UPDATE: Rapid City Parks crews are continuing cleanup efforts today at Memorial Park Lake following a significant fish die-off. State Game, Fish and Parks crews are also expected to join the effort on Monday to assist with the ongoing situation.
State and local officials have been on-site since midday, assessing the situation and collecting water samples to determine the cause of the fish deaths.
The public is still advised to avoid contact with the water at Memorial Park Lake. Additionally, anyone fishing in the lake is urged to practice catch-and-release, returning any fish caught to the water until test results are available.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the testing and investigation.
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RAPID CITY, S.D. – City officials have closed access to Memorial Lake in Memorial Park following reports of numerous dead fish floating on the water and a foul odor emanating from the pond Saturday morning.
Authorities are on-site monitoring the situation and have advised the public to avoid the water. Investigations are underway, with the City of Rapid City’s water department and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (SDGF&P) collaborating to determine the cause.
SDGF&P officials are expected to conduct cleanup efforts and water testing throughout the day. The public is urged to steer clear of the pond area for safety reasons and to allow crews to work.
Memorial Lake is a popular fishing spot within Memorial Park, a significant green space in the heart of Rapid City, offering recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of the Black Hills region. The city’s primary drinking water sources are not connected to Memorial Lake.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
