, please put all trash into proper receptacles or pack it out with you when you leave. Reclamation has placed 17 dumpsters located around the reservoir.
If problems persist, Reclamation will consider reducing access to Belle Fourche Reservoir. Please help keep this area safe and clean for all recreationists so we can all continue to enjoy our shared resources and public lands.
The public is the best resource we have when it comes to observing and reporting criminal activities. Please report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Butte County Sheriff’s Department at (605) 892-2737.
There are 289 Reclamation project areas that have developed recreation facilities and opportunities available for public use. Over 100 are managed by a federal recreation partner. Reclamation has approximately 6.5 million acres of land and water, most of which is available for public outdoor recreation. The 187 developed recreation areas managed by Reclamation or a non-Federal recreation partner draw over 24 million visits annually.
For more information on Belle Fourche Reservoir, call Reclamation’s Dakotas Area Office (605) 394-9757. For questions related to Rocky Point Recreation Area call (605) 641-0023.
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