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Yankton County backs National Park Service buy of James River Island, asks for partnership on rescue costs
Summary
The commission approved a resolution supporting the National Park Service's purchase of James River Island for preservation, while commissioners sought assurances about search-and-rescue responsibilities and potential reimbursement agreements; motion carried with two abstentions.
The Yankton County Commission on Aug. 19 voted to approve a resolution supporting the federal government's planned acquisition of James River Island for preservation and primitive recreation.
David Thompson, acting superintendent of the Missouri National Recreational River for the National Park Service, said the park unit has worked for decades to acquire the island and that the NPS's goal is to preserve it for low-impact uses such as primitive camping, hunting and fishing. Thompson said the NPS will conduct initial inventories and analyses and that staff intend to partner with state and local agencies on safety and operations.
Commissioners asked about local fiscal and operational impacts. One commissioner flagged the potential loss of property tax revenue; an owner who spoke (Merlin Schmuck) said his group’s share of real-estate taxes is about $1,644. Other commissioners raised concerns about increased search-and-rescue calls and volunteer time demands for county emergency responders. Thompson said the NPS is small in staffing but intends to partner with South Dakota Game, Parks and local search-and-rescue teams; he also said the agency could explore agreements to reimburse county costs.
After discussion, the board approved a motion to endorse the federal acquisition; the motion carried with two commissioners recorded as abstaining. Commissioners asked staff to pursue partnership and reimbursement possibilities with the NPS prior to or after closing.
