New Executive Director for Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Second Century Habitat Fund

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is pleased to announce Lisa Weyer as the new Executive Director of the Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Second Century Habitat Fund.

Weyer joined the GFP team in early November. GFP employs the Executive Director to provide administrative services and oversight of the Foundation. Weyer holds a Business Administration degree from Black Hills State University and has held leadership positions in many governmental and non-profit organizations. Some of her work experience includes serving as the Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Executive Director of the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Director of the Motor Vehicle Division for the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

The Parks and Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)3 corporation, registered in South Dakota. It was incorporated in 1985 for the purpose of working with donors to develop and enhance parks and recreation activities in South Dakota. 

The Foundation is a separate, non-governmental, non-profit organization working in partnership with South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors, comprised of 17 members.

 “The Foundation raises the funding for major projects like the expansion of Palisades State Park, Good Earth State Park enhancements and construction of the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center and the Custer State Park Visitors Center,” said Weyer. “As Executive Director, my role is to fundraise and manage charitable gifts that support outdoor recreational activities in South Dakota.”

 The South Dakota Second Century Habitat Fund, formerly the South Dakota Habitat Conservation Foundation, is a non-profit organization focused on conserving the land, enhancing wildlife populations, and getting the next generation involved in outdoor recreation while increasing support for habitat.

The history of the organization began in December 2013, when Governor Daugaard requested that a habitat summit take place to address public concerns over low numbers of the statewide pheasant population.  

In 2019, Governor Noem took office with habitat conservation as one of her major initiatives. At this time, the South Dakota Habitat Conservation Foundation organization was reorganized and renamed to the South Dakota Second Century Habitat Fund.

“As the Executive Director, I am excited to be part of the mission of the Second Century Habitat Fund – to be advocates of habitat stewardship, collaborate with the community partners and be conservation leaders to benefit all of South Dakota,” said Weyer. “One of our first priorities will be to fill our board vacancies and the Legislative Advisor appointments. Once we have them in place, we will begin developing goals and objectives for 2020. It’s important that we earn the trust of South Dakota citizens and demonstrate good stewardship of the funding we receive and the programs we implement.”

Coming from a farming family, Weyer is invested in South Dakota’s outdoor legacy, both for recreation and as a way of life that drives our state’s economy.

“My family is deeply involved in agriculture,” said Weyer. “I grew up on a farm on the western side of the state, about 13 miles east of Sturgis. The farming culture and way of life serve as the foundation of who I am both personally and professionally. I am looking forward to earning the confidence of my board and peers and preserving our South Dakota habitat for future generations.”

“We are very excited to have Lisa in this role,” said Kevin Robling, Deputy Secretary for GFP. “She will do great things for South Dakota and will play a key role in ensuring outdoor recreational opportunities exist for future generations.”

Learn more online at habitat.sd.gov and parkswildlifefoundation.org. To make a donation to support habitat and outdoor recreational activities, contact Lisa directly at Lisa.Weyer@state.sd.us or 605.773.4503.