On Friday the South Dakota Wild Grassland Coalition will host an evening dedicated to remembering outdoor broadcaster, Tony Dean, who actively supported the Coalition's vision of wilderness protection for selected areas on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The event will be held at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the evening program will begin at 7 p.m.

Tony Dean passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 19, 2008, at his home in Pierre.

"Tony's death shocked sportsmen throughout the Northern Great Plains region. We were especially sad to lose him. Tony understood the pressing need to permanently protect the best of our remaining public lands," said Coalition organizer, Cheryl Warren. "We really miss his advice and support."

The evening's speakers are South Dakota Game Commissioner, Jeff Olson, from Rapid City, and Paul Lepisto and John Cooper, both from Pierre. Lepisto, who used to work with Dean, is now the Regional Coordinator for the Izaak Walton League of America. Cooper is the former Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game Fish & Parks and is heading up the campaign to make "Tony's Acres" a reality.

In addition to discussing the merits of wilderness on portions of the National Grassland, the speakers will reminisce about Dean and his influence on sportsmen and wildlife management in the region.