South Dakota Division

Defenders of Soil, Air, Woods, Waters and Wildlife


"To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature, and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open spaces; to the preservation of its heritage and to man's sharing in it."

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

                • Kelly J. Kistner

                • South Dakota Division President

                • Fellow South Dakota Ike’s,

                  • I have met many of the South Dakota Ike’s in my role of vice president, now as the SD Division President, I hope to meet even more of the state’s membership. A little background on myself, I retired from the US Army as a Medical Laboratory technician after 20 years of service. Currently I have been working in water, wastewater,

                  • the world’s largest single site gelatin manufacturer. I am married to Patrice (Regional Governor for region III) we have 5 kids and 5 grandchildren.

                  • I have experience and contacts with Environmental Protection Agency, IA Department of Natural Resources, SD Game, Fish & Parks, and the SD Department of Environment and Natural Resources. I also have numerous other contacts throughout the state with various agencies dealing with water, wastewater, and air quality.

                  • Looking forward we have challenges and great opportunities at the state and national levels. The 2015 State convention and the national convention in Pierre, SD will be leading the way and hope to see a great number of representatives throughout the state attending both conventions to support the division officers.

                  • Youth membership and activities will help secure our chapters and divisions future. We not only need the youth involvement, but also their parents getting involved with chapter and division activities. We need to encourage our adult members to get involved with their own chapters and become more engaged with state and national conventions.

                  • I would like to encourage the chapter presidents to help support the state division with donations for the state officers. South Dakota officers have accomplished a lot in the past at the national level and we need to keep up the work that has been done by the previous officers. Since the loss of a large supporting donor to the state division, we need to solicit other chapters to step up and fill the void. Donations for the Missouri River initiative have also been cut and we need to seek sources to keep Paul Lepisto doing the good work that he has accomplished on the Missouri River through the league.

                  • Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you or your chapter may have. I look forward to continuing my work at the local (McCook Lake), State, and National level of the Izaak Walton League of America. And as your new president I encourage you to do the same.

                  • Kelly Kistner - South Dakota IWLA Division President

                  • iwlasdpresident@outlook.com