CALL TO ACTION!
ANYONE, FROM ANYWHERE, CAN SUBMIT THEIR IN-SUPPORT-OF COMMENT TO HELP PROTECT 20,574 ACRES IN THE BLACK HILLS FROM MINING FOR TWENTY YEARS!
SAY “YES. I SUPPORT THE PACTOLA RESERVOIR – RAPID CREEK WATERSHED WITHDRAWAL.”
Join with us and others for the 2024 Comment Challenge to generate 2,024 In-Support-Of Comments by Oct. 28th.
The main talking points, using your own words, are:
- Clearly state that you support this Withdrawal proposal.
- Speak from your heart and tell them why you support this Withdrawal proposal.
- Ask them to expedite this proposal to the Department of Interior.
(Please Do Not Copy and Paste as those may not be counted)
Add in why you support this Withdrawal that will protect the Pactola Reservoir and upper Rapid Creek Watershed. Speak from your heart and make it personal, such as; I want to keep our water clean. We must protect water for future generations. My family and I love the Black Hills and we want to protect the land and water… You get the idea. But use your own words! Just be sure to clearly state anywhere in your comment that you support the withdrawal. Use those words “I support this…”
Why? On Sept 19, 2024, the US Forest Service issued a draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in support of the proposed Pactola Reservoir – Rapid Creek Watershed mineral claims withdrawal that was proposed in March, 2023. This is the proposed 20,574-acre mineral withdrawal around Pactola Reservoir and along Upper Rapid Creek – the water supply for Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. It was proposed to protect natural and cultural resources in the area – and downstream. So in this case the EA and FONSI is appropriate since the land and water will be safe from any mineral exploration or mining for twenty years. So, Yes… this is a good thing!
Now we must act fast! Submit your in-support-of comment by the extended comment period of Monday, October 28, 2024! Tell your family and friends, co-workers, share on social media and emails.
Many thanks to our partnering organizations such as the Rapid Creek Watershed Action, NDN Collective, Lakota People’s Law Project, Sacred Defense Fund, and all our supporters who have shared this CTA.
What is NEPA? Review our 10 Slide Quick Guide.
ON OUR RADAR – SALITARIO’S PONDEROSA PROJECT
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