FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wed., June 8, 2022
CONTACT: Katlyn Svendsen, Global Media & Public Relations Director, South Dakota Department of Tourism, 605-773-3301
Department of Tourism Partners With More Than Just Parks
on New Badlands National Park Short Film
PIERRE, S.D. – In partnership with the South Dakota Department of Tourism, Badlands National Park will be showcased in a new short film released by More Than Just Parks.
“We are incredibly excited about this short film highlighting Badlands National Park. This park has long captivated visitors with its otherworldly landscape including jagged spires, unique colors, dynamic vistas, and wildlife viewing opportunities,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “Through the power of visual storytelling, this film will bring a glimpse of one of South Dakota’s finest treasures to millions of households and potential visitors.”
This latest installment in the More Than Just Parks award-winning series was done to not only showcase the amazing recreational opportunities that exist in the park, but also to underscore the importance of protecting South Dakota’s wild places. The Badlands National Park film is the first in a three-part summer release schedule of films showcasing icons of South Dakota’s natural beauty.
“The phenomenal footage, including impressive time-lapse segments, allows us to showcase the beautiful public lands that South Dakotans are incredibly proud to have in our state,” said Hagen. “Badlands National Park is 244,000 acres of pure beauty and wonder. Both the north and south units of the park are stunning homes of treasured history and the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. Best of all, both are available for the public to enjoy daily.”
The partnership with More Than Just Parks was established to highlight South Dakota’s public lands and provide visitors with new ways to explore these landscapes responsibly. The goal of the More Than Just Parks films is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands, encourage people to enjoy these resources responsibly and influence the importance of land conservation.
“There are few corners of the world where immense natural beauty combines with a rugged solitude to create something really special,” said Jim Pattiz, co-founder of More Than Just Parks. “Badlands National Park is one of those amazing places, and we couldn’t be more excited to share its splendor with audiences around the globe.”
Later this summer, viewers can expect to see films focused on Wind Cave National Park and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. In 2019, the South Dakota Department of Tourism partnered with More Than Just Parks on a film dedicated to the Black Hills National Forest.
The video can be found online at MoreThanJustParks.com or YouTube.com/SouthDakotaTourism.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
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Media Notes:
About More Than Just Parks
More Than Just Parks is a conservation-minded public lands organization with a mission to share the beauty of America’s public lands and encourage their protection. They do this by producing a series of critically acclaimed short films and forming partnerships with like-minded organizations. Their work has received international praise, being hailed by London’s Telegraph as “The Most Beautiful Videos of America You’ll Watch.”
Link to 2022 Badlands National Park video
Link to 2019 Black Hills National Forest video
