The state of South Dakota -- closed to the public since 1931 -- will be reopened to help the United States cope with its steadily rising population.

"In order to deal with a growing population that just passed 300 million, the U.S. will reopen the immense, barren region known as South Dakota for the first time since it was shuttered in 1931."

"'Though no human being has stepped foot on that desolate soil for the better part of a century, we believe it is the best option for addressing the overcrowding we see in the country's habitable states,' Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne said." As reported in THE ONION, 12/1/2006

Since that newspaper just arrived here we are holding a FLY IN to celebrate. For anyone willing to get lost on the South Dakota prairie for a day come to the Wik Ranch Fly in. It will be sponsored by the South Dakota Pilots Assoc. on September 18. It is near Norbeck, South Dakota east of Faulkton. It is a grass strip fly in at the family farm's upright wooden grain elevator which has been converted to a multi level home. It is quite unique. Grass strip is maintained on the farm and the home is open to tours during the fly in. This is my last chance fly in before the fall harvest begins when I will disappear from the face of the earth for nearly six weeks, except for occasional sightings at the parts counter.
Pictures here, posted by the Fergus Falls EAA Chapter.
http://www.eaa1174.com/wik_ranch/wik_ranch1.htm