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| Two Rivers |
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| RMEF Program |
Land Protection |
| Project Type |
Conservation Easement Held by RMEF |
| Permanently Protected Acres |
11,128.00 |
| Associated Leased Acres |
.00 |
| State |
South Dakota |
| County |
Meade |
| Year Reported |
2007 |
| Location |
Private Land |
| Additional Info |
N/A |
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The confluence of the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne Rivers--which lies about 45-miles northeast of Rapid City, South Dakota--provides unique and critical wildlife habitat in that it harbors long established riverine stands of cottonwood, green ash, elm and willow and associated riparian plants. Drought, age, residential development and flood control have diminished many
similar plant communities across the western Great Plains. Thanks to the generosity of longtime Elk Foundation supporters Jim and Mary Scull, this particular riparian area will remain pristine for generations to come. In 2007, the Sculls donated a conservation easement to the Foundation on their 11,128-acre Two River Ranch. Along with rich riparian habitat, the ranch
harbors rugged badlands of juniper, buffaloberry and sage, as well as flat prairie grasslands. Lying adjacent to more than 3,000-acres of BLM lands, the property offers critical year-round mule deer range, and habitat for whitetailed deer, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, mourning doves and numerous songbirds. Currently, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) does not manage an elk herd in the immediate vicinity of the Two Rivers Ranch, but elk are frequently seen in this area and their presence has been recognized and confirmed by GFP. The Scull Family intends to use the ranch for livestock grazing and haying, as well as for hunting, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The family's commitment to conservation runs deep: it is their third easement with the Foundation (Reno Gulch Conservation Easement, 2004 and Elk Reserve Conservation Easement, 2007). |
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