Rapid City, SD – Custer State Park was selected for a 2026 Hearts of STIHL grant, a program funded by STIHL Inc. and administered by America’s State Parks Foundation. The grant will support ongoing trail restoration and maintenance following the severe windstorm that struck the park in December 2025.
Recent storm damage and early cleanup efforts
The December windstorm brought down numerous trees across the park, affecting popular visitor sites such as Sylvan Lake and the Wildlife Loop Road. In response, multiple state agencies mobilized quickly. Crews from the South Dakota Department of Corrections’ Rapid City Minimum Center began removing fallen trees on Dec. 20, 2025, with an additional corrections crew joining on Dec. 22. South Dakota Department of Transportation personnel also assisted with the recovery effort.
Park officials reported that by May 1, all trails were reopened and cleared of storm damage, allowing the Summer Trail Challenge to commence, including the well‑known Sunday Gulch Trail.
Hearts of STIHL grant details
The Hearts of STIHL program provides a total of $80,000 each year for awards to one state park in each of six national regions. While the exact amount awarded to Custer State Park was not disclosed, the grant is intended to help crews continue restoring trails and maintaining the areas most frequented by visitors.
According to the program’s 2026 information, grants support projects that involve recovery, conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. The award to Custer State Park aligns with these goals, ensuring that the park can preserve its natural beauty and provide safe, well‑maintained trails for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Impact on visitors and the community
Trail restoration is a critical component of the park’s mission to offer recreational opportunities that strengthen families and communities. By improving trail conditions, the park enhances access for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife observers, reinforcing the traditional family values of outdoor stewardship and appreciation for God‑created nature.
Local residents and visitors can expect continued improvements to trail signage, surface stability, and safety measures as the grant‑funded work progresses. The park’s management emphasized that while the grant supports additional restoration, there are no new trail closures announced at this time.
Looking ahead
Park officials plan to prioritize sections most impacted by the storm, focusing on high‑traffic areas and routes that provide scenic views of the Black Hills. The collaboration between state correctional staff, transportation crews, and park personnel demonstrates a community‑wide commitment to preserving South Dakota’s natural heritage.
As the grant work moves forward, Custer State Park will continue to communicate updates to the public, ensuring that families can enjoy safe and beautiful outdoor experiences throughout the year.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
