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The Projects page shows current and proposed projects on the Black Hills National Forest for watershed restoration, habitat improvement, recreation sites, timber sales, roads, and more. Projects on the Black Hills National Forest follow guidelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This was signed into law on January 1, 1970.
Note: Not all projects may appear on map. See list below for complete list of projects with more information or documentation.
SOPA Reports
The Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) contains a list of proposed
actions for Black Hills National Forest that will soon begin or are currently undergoing environmental
analysis and documentation. It provides information so that you can become
aware of and indicate your interest in specific proposals. We encourage your
early and ongoing involvement in any proposals of interest to you.
Annual permit to allow local off-highway vehicle groups to conduct their events during the summer. All events would take place on established motorized trails located on the Northern Hills and Mystic Ranger Districts.
Butte Electric has proposed three utility line reroutes, two of which replace overhead line with underground line and one that replaces underground line with an upgraded underground line.
Replacement of poles and utility lines along two corridors on the Northern Hills Ranger District. The Maitland corridor is located 4 miles south of Spearfish, SD and the Tinton corridor stretches from Savoy, SD to the area west of Iron Creek Lake.
The Alvin Project proposes the removal of poor-formed ponderosa pine stock within the historic 1939 McVey burn area and improving the growth, vigor and health of the pine that survived the fire.
Vegetation treatments to reduce fuel and fire hazards resulting in a more resilient landscape. Treatments will include commercial and noncommercial thinnings, pine encroachment, fuel breaks, and prescribed burning.
Removal of poor-formed ponderosa pine from within the 1939 McVey burn area and planting with seedlings from native Black Hills ponderosa pine. The project also proposes activities that would improve the growth, vigor and health of ponderosa pine.
Aspen Hills Homeowners association has requested a road use permit to allow for re-grading of FSR 661 near the intersection of FSR 134 to reduce grade and mitigate safety hazards under icy conditions.
Removal of waste rock from an existing mine for use in landscaping/decorative stone. Approximately 100-500 tons of material will be removed on an annual basis.
The project proposes to relocate a section of an existing overhead utility line located west of the Mystic Road in rugged terrain, down to the Mystic Road.
Replace existing single phase overhead power line with three phase overhead power line (7.2/14.4kV); replace existing power poles (35' class 5&6) with 35' (class 3&4).
The Bearlodge Snowmobile Association would like to continue to hold their annual Poker Run event. The event occurs on current snowmobile trails within the Bearlodge Ranger District, specifically trails A, B, C, and F.
Addition of non-motorized trails at Big Hill to connect existing loops and to create a new trail segment on easier terrain for novice users. Trails would be groomed for winter use and open for non-motorized use year-round.
Rushmore Reserves, LLC, has acquired a mining claim for a quartz lode mine and has submitted a plan of operations to conduct mining operations on the previously mined claim. No additional area would be disturbed.
Renewal of a five year special use permit to conduct the Black Hills 100 ultramarathon on the Centennial and Deerfield trails. Race distances of 100 miles, 50 miles, 50 km and 30 km are included. The race runs between Sturgis and Silver City.
The Black Hills Electric Cooperative is requesting to replace portions of their single-phase line with three-phase lines. Line reconstruction will include replacement of all poles within the corridor.
Black Hills Energy is proposing to install a new utility line to bring power to the Lot D property. BHE would bury the powerline in the most direct line possible from an existing transformer 1500 ft away.
The Black Hills NF is modifying the Forest Plan monitoring plan to comply with the 2012 planning rule. The approval of the modifications would be administrative changes not subject to further review.
To increase the scope of noxious weed management on the Forest to achieve net reduction and containment of existing weed infestations over the next 10 years while mitigating future infestations predicted from scheduled Forest projects.
The Forest proposes to identify roads and trails which would be open to motorized travel. The decision will lead to the required Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The decision may include game retrieval and dispersed camping, but not over-snow travel.
Black Hills power has requested the installation of a new segment of line along Herbert Draw and the installation of a replacement line along Lower French Creek.
Fuel reduction, timber harvest, thinning, and other activities to increase ecosystem resilience, contribute to economy, and reduce risk of wildfire and insect infestation; Forest Plan amendment.
BHSU currently holds an outfitter and guide permit to conduct field trips on Forest as part of their outdoor education program. The existing permit expires in December and they have requested a renewal for an additional 10 years.
The BHSU ROTC has previously held a permit to conduct cadet training on NFS land near Spearfish, SD. Their previous permit is set to expire and they have requested a new 5 year permit. Field training would occur on NFS during the BHSU academic year.
The purpose and need of this project is to enhance wildlife habitat and improve forest health and stand resiliency to wildfire and disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.
NHRD is considering issuing a twenty-year FLPMA permit for the Breezy Meadows located seventeen miles south of Deadwood, SD off Highway 385. This special use permit will bring the current use and maintenance, including snow removal into compliance.
Buck Wild Climbing has requested an outfitter and guide permit to conduct guided rock climbing on established routes in Spearfish Canyon, south of Spearfish, SD.
Reduce the risk for further mountain pine beetle mortality in the project area. This will be accomplished by reducing the brood population by removing bug infested trees, reducing stand density to protect healthy trees and removing created fuels.
A segment of the motorized portion of the Centennial Trail is steep, rugged and difficult to maintain or navigate. This segment of the trail would be closed and the trail would be rerouted along FSR 144 and Trail 8288.
Commercial and non-commercial harvest of pine to reduce fire hazard in WUI areas, increase forest resilience, create a mosaic of forest conditions, enhance hardwood and meadow areas, and move the project area toward management area objectives.
Renewal of a special use permit for the City of Deadwood to place fire detection devices on NFS land adjacent to the city. The devices themselves maybe replaced, but the wooden posts that they are attached to are already in place.
The City of Sturgis has requested a 5 year special use permit to conduct bicycle and OHV events on NFS lands. These events have been conducted previously under temporary permits. The events would take place on open non-motorized and motorized trails.
Couer Mining Company, operators of the Wharf Mine, need access along FSR 215.1 and an adjacent non-system road to conduct monitoring of the Annie Creek Superfund site, which is required by the EPA. They have requested a 20 year special use permit.
This project is intended to reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle caused mortality in ponderosa pine stands in an area managed primarily for timber production. Commercial and non-commercial thinning as well as prescribed burning are being proposed.
Maintenance activities at the recreation facility to enhance long-term functionality of the Cook Lake dam and increase public safety at the facility and in downstream areas.
Proposal to withdraw about 3968 acres of NFS lands from mineral entry to protect cultural resources of significant interest within and surrounding Craven Canyon. Forest Service would issue a recommendation to BLM, who would take the action.
Proposal to authorize Custer County, and South Dakota State Department of Transportation to cut and deck hazard trees (dead and MPB infested) along specified routes.
The claimant proposes to do surface exploration using hand tools. They also propose to do sampling in the existing 120 ft. deep shaft. Exploration would be done using a winch attached to an ATV to lower a person into the shaft.
The area to be reclaimed is approximately 4.4 acres. The mines open pit will be filled with a mica reclamation product that is produced at Pacer Corp. Once the pit is filled topsoil will be applied and the area will be seeded.
Proposal to sell lands associated with the Deer Valley Administrative Site located adjacent to Custer SD. Four surveyed lots and associated facilities - no longer necessary or economically viable - will be sold through a competitive process by GSA.
The issuance of a 5-year special use permit for a private road to access private property off of Hwy 385. Road is historically established and currently in use.
To provide ponderosa pine regeneration in areas where high fire intensities left vast areas deforested with no available natural seed source for regeneration.
Escape Adventures has requested an outfitter and guide permit to conducted guided bicycle tours on NFS trails, including the Centennial and Deerfield trails. Camping would occur at established NFS campgrounds.
Explore Fitness and Adventures has requested an outfitter and guide permit to lead clients on a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, paddle boarding, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, ATV riding, camping, and backpacking.
This project includes removal of mountain pine beetle infected trees in important northern goshawk nesting habitat, thinning in adjacent stands, and closing unauthorized ATV routes near the raptor nesting site (fewer than 425 acres will be treated).
Removal of trees at imminent risk of becoming infested with pine engraver beetles following the Fish fire of August 2022 and with potential to complicate future fire suppression efforts.
Renewal of a special use permit to conduct the Ft. Meade Remount, a horse riding event primarily held on Bureau of Land Management land, but that uses a portion of the Centennial Trail on NFS land.
To provide ponderosa pine regeneration within portion of the Jasper Fire area that burned in year 2000. The high fire intensity left vast areas deforested, with no available seed source for regeneration.
Beaver dam analogs will be constructed along Gimlet and upper Silver Creek to elevate the water table and help restore riparian ecosystem. Willows will also be harvested to be used in the BDA's as well as planted in banks to encourage willow growth.
Amendment of an existing special use permit issued to the Ridge Riders to allow the group to annually conduct a 100 mile and 70 mile bicycle race on National Forest System lands.
The organizers of the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder bike race have requested a renewal of their 5 year special use permit. The event is held on gravel roads open to the public. The previous permit for this event has expired; no changes are proposed.
Organizers of the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder bike race have requested and amendment to their permit to allow for a 45 mile event in addition to the existing 70, 110, and 210 mile events. All events are held on Forest roads open to motorized travel.
Solitario Resources has proposed exploratory drilling activities at 25 drill sites in the Big Hill and Limestone Plateau areas south of Spearfish, SD. No mining is proposed, only exploratory drilling.
The proposal is to determine the value and extent of the gold bearing gravels on the claim. Test holes (approximately 75) will be dug in a grid pattern, approximately 50-100 ft. apart across the proposed exploration area.
The new line would improve current services to the campground. Their proposed burial will be at a depth of approximately 30 inches for a total of 2.94 miles. There will be a 30 foot wide construction right-of-way with a final easement of 16.5 feet.
Good Hope HOA has requested an easement under ANILCA for access to their parcel of land that is surrounded by NFS land. FSR 706.1 and an existing driveway would be used to access the property.
Project proposes to conduct exploration drilling on unpatented mining claims approx. 8.3 miles southwest of Custer, SD. Exploration will be conducted using a skidloader w/a post hole digger. Exploration holes will be 1-20 ft deep; on 3-5 centers.
Land exchange of 227 acres owned by Homestake Mining Co. for 479 acres of NFS land. Purchase of less than 8 acres of NFS land under the Small Tracts Act. Purchase acres are surrounded by patented mining claims in area of current development
Access to private property via a driveway across NFS land that has been used for decades, but was not included in the Travel Management Plan. The easement would allow for continued access and maintenance activities.
HES 123 is surrounded by NFS land and qualifies for a road easement under ANILCA. Access to the property would be along NFSR 152.1C and overland to the property. The easement would allow for access and maintenance of the road.
Tree planting within fire areas where no natural regeneration exists. Tree species will be ponderosa pine which is native to the area and important for wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and timber production.
High Mountain Outfitters would like to guide clients on fishing trips at several locations on the Black Hills National Forest. They have requested a five year special use permit to guide these trips.
A private landowner has requested access to his property across NFS land. Access would be along two segments of old road template totally 210 feet across NFS land to NFS road 626.1
Construction of 300 feet of non-motorized trail from the Iron Creek Lake parking along the shore to the dam. Two fishing piers would be installed along the trail.
Mr. Jensen owns a parcel of land that is surrounded by BLM land. An existing access road goes to the property and originates on NFS land before entering BLM. Access across NFS land requires the issuance of a road use permit.
Withdrawal of 2,387 acres of Forest Service land from mineral entry to protect cave resources underlying this land. Forest Service would issue recommendation to BLM, who takes the action. FS recommendation is not subject to administrative review.
Project involves mining of feldspar & landscape rock using standard drilling & blasting techniques. The drilling & blasting will be done on previously mined areas with no expansion of the mine footprint. Mining will be conducted 2 to 4 weeks/yr.
Renewal of a special use permit to guide fishing and hunting trips in Hunting Area 3 (Nemo), located roughly from Vanocker Canyon east to the Interstate 90 corridor. The permit would be valid for 10 years. Activities would adhere to SDGFP seasons.
The proposed action consists of exploration and extraction activities to extract placer gold from the POO area within the Lazy Beaver Claim. Mining operations include operation of heavy equipment and a Power Sluice. Reclamation would be ongoing.
A section of the Little Spearfish trail would be rerouted or rehabilitated as necessary following the Limestone Ridge timber sale. Winter logging activities are expected to cause damage to the trail.
Two separate trails in the Little Spearfish Watershed are in need of rehabilitation, maintenance, and alterations. Little Spearfish Trail has a section of flooding that is proposed to be rerouted. The 76 Trail requires updated water bars and signs.
This project proposes the use of vegetation treatments, both commercial and non-commercial, to reduce the intensity, severity and effects of wildland fire while providing a healthy, more resilient and sustainable forest.
Landowners have requested that the road they use to access their private property be authorized as an easement. The road is currently established and in use.
Installation of an underground utility line. Three options for the path of the line are being evaluated, one of which will be selected for implementation.
MS 1270 Tracts 1 and 2 are private property landlocked by National Forest System land. Under ANILCA, the Forest Service is legally require to provide access across National Forest System land. A 20 year permit would be issued to the landowner.
Landowners have requested road and utility access to private property across NFS land. Utility installation would occur within the right of way of existing road 170.7A, which would also be permitted for access to the property.
Landowner of Lot H is unable to secure access to property across adjacent private and has requested access across NFS land, which would require construction of 150 ft. of new road. The subsequent permit would allow for access and maintenance.
Use and maintenance of NFSR 247 is needed for yearlong access to M.S. 1744. The landowners within M.S. 1744 have formed the Hideaway Oasis HOA. The FLPMA Forest Road SUP will be valid for 20 years.
The landowners of MS 2051 have formed a road association and requested access to the property via Forest System Road 633.1. The property is landlocked by National Forest System land and qualifies for reasonable access under ANILCA.
This decision proposes the adaptive reuse of the Meeker Cabin as a recreational rental. The cabin is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Ensuring a rustic camping experience, funding for maintenance, & lower vandalism probability.
Three abandoned mines across the Northern Hills would be closed to mitigate a public safety hazard and to protect bat habitat. In addition, a bat gate would be installed at Horsethief Cave and restoration work would take place to protect bat habitat.
BKNF is considering issuing a 20-year FLPMA Special Use Permit to the residents of Minnesota Mountain HOA to allow for the snow plowing and maintenance of NFSR 204.1, 204.2 and unclassified roads U1200130, U1200194 for access to their property.
Thinning and removal of off-site planted pine trees and planting of local pine in the 1936 Moskee Burn area to improve growing conditions and wildlife habitat.
The Forest is working to manage populations of mountain pine beetle (MPB) and to help protect communities, watersheds, and natural resources from wildfire by treating hazardous fuels. The BKNF is proposing further actions to address the MPB epidemic.
Mystic Hills Campground has requested an outfitter and guide permit to lead guided ATV tours on National Forest System roads and trails. All roads and trails that would be used for tours are open to public use.
Mystic Hills Campground holds an outfitter and guide permit to conduct guided ATV rides. They have requested an amendment to their permit to allow for additional routes. The new routes would follow roads and trails open to motorized travel.
The Black Hills NF, Mystic Ranger District proposes to reauthorize grazing by domestic livestock on the following eight grazing allotments: Bald Horse, Deerfield, Palmer Gulch, Porcupine, Redfern, Rimmer, Slate Pairie, and Tigerville.
Issuance of a special use permit to the South Dakota National Guard for a new five-year term to allow them to continue conducting their annual training exercises on National Forest System lands.
The SD Army National Guard has requested authorization to conduct helicopter training exercises including touch-and-go landings at certain locations on the Black Hills NF.
The National Outdoor Leadership School has requested an outfitter and guide permit to conduct guided rock climbing on established routes in Spearfish Canyon south of Spearfish, SD.
Vegetation and fuel treatments to enhance vegetative and structural diversity; manage fuel loads; and decrease susceptibility of forested stands to mountain pine beetle infestation.
F3 Gold, LLC of Minneapolis, MN USA proposing an exploratory drilling project to be completed within one year and on less than 5 acres of National Forest System land.
This project will treat a total of 582 acres within the Section 2 portion of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve (NWP) using prescribed fire as the management tool.
Vegetation management to reduce the potential for insect infestation and large-scale high intensity wildfire; increase habitat diversity for wildlife, maintain soil and water resources, and manage for access needs. (Bearlodge added June 2008 by BK)
An individual has requested a special use permit to operate Old Coot Bird Tours, which would allow him to charge customers to guide them on birding tours at various locations across the Northern Hills Ranger District.
The purpose and need of this project are to increase the resiliency of the project area to wildfire and forest health threats from insects and disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.
A landowner has requested a long-term road use permit to replace their temporary permit. The permit would allow for maintenance of 1.04 mile of NFSR 535.1 to maintain access to private property.
Vegetation treatments to reduce fuel and fire hazards resulting in a more resilient landscape. Treatments will include commercial and noncommercial thinnings, pine encroachment, fuel breaks, and prescribed burning.
Pete Lien and Sons has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling south of Nemo, SD. Up to 32 holes would be drilled to search for iron-bearing materials. Each hole would be 3 inches in diameter and up to 200 ft. deep.
Mining will consist of trenches approximately 150 ft. long x 50 ft. wide x 10 ft. deep. Gravels from the trenches will e processed through a trommel. Initially 5 yards of ore will be processed per hour. Mining will be conducted 10-12 hours per day.
Qwest Communications is proposing the installation of approximately 58 miles of fiber optic line within existing utility corridors across the northern Black Hills. Both underground and aboveground line would be installed.
Proposed withdrawal of research natural areas and botanical areas from mineral entry. Necessary part of RNA designation process. Forest Service recommendation to BLM, who makes the decision. Project not subject to the objection process.
Dr. Jim Mead is requesting authorization to continue excavations and research in the Rainbow Cave. The research will include excavating and removing material with bone and plant samples from the cave. Excavations will be screen
Repair of the existing dam to maintain important wildlife habitat at Red Bat Pond along with installation of a water line and stock tank for potential future range management use.
Renewal of special use permit for two events, the Dakota 5-0 mountain bike race and the 28 Below fat bike race, managed by Ridge Rider Events. Both events have been conducted under permit previously and are up for renewal of their 5 year permit.
The proposed action consists of exploration and extraction activities to extract placer gold from the POO area within Robey #1 claim. Small machinery and a trommel/sluice would be used to mine placer gravels. Reclamation would occur after operations.
Renewal of a 5 year special use permit for the Rochford Fire Dept. to hold their annual Rochford Days festivities at the Rochford Fire Hall, which is located on NFS land.
Installation of a fire hydrant adjacent to the Rochford Fire Hall, which is located on National Forest System land. Approximately 90 ft. of pipe would also be replaced from the existing cistern to supply the hydrant and fire hall.
The claimant proposes to do exploration work on a 1-acre area. Exploration will be done using a backhoe or skid loader. Grizzly on-site to sort material. Camper on-site to use as office. Reclamation will be done concurrently.
Rolling Bones Outfitters has requested an outfitter and guide permit to guide primarily big game hunts in Hunting Area 5 (Hanna/Long Draw) of the Northern Hills Ranger District. The permit would be valid for 10 years.
The State of South Dakota has applied for a permit to construct, operate and maintain a 14-mile non-motorized trail across the Forest connecting the Mickelson Trail to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. The decision would amend Forest Plan direction.
SDN is proposing to construct a communication facility, including a 120 foot monopole tower, on NFS land near Nemo, SD to provide wireless internet to rural areas. Underground fiber optic would also be installed to connect the tower to their system.
SDN is expanding their fiber optic network to provide high speed internet service to rural areas. Phase II of the project would install fiber optic line and towers along Hwy 385 from Hill City to Lead.
South Dakota Network, is installing a fiber optic network to provide high speed internet to underserved areas of the Black Hills. The network consists of towers connected by underground fiber optic. SDN has proposed installation on NFS lands.
SDN has proposed installation of a communications tower and associated fiber optic cable on NFS near Rochford, SD to provide internet service to under-served areas.
South Dakota Network, is installing a fiber optic network to provide high speed internet to underserved areas of the Black Hills. The network consists of towers connected by underground fiber optic. SDN has proposed installation on NFS lands.
Construction of approximately 600 feet of non-motorized trail across NFS land as part of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks construction of Savoy Trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge to Savoy fishing pond. Trail follows old aqueduct corridor.
A Plan of Operation has been submitted by Pete Lien & Sons, Inc. for the purpose of mining chemical grade limestone within mining claims on approximately 100 acres of NFS lands.
A new trail system has been proposed by Black Hills Trails. The project area is located within the Shanks/Schroeder motorized trail system. The trails will consist of non-motorized (NM), motorcycle, and 62%u201D OHV trails.
Shortcuts to the Good Stuff, LLC has requested an outfitter and guide permit to lead guided OHV rides on roads and trails open to motorized travel on the Black Hills National Forest.
Beaver dam analogs would be installed along Silver Creek and its tributary Green's Gulch to mimic historic beaver dams. The long-term goal is to restore riparian area habitat for native plants and animals.
The Simon Restoration Project proposes to remove poor planted pine stock and additional vegetative management activities that would improve the growth, vigor and health of the residual pine that survived the fire from within the 1939 McVey burn area.
Approximately 0.25 mile of Sleep Hollow Lane across NFS land would be reconstructed to install drainage features including rolling dips, ditches, and lead-off ditches. This would prevent runoff from damaging the adjacent Mickelson Trail.
Vegetation mgmt. to reduce potential for large-scale high-intensity wildfire and insect infestation, increase wildlife habitat diversity, maintain soil and water resources, and manage for access needs.
Treatment of 120 acres of hazardous fuels to reduce wildfire probability. Treatment consists of construction of fuelbreaks averaging 400 feet in width via a mixture of commercial removal of conifers and hand thinning. Fuels will be piled and burned.
The project involves constructing a viewing platform at Bridal Veil Falls, a popular scenic site, to enhance public safety and making improvements at the Long Valley Picnic Ground to enhance recreation opportunities and to address resource concerns.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) is planning on installing debris (trees, boulders) in Spearfish Creek to provide fish structure. They have proposed accessing the creek and hauling materials across National Forest System land.
The South Dakota Dept of Game, Fish and Parks requests authorization to install equipment on Boxelder and Bear Butte Creeks to gather information to guide species conservation. Includes cable above the water and batteries buried near streambank.
A project to treat mixed conifer stands across the Black Hills National Forest System lands with the objective of increasing overall forest resiliency and reducing undesirable fire behavior.
Vegetation management to improve big game winter range habitat and reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and wildfire. Management actions include commercial and non-commercial thinning as well as road construction and maintenance.
Improvements to the Strawberry Lake recreation area to mitigate safety concerns and improve recreation access, including repairs to the existing dam, dredging of the lake, modifications to fishing piers, and reconstruction of the concrete walkway.
Organizers of the Sturgis Bikes, Art and Music (BAM) festival have requested an amendment to their existing permit to add a 100 mile mountain bike race, the Tatanka 100. The race would follow the Centennial Trail from Mt. Rushmore to Sturgis.
Black Hills Trails has requested a renewal of their five-year special use permit to conduct the Sturgis BAM mountain bike races, which include 34 mile and 85 mile races and, potentially, a new 20 mile race.
15 miles of non-motorized trail would be constructed and maintained by the City of Sturgis on NFS land under a special use permit with the Forest Service. The trail would connect to the Centennial trail and existing trails near the Sturgis Reservoirs
The project is designed to create and maintain wildfire resilient stands of timber within the project area. A combination of commercial and non-commercial treatments will be used for vegetation treatments.
The Sundance Chain Gang Mountain Bike Association would like to hold an annual cross-country mountain bike race on existing trails in the Bearlodge Ranger District. The race is a one day event that starts and finishes at Reuter Campground.
The Sundance to Spearfish Marathon is a 26.2 mile road race that starts at Cement Ridge in Wyoming and follows a series of National Forest System roads to the finish in Spearfish, SD. The organizers are requesting a 5 year permit.
A new wildlife guzzler would be installed on Sunrise Mountain adjacent to the city of Deadwood, SD. The guzzle would provide a water source to the bighorn sheep herd in the area, reducing the need for them to cross the highway for water.
The purpose of the project is to address forest health and fuel concerns on NFS lands. Commercial timber harvest is proposed to reduce the density of the stands to increase growth, vigor and the capacity to survive natural disturbances.
Issuance of a 5-year special use permit to conduct a 100 mile bike race on National Forest System lands, including the Centennial and Deerfield Trails and forest roads. The race will generally be held in June and involves about 100 participants.
The purpose and need of this project is to increase the wildfire resilience of the project area using commercial and non-commercial treatments in ponderosa pine stands.
Removal of non-native ponderosa pine trees from within the 1939 McVey fire area & planting native Black Hills ponderosa pine. The project also proposes vegetation management activities that would improve the vigor & health to adjacent stands.
Reroute a 1-mile section of a non-motorized trail so the trail is located outside of a drainage bottom. The trail is eroding in its current location. The new trail will be hand constructed and 24 inches wide. The old trail will be re-vegetated.
The Tinton trail is an existing, single track trail that crosses approximately 46 miles of NFS land. The trail is currently an unofficial trail. The trail would be designated as an official NFS trail and marked as such on the ground and in brochures.
Reroute of approximately 1.5 miles of the non-motorized Tinton trail through Robison Gulch to reduce the number of creek crossings and subsequently reduce impacts to the creek.
The project will mine valuable mineral specimens frrom waste dump. The proposal is to use a backhoe or a small dozer to make shallow excavations in the waste dump. The maximum depth of excavation is 6 ft. The excavations will be 3 to 12 ft wide.
The Tomahawk Lake Country Club holds a special use permit for a golf cart path that crosses National Forest System land. The permit expires in December and they have requested a new permit for a term of 10 years.
Touch the Sky leads youth on rockclimbing trips in Spearfish Canyon. Climbs are conducted at established routes and include approximately 8 youth and 2 instructors/guides per trip.
Resident of private property accessed by an unidentified road have requested a 20-year special use permit for road access. Road is currently established and in use.
Resident of Tract H have requested a 20-year special use permit for the road that accesses the private property. Road is currently established and in use.
Repair of an existing stream crossing to mitigate resource damage and to funnel motorized traffic away from the damaged area onto a more sustainable crossing.
A portion of motorized trail 8216 would be closed and rerouted to move the trail away from East Gimlet Creek and reduce resource damage that is currently occurring.
Pennington County is intending to realign the existing approach of the 8225 Trail and Rochford Road 220 ft to the south. They intend to install a metal culvert for drainage as well as add surfacing gravel to the new approach.
Reroute a 0.4 mile segment of Motorized Trail 8251 to eliminate three low water crossings along West Fork Estes Creek. Rehabilitate the existing segment of trail once the reroute is complete.
Reroute of approximately 2 miles of motorized trail accessing the top of Nemo Mtn. to mitigate erosion concerns and to make the trail easier to navigate.
Construction of a connector trail between existing motorcycle trail 8575 and 8203 to provide access to the Riley Hill trailhead and motorcycle trails on the Mystic Ranger District.
Prospecting in previously mined placer deposits. Most of the mining will be pick and shovel. There will be one piece of mechanized equipment; a battery powered recirculating sluice 4ft. long by 1 ft. wide. Sluice will be set in 100 gal. tank.
The purpose and need of this project are to increase the resiliency and improve forest health within the project area to wildfire and disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.
A private landowner has requested a permit to deck timber harvested off of private land at an existing landing site on NFS land, and to haul timber across off of private land across NFS land and along NFS roads.
Trophy Outfitters has requested an outfitter and guide permit to conduct guided big game hunts in Hunting Area 4(Roubaix) in the south central portion of the Northern Hills Ranger District.
The holder of an existing road use permit has requested an extension of the permit for an additional 20 years and has requested that the permit be placed in the name of a trust.
Project planning and analysis - vegetative management to address insect (MPB) epidemic and fuels hazard concerns, prescribed burning, resource protection & management. NEPA analysis may be under HFRA authority.
Mr. Ventsam would like to use FSR 247.1 as access to his property. Maintenance including graveling, blading, and snowplowing would occur. 300 ft. of powerline would be extended from existing nearby overhead lines.
Vegetation treatments to reduce mountain pine beetle risk in forested stands surrounding the City of Custer, SD. Prescribed burning and fuels treatments are also included to reduce fire hazard.
Renewal of Plan of Operations for the Virginia Mine. The operator proposes to continue the mining of feldspar. The disturbed area is 3.5 acres. As part of the renewal the operator is proposing to expand the operation by an additional 0.25 acres.
The project proposal is for the expansion of the mine by an additional 1.8 acres. In addition, there will be a new access route constructed to the proposed expansion. The access route & mine expansion will be in an area that was previously mined.
WBI Energy has operated a pipeline across NFS land since 1928. The existing permit expires on Dec. 31, 2020. WBI requested a renewal of the permit for an additional 30 years. All terms and conditions remain the same. No additional pipeline proposed.
Regeneration of ponderosa pine in portions of the Jasper Fire area that burned in the year 2000. These areas that had high fire intensities remain deforested with no available seed source for future ponderosa pine regeneration.
Western Dakota Camp Association has requested a special use authorization for the existing building used as their craft hall. This authorization would help get the structure into compliance.
Western Sprint Bicycle would lead mountain bikers on a 5 day tour along the Centennial, Big Hill, Tinton and Crow Peak trails. Riders would camp each night at established trailheads or campgrounds.
Amendment to existing Plan of Operations. Amendment involves constructing an alternate mine access for the purpose of ore loading. Ore loading area and access road will add an additional 0.75 acres of disturbed area to mining operation.
The US Forest Service is preparing an environmental analysis for cave and abandoned mine management options for the bat disease commonly known as white-nose syndrome (WNS).
Thinning of dense pine stands, including some commercial timber harvest, to improve stand growth, reduce crown fire hazard, and improve wildlife habitat.
