One gold exploration project – the F3 Gold Jenny Gulch project — is temporarily stopped in the central Black Hills. We want to keep it stopped for 20 years. Come to the public meeting and support the Forest Service’s proposal to protect an area around Lake Pactola from gold exploration and mining.
From the 4/12/23 new release (see below) they state: Black Hills National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management will host a public meeting to discuss the requested withdrawal on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 2111 North Lacrosse Street, Rapid City, SD. All who are interested in the stewardship of these lands and waters are invited to participate. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management staff will present information about the requested withdrawal and be on-hand to answer questions for the duration of the meeting. Maps and other information will be available for viewing.
This is the rare time when we get to support the government in stopping mining. Don’t miss this opportunity! Be at the public meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 2111 N. LaCrosse St., Rapid City.
Background: On March 21, the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management proposed to do a mineral claims withdrawal on 20,574 acres in the Lake Pactola area. This would mean that companies couldn’t explore for or mine gold in that area under most circumstances. This would protect some of Rapid Creek, cultural resources, and some of the water supply for Rapid City, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and tribal and ranching communities downstream to the Missouri River.
Written comments on the Forest Service proposal are due June 20, 2023.
To file a written comment, go to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=NP-3479.
Or scan the QR code that will take you to the comment form.
Written comments may also be submitted via USPS mail to: Bryan Karchut, Black Hills National Forest, 1019 N. 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730.
Comments sent by email will not be accepted.
This comment period will serve as the scoping period for the environmental analysis process.
See 4/12/23 news release from the Forest Service below.
Black Hills Clean Water Alliance 