The South Dakota Stockgrowers have been working to identity the ranch families affected by the Legion Lake Fire. The fire began on December 11th and has since burned more than 50,000 acres. As of today the fire is 100{a169222e5c003bec48f63dd57bc39383f42c8e994ade26e015ce9d78e5f0b614} contained.
So far SD Stockgrowers estimates that 20 families were affected in some way with losses to fencing, pasture and hay. As one might expect many neighbors, friends and strangers are asking how they can help.
Here's what the SD Stockgrowers recommends:
Affected Ranchers:
Custer/Fall River County Farm Service Agency: 605-745-5716
Please report your losses to your county office as soon as you have taken inventory. Several programs will likely be available to assist with fencing and some hay losses.
Meeting for all landowners and operators: Thursday, December 21 @ 2pm – Mueller Center, Hot Springs
Disaster Organizations: Please call SD Stockgrowers Association to let us know what you have lost so we can help direct resources to you. 605-342-0429
Sign up with Farm Rescue: Follow This Link
Supporting Affected Ranchers:
Donate Money:
Legion Lake Fire Fund: All First Interstate Bank Locations
Send Checks to:
First Interstate Bank
c/o Legion Lake Fire Fund
333 W Blvd, Ste 100
Rapid City, SD 57702
ALL proceeds will benefit ranchers affected by the December Legion Lake Fire
Donate Hay:
Contact SD Stockgrowers Assoc to be placed on a list. We'll help coordinate donations to ranchers on a needs basis. 605-342-0429
Farm Rescue:
Donations of Money, Hay and Trucking can also be directed to Farm Rescue. Please go to their website for more information. www.farmrescue.org
Photo Credit: Custer State Park
