Dear Editor,

I would like to clarify a representation by your CEO Jarid Manos in the InterActivist Q & A session of 16 July 2007 with respect to the South Unit of Badlands National Park. The comment made by Mr. Manos, that the South Unit "is about to be transferred back to the tribe" is incorrect. Badlands National Park, in cooperation with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, has begun work on a general management plan (GMP) for the South Unit, which lies entirely within the Pine Ridge reservation, in order to establish a management structure for the South Unit that is supported by both the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the National Park Service.

At this point, the GMP team has discussed several preliminary management alternatives. Eventually, these preliminary alternatives will be described in a newsletter available for public review later this year. At that time, comments from the public will be requested, and public meetings will be held in various locations around South Dakota. It is important your readers understand that the list of preliminary alternatives is still being discussed and refined by the GMP team. It is equally important to understand that the alternatives are preliminary, and may change significantly based on comments the GMP team receives from the public.

Paige Baker, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Badlands National Park