On Monday, Aug. 1st, in a 7-2 vote the Rapid City City Council voted to pass Resolution No. 2022-069 – RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE’S FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR THE JENNY GULCH GOLD EXPLORATION PROJECT BY F3 GOLD, LLC. 

However, there was a long discussion by council members regarding several disputed items. Four of those items were struck from the resolution before members would vote. Items number 5, 6, 7 & 11 were struck as shown in red in this graphic.

It was great to see that last night’s meeting was standing room only in the council chambers, and several people were invited to use the overflow room.  All in all there were close to 70 concerned citizens at the City Council meeting.  

“We have 23 speaker forms with 20 proponents and about 3 opponents.” Said Mayor Allender.  The council gave each side a total of 20 minutes.  This only allowed for 12 people to give their comments in support of the city council to past the resolution. 

The council members who voted Nay were Roberts & Lehmann. Council member Jesse Ham was absent.

We thank the council members for listening to the public’s concerns, where the majority of the people there are against mining, including exploration.

And a huge thank you to all those took up the Call to Action and submitted their comments and/or attended the council meeting.

Information on the U.S. Forest Service’s FONSI is provided below. The deadline to comment is listed as being Aug. 23, 2022 (assuming it’s Close of Business Mountain time).

Please note: According to the Forest Service’s advertised notice for the FONSI they write “Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunities for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR 218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless the issue is based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities. Per 36 CFR § 218.26 (b), the Reviewing Officer must issue a written response to the objector(s) concerning their objection(s) within 45 days following the end of the objection filing period.” More info and how to file online, in writing, or by fax is Linked Here.

But send in your comments if you haven’t already done so. The Forest Service will at least know there is a public outcry. Comment Form.

Click HERE to review the FONSI document.