The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is comprised of 10 units with a combined area of over 550,000 acres, making it the largest managed prairie in the National Grasslands. It is located in southwestern South Dakota, in Harding, Perkins, and Meade counties. The grassland is a mixed-grass prairie, dominated by little bluestem, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, buffalograss, and various forbs. The grassland lies in the Missouri Plateau. Elevations range from 2,480 feet in the northeast to 3,045 feet in the southwest. The average elevation is 2,700 feet. The area gets its name from a small gap near Buffalo Creek. The gap is about 20 miles long and from 1 to 4 miles wide. The valley is an erosional remnant that extends from the northeast to the southwest. The northern and western edges of the valley rise steeply from over 1,000 feet below the general level of the surrounding prairie. The southern and eastern edges of the valley are less rugged. Numerous breaks and canyons extend southward from the main valley. The valley, formed through the erosion of soft sandstone, is a unique prairie landscape formed by the badlands. The area was settled in the 1870s and 1880s by cattlemen and homesteaders. The land was originally used for ranching and farming. Overgrazing and droughts, however, began to damage the land, and much of it was turned into dust, causing the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. In response, the federal government began acquiring the land and managing it as a multiple-use area. The grassland is now managed by the United States Forest Service.
Wildlife:
Buffalo Gap National Grassland supports a diversity of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, prairie dogs, badgers, and rattlesnakes. It provides winter habitat for several important migratory bird species, including the golden eagle, bald eagle, ferruginous hawk, and many others. Numerous threatened or endangered species also can be found on or near the grassland. Among these are the black-footed ferret, mountain plover, swift fox, American burying beetle, and the western prairie fringed orchid.
Recreation:
The Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round. Hunting, fishing, hiking, photography, mountain biking, horse-back riding, target-shooting and off-road vehicle riding in designated areas are just some of the activities enjoyed on the grassland. Many of the units are located within the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park which enhances outdoor recreation opportunities even more.
Cultural Resources:
The Buffalo Gap National Grassland contains a rich cultural history. The area is home to several historic ranches, homesteads, and Native American sites dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the most famous of which is Deadwood Gulch, a once-bustling gold mining camp. Evidence of human activity in the area dating back 13,000 years has been discovered. There are hundreds of recorded prehistoric and historic sites within its borders. These include prehistoric campsites and hunting camps, quarries and rock art panels, military sites from the Indian Wars, cattle trails and homesteads, and more.
Conclusion:
The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is a beautiful and diverse landscape with a rich history. It offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and is an important habitat for wildlife. The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources and preserving our cultural history.
