GRAND RIVER RANGER DISTRICT

District Ranger - Jack Isaacs
PO Box 390
Lemmon, South Dakota  57638
(605) 374-3592

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The Grand River Ranger District Office is located in Lemmon, SD, about 120 miles southwest of the North Dakota capital of Bismarck and about 200 miles northeast of Rapid City, SD. It manages both the Grand River National Grassland (155,000 acres) and the Cedar River National Grasslands (6,717 acres).

The Grand River National Grassland is characterized by rolling hills, river breaks, and some badland type areas, dominated by mixed grass prairie. The north and south forks of the Grand River dissect the land unit, drain into Shadehill Reservoir and then flow easterly to the Missouri River.

A dominant resource is the seasonal grazing forage which is leased to 116 permittees in 61 allotments through the Grand River Cooperative Grazing Association. This association is nationally recognized for it's superior range management and cooperation with the Forest Service.  In 1993, they received the Chief's National Range Management Award.

The area also supports substantial wildlife populations of whitetail and mule deer, antelope, sharptail grouse, giant Canadian geese, coyotes, fox, prairie dogs, various waterfowl, and numerous nongame species.

Dispersed recreation is encouraged on the Grand River National Grassland, and opportunities for camping, photography, and viewing of native vegetation and wildlife are abundant. Big game and upland bird hunting are major fall activities, and the area offers year round opportunities for anglers to practice their sport.

The Grand River National Grassland has a rich cultural heritage.  In the past it served as a hunting ground for the nomadic plains Indian tribes.  Marks left by them, including teepee rings and remnants of campfires, are scattered across the prairie. The early trappers such as Jim Bridger and Hugh Glass, visited this area. General Custer and his troops traveled through the area on their expeditions to the Black Hills. 

The Cedar River National Grassland is situated along the North Dakota/South Dakota border in southwestern North Dakota. The topography varies from level plains to rolling hills which are intersected by occasional intermittent streams and dry draws.

This mixed grassed prairie provides grazing for 12 permittees in 13 allotments, which are permitted through the Cedar River Cooperative Grazing Association. The land ownership is widely scattered and all but 400 acres lay within the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation boundary.

Dispersed camping is welcome on the Cedar River National Grassland: although, there are no developed campgrounds on the unit. The area offers good opportunities for wildlife and wildflower photography, and the study of native vegetation.

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