The American landscape, specifically the beautiful and sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, witnessed a significant development when the federal government announced a 20-year ban on new mining-related activities. This landmark decision centers around 32 square miles of federally owned land, roughly 20 miles from the bustling hub of Rapid City. This protected region importantly includes the cherished Pactola Reservoir and areas that feed into it via Rapid Creek.
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Pactola Reservoir
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South Dakota, known for its majestic landscapes and rich history, is no stranger to gold mining activities. Interest in Black Hills gold dates back to its discovery by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s expedition in 1874, an event that sparked the Great Black Hills Gold Rush. Such a historical backdrop makes this 20-year ban, approved on Thursday, a noteworthy turn in the tale of the Black Hills’ ecological preservation.
The decision received resounding applause from environmental advocates and local communities who have long fought to safeguard South Dakota’s natural resources. Dr. Lilias Jarding, executive director of the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance (BHCWA), celebrated the ban as a victory of community engagement and determination. “It definitely shows that when people get active in their communities, we can influence what happens,” she remarked.
This substantial achievement, which prevents new mineral exploration, particularly opposes a controversial proposal by F3 Gold. The Minneapolis-based company had sought to engage in exploratory drilling near the Jenney Gulch area, perilously close to Pactola Reservoir, a primary recreational spot and vital drinking-water source for Rapid City and the Ellsworth Air Force Base.
F3 Gold’s plans had previously gained provisional approval from local Forest Service officials in 2022. However, that approval faced massive public opposition, including a strong campaign by the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, whose efforts encompassed community education, art activism, and legal interventions. Their advocacy culminated in over 1,900 written comments submitted in favor of the ban.
The broader community’s involvement and advocacy highlight the unique blend of interests that characterize South Dakota, a state that hosts both passionate conservationists and proponents of mining development. The Black Hills hold immense cultural significance for the Great Plains Native American tribes, further intensifying the call for protection.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo and Laguna tribes in New Mexico, emphasized the area’s sacred standing and ecological importance while making the decision. She stated, “I’m proud to take action today to withdraw this area for the next 20 years, to help protect clean drinking water and ensure this special place is protected for future generations.”
This move was not without its critics, however. The South Dakota Mineral Industries Association condemned the decision as federal overreach, disputing claims related to resource significance and environmental impact mitigation. They described the decision as inconsistent with federal mineral policies, arguing the richness of critical minerals in the banned area.
Larry Mann, a retired lobbyist for F3 Gold, voiced a differing opinion, questioning whether the incoming Trump administration could overturn Haaland’s decision. Mann expressed skepticism about the ban’s justified concerns, asserting that exploratory drilling could have been conducted without environmental harm, and any mining development would undergo a rigorous permitting process.
Amid this ongoing debate, the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting South Dakota’s treasured landscapes. The Alliance, founded in 2009, focuses on preventing mining activities that threaten precious water resources in the region. One such example of deliberate action was their triumph in 2020 when Rapid City Council adopted a resolution opposing gold exploration, further solidifying the community’s stance against mining threats.
As South Dakota continues to navigate the balance between preservation and economic development, the story of the Black Hills and their new-found protection under this federal ban underscores a critical era in environmental stewardship.Contact BHCWA for more insights into this landmark victory.
This move aligns with the strategic efforts of conservationists like Carla Marshall and Dr. Lilias Jarding, who lead initiatives to uphold the alliance’s mission. Emphasizing sustainable approaches to development, their work includes art activism, legal challenges, and robust community organizing aimed at preserving this sacred terrain for generations to come.