South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden appointed two new members to the state’s Game, Fish and Parks Commission on Feb. 25, 2026, selecting Kevin Nyberg of Sioux Falls and Charles “Chuck” Spring of Union Center to help guide wildlife management and outdoor recreation policy. The governor described both appointees as servant leaders and avid outdoorsmen who will bring fresh perspectives to the commission while working to preserve the state’s outdoor resources for future generations.
For private campground owners, RV park operators and glamping resort businesses across South Dakota, GFP Commission appointments carry significant business implications that extend well beyond wildlife policy. Commission decisions on hunting and fishing seasons directly affect occupancy patterns at outdoor hospitality properties, as many guests travel specifically for these activities. Changes to bag limits, license availability or season dates can shift visitor traffic and booking windows throughout the year, making these appointments worthy of close attention from industry professionals.
Kevin Nyberg serves as President and CEO of Nyberg’s ACE Corporation and brings extensive leadership experience to the commission, according to the announcement. He has served on the Augustana University Board of Trustees, the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the South Dakota GFP Foundation. His conservation credentials include membership as a patron of Pheasants Forever and lifetime membership in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Nyberg lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Linda, and has four children and five grandchildren.
“South Dakota offers some of the finest outdoor recreation opportunities in the country. Whether camping, hunting, or fishing, South Dakota’s outdoors have provided numerous memorable experiences with family and friends. Thank you to Governor Rhoden for giving me the opportunity to help guide South Dakota’s outdoor resources for future generations to enjoy,” Nyberg said in a statement upon his appointment.
Nyberg’s involvement with the GFP Foundation and conservation organizations demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship that may influence commission priorities. For outdoor hospitality businesses, this conservation-minded approach could create partnership opportunities for eco-conscious glamping operations and campgrounds that emphasize environmental responsibility in their marketing and operations. Operators who invest in eco-friendly infrastructure, such as solar-powered amenities and water conservation systems, often align well with conservation-minded commission priorities and appeal to environmentally conscious travelers seeking sustainable lodging options.
Chuck Spring returns to the commission after previously serving from 2020 to 2024. The lifelong rancher from near Union Center in western South Dakota brings extensive involvement with GFP’s West River Deer Task Force and the Depredation Committee. Spring operates a family ranch with his wife, Claireen, to whom he has been married for 51 years, and their three sons who help run the operation.
“I would like to thank Governor Larry Rhoden for the opportunity to serve as a GFP Commissioner. Hunting has always been an important part of my life, so one of my goals is to work with the Department to help find solutions to bring back the big game numbers to what they used to be in certain areas of the state,” Spring said upon his appointment.
Spring’s explicit focus on addressing big game population numbers carries practical implications for hunters throughout western South Dakota. Big game population management can affect everything from wildlife viewing opportunities that attract guests to crop and property depredation concerns that property owners must address. Possible changes to hunting regulations in western regions of the state could affect booking patterns at RV parks and campgrounds serving hunters in those areas. Operators should monitor commission meeting schedules and agendas to stay informed about regulatory changes, and building relationships with regional GFP staff can provide valuable guidance on compliance requirements.
These appointments follow the Feb. 6, 2026, South Dakota State Senate confirmation of Dean Kirkeby to the GFP Commission. Kirkeby, a lifelong South Dakotan and 1978 South Dakota State University graduate, replaced Jon Locken, who completed his eight-year term in January. Operating a family farm and serving as a private pilot who utilizes aviation for agricultural surveys, Kirkeby brings more than 20 years of service on the Merton Township board to his new role. His primary stated goal as a commissioner is ensuring the outdoors remain open and accessible to all.
Kirkeby’s emphasis on public access aligns with broader industry trends that benefit private outdoor hospitality businesses. When state officials prioritize public access to outdoor recreation, private campgrounds and RV parks often experience increased traffic as gateway facilities to public lands. Operators can capitalize on this environment by creating informational resources for guests about nearby public lands, including maps, regulations and access points. Partnering with state tourism offices to be listed as recommended lodging near popular outdoor destinations provides another avenue for growth. Properties should consider offering amenities specifically designed for hunters and anglers, such as fish cleaning stations, game processing areas and secure storage for equipment. Installing digital kiosks or providing QR codes linking to state licensing portals allows guests to easily purchase hunting and fishing permits on site.
This focus on accessibility also extends to how campgrounds and RV parks serve all visitors. Modern campground development increasingly incorporates ADA-compliant facilities, universally designed cabins and adaptive recreation equipment to welcome guests of all abilities. These investments often benefit a broader guest demographic while demonstrating community values that resonate with today’s travelers.
The commissioners’ shared emphasis on preserving resources for future generations and youth presents opportunities for family-focused campgrounds to develop programming that connects young visitors with outdoor activities. Properties emphasizing their role as accessible gateways to South Dakota’s outdoor resources may find favorable positioning as the new commission shapes policy. Operators should consider adjusting marketing calendars to align with hunting and fishing season announcements and developing wildlife management plans for properties that border public lands or experience animal-related challenges. Together, the three new commissioners—Nyberg, Spring and Kirkeby—bring diverse backgrounds in business leadership, ranching and agriculture to the GFP Commission as it guides wildlife management and outdoor recreation policy for South Dakota.