PIERRE, S.D.—Maps of South Dakota’s public lands have gone interactive on the Game, Fish and Parks Department Web site. Users interested in finding public lands for hunting, fishing or outdoor recreation will find a wealth of information at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/PublicLands/PubLand.htm.

“This Web site serves a dual purpose,” according to Chris Marsh, habitat biologist/GIS specialist for GFP. “It works as a tool for the department’s land managers and it also provides valuable information for citizens who are interested in the state’s public lands.”

At the Web site, users can view maps of South Dakota’s public lands, zooming in to the point where an aerial photo is displayed. A variety of tools are available to help visitors use the maps as well as an extensive tutorial on how to use the site.

“Hunters will be particularly interested in the detailed information available about the state’s Game Production Areas,” Marsh said, “A user can select a GPA and learn about the size of the area, the type of wildlife typically found there as well as the habitat in that particular GPA.”

Maps on the site can offer a variety of specific information about the location of highways, roads, railroads, cities, waterways, township and county lines, sections and lakes. The maps also delineate federal and state lands as well as state hunting units and Walk-In Areas.