Black Hills National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Rick Hudson (605) 673-9200, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

FIFTH ANNUAL EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS DAY FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

CUSTER, SD: SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

The Black Hills National Forest and its campground concessionaire, Forest Recreation Management, Inc. (FRM), held its fifth annual Experience the Outdoors (ETO) day at the Horsethief Lake campground on Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

Approximately 230 adults with special needs were the guests of FRM and the Forest Service. This event highlighted the outdoor opportunities that can be found throughout the Black Hills National Forest.

Experience the Outdoors was hosted by the FRM and the Forest Service. Special needs people from several Black Hills communities participated.

Special needs adults and young adults fished, rode wagons, hiked by the lake, face painted, gold panned, and saw a Native American and bird exhibit. Forest service personnel assisted people in wheel chairs, with special mobility equipment and helped everyone have fun.

“This is a special memorable day for both the participants and volunteers,” said Rick Hudson, Recreation/Wilderness & Trails Special Uses Program Manager, Black Hills National Forest.

For more on this event, check out these links:

http://www.newscenter1.tv/stories/2667.aspx - News Center 1

http://www.keloland.com/videoarchive/index.cfm?VideoFile=091609outdoors - Keloland

http://www.kevn.com/Adults-with-disabilities-enjoy-day-in-the-park - KEVN