Black Hills National Forest — Project Detail

46 projects with crawled detail · milestones · contacts · documents

Black Hills National Forest

R02 Rocky Mountain · 46 projects · crawled 2026-06-17
In Progress 1 Developing Proposal 7 Completed 38
Decision Memo 26 Environmental Assessment 11 Categorical Exclusion 8 Environmental Impact Statement 1
42 with documents 22 with comments page
Roby Forest Management Project Developing Proposal
Environmental Assessment · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 6/17/2026 · decision 6/2027 (Estimated)
West of Custer, South Dakota, along the Wyoming state line. · Custer; Pennington, South Dakota

Timber harvest, fuel reduction, prescribed fire, road improvements, meadow restoration, and riparian restoration activities.

Forest productsFuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)Watershed management
NEPA Start Date
6/16/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Todd Butler · todd.butler@usda.gov
Frass Forest Health EA Developing Proposal
Environmental Assessment · Black Hills National Forest · updated 6/12/2026
NFS lands northeast of Pringle, SD, and east of Highway 385. Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park are located around 1.5 miles east of the project. · Custer, South Dakota

Project to primarily salvage harvest beetle infected and/or killed trees to reduce the extent of a rapidly spreading bark beetle infestation and recover value of beetle-hit trees; increase forest health resiliency and reduce risk of wildfire.

Forest productsFuels management
NEPA Start Date
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Categorical Exclusion · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 6/12/2026
Approximately two miles southwest of Custer, SD · Custer, South Dakota

Reroute NFS Road 653.1C to accommodate expansion of Custer County Airport, SD. To view documents related to this proposal, please copy and paste this link into your internet browser: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/igz27xmhnsexb2euwc5bci4ymo50vdz9

Road management
NEPA Start Date
7/7/2025
Finding/Decision Date
1/14/2026
Meagan Buehler · meagan.buehler@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-46d-USFS
Decision Signed Date1/14/2026
Categorical Exclusion · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 6/12/2026
Palmer Creek Road, approximately 3.2 miles southeast of Hill City, SD. · Pennington, South Dakota

Road work activities for maintenance and safety that include removal of trees within 5 ft of the Pennington County's right of way along Palmer Creek Road; decommissioning approximately 760' of the westernmost part of the road the southern wye segment; proposed chip sealing; and culvert replacement.

Road management
NEPA Start Date
12/10/2025
Finding/Decision Date
3/2/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-42d-USFS; USDA-45d-USFS
Decision Signed Date3/2/2026
Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project Developing Proposal
Environmental Impact Statement · Bearlodge Ranger District · updated 6/2/2026
Mine location: Section 17, T. 52 N., R. 63 W. Access Route on NFS land: Portions of the following Sections 17, 18 and 19, T. 52 N., R. 63 W., Sec. 9, T. 51 N., R. 63 W. · Crook, Wyoming

Rare Element Resources Inc. has submitted a Mine Plan of Operations to the Black Hills National Forest. The project proposes to develop an open-pit mine with associated infrastructure and support facilities. The project also includes reclamation, monitoring, mitigation, and closing.

Minerals and geology
NEPA Start Date
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Wendy Schuyler, Project Manager · wendy.schuyler@usda.gov
Categorical Exclusion · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 5/28/2026
NFS lands in Custer County, approximately three miles west of Custer, SD. · Custer, South Dakota

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.

NEPA Start Date
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Jonathan Manning · HellCanyonComments@usda.gov
Benchmark Vegetation Management Developing Proposal
Environmental Assessment · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 5/27/2026 · decision 1/2027 (Estimated)
The project area is located south of Lead-Deadwood, SD, and is bounded by Vanocker Canyon Highway (Forest Highway 26), Benchmark Road (National Forest System Road 198), Custer Crossing Road (National Forest System Road 256), and Rochford Road (County Highway 17). · Lawrence; Meade, South Dakota

This project would provide commercial timber products to local industry and would reduce fire hazard and the risk of insect infestation in the wildland urban interface. Non-commercial harvest to reduce fuels and maintain hardwood and meadows would also occur.

Forest productsFuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
1/23/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Chris Stores · chris.stores@usda.gov
October Jinx Project Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 5/27/2026
NFS lands approximately 7.5 miles north of Edgemont in Fall River County, SD. · Fall River, South Dakota

Authorization to Clean Nuclear Energy Corps for short term (1 year or less) exploratory drilling in search of uranium mineralization and aquifer testing on NFS lands located approximately 7.5 miles north of Edgemont, SD.

Minerals and geology
NEPA Start Date
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Jonathan Manning · HellCanyonComments@usda.gov
Grizzly Prescribed Burn Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 5/13/2026
Adjoins southeastern boundary of Mount Rushmore National Memorial · Pennington, South Dakota

Collaborative prescribed burn with Mount Rushmore to promote forest health and improve wildfire resilience. Additionally, protect recreational residences through thinning activities.

Fuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Chris Bennett · chris.bennett@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionPub. L. 117-58, Sec. 40806
Harlan Ridge Trail Completed
Categorical Exclusion · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 4/22/2026
3 miles North of Hwy 85 adjacent on Tinton Rd. · Lawrence, South Dakota

The recreation staff on the Northern Hills Ranger District are proposing to officially designate the user‑created Harlan Ridge Trail and adopt it into the nonmotorized trail system.

Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
9/1/2025
Finding/Decision Date
3/4/2026
Jeff Burdine · Jeff.Burdine@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-26d-USFS
Decision Signed Date3/4/2026
Categorical Exclusion · Mystic Ranger District · updated 3/25/2026
SE of Mystic Ranger District · Pennington, South Dakota

The Forest Service is proposes to issue a special use permit to construct and use a short, single land access road across National Forest System lands, providing reasonable access to a landlocked private parcel from an existing Forest road.

Special use management
NEPA Start Date
1/13/2026
Finding/Decision Date
3/25/2026
James Gubbels · james.r.gubbels@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-28d-USFS
Decision Signed Date3/25/2026
Decision Memo · Mystic Ranger District · updated 2/27/2026
Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project area lies approximately 3 miles southwest of Rochford, South Dakota. · Pennington, South Dakota

Pete Lien and Sons has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling southwest of Rochford, SD. Up to 18 holes would be drilled in search of graphite materials. Each hole would be 3 inches in diameter and up to 1,000ft. deep.

Minerals and geology
Scoping Start
04/09/2025
Comment Period
04/09/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
James Gubbels · james.r.gubbels@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityMinerals Or Geology Plans Of Operations
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsMystic Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionSections 3, 4, 5, T. 01 N., R. 03 E. and Section 25 T. 02 N., R. 02 E, and Sections 30, 32, 33 T. 02N., R 03E
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 2/26/2026
East of Spearfish Canyon and US Highway 385 and west of Hanna Road (County Road 196. Primary access is via Long Draw Rd (NFSR 209). · Lawrence, South Dakota

Solitario Resources has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling at up to 49 sites in the Long Draw and Limestone Plateau areas, approximately 13 mile south of Spearfish, SD. No mining would occur under this proposal.

Minerals and geology
Scoping Start
06/20/2025
Comment Period
06/20/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Chris Stores · Chris.Stores@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUsgs 9.5(G)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityMinerals Or Geology Plans Of Operations
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Categorical Exclusion · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 2/18/2026
T4N R2E Section 2 NFSR 629.1 (Closed Rd) located off Deep Snow trail by Terry Peak · Lawrence, South Dakota

Owners of MS1977 have been utilizing NFSR 629.1 for access to their parcel. Since Travel Management, the road has been closed. A FLPMA SUP will bring the landowners into compliance with current Forest Service regulations. This permit will be issued for 20 years.

Road managementSpecial use management
NEPA Start Date
7/15/2025
Finding/Decision Date
2/11/2026
Valerie Jagim · Valerie.Jagim@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-28d-USFS
Decision Signed Date2/11/2026
Environmental Assessment · Mystic Ranger District · updated 1/20/2026
The Sawbuck Forest Management Project area lies approximately 13 miles west of Hill City, South Dakota. · Lawrence; Pennington, South Dakota

We are proposing conifer thinning, timber stand improvement, prescribed fire, planting efforts, as well as enhancements to watersheds, riparian areas, and wildlife habitats.

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsForest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementWatershed management
Scoping Start
01/21/2025
Comment Period
09/17/2025
Decision
01/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
01/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Thawney Stottler · thawney.stottler@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Watershed Improvements
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsMystic Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 12/3/2025
Snowmobile Trail 5 proposed reroute is located just east of Rochford Road and south of Brownsville Rd approximately 7 miles south of Lead. Trail 5A is east of Clayton Draw, 10 miles south of Lead. · Lawrence, South Dakota

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks has proposed to reroute Snowmobile Trail 5 and Snowmobile Trail 5A further to the west due to safety concerns raised from the public.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
06/10/2025
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jeffrey Burdine · Jeffrey.Burdine@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT04N, R03E, Sections 19, 30; T03N, R02E, Sections 20, 21, 29
Decision Memo · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 10/24/2025
Three different units on NFS Lands ranging 4-8 miles from Custer, SD. · Custer, South Dakota

Project to reduce hazardous fuels, primarily along public roads and/or adjacent to private lands, in Custer County, SD.

Fuels management
Scoping Start
02/03/2025
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Todd Hoover · todd.hoover@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.3(11)
Special Authority2021 Infrastructure: Fuel Break Ce
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT3SR5ESec16; T3SR3ESec4,16,21; T4SR5ESec8-9,17-18,31-32; T5SR5ESec 6
Decision Memo · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 9/24/2025
Approximately 0.25 miles from Palmer Creek Trailhead in Pennington County, SD. · Pennington, South Dakota

Installation of a new bridge to replace a prior bridge destroyed in the 2022 Palmer Gulch Fire.

Recreation managementWatershed management
Scoping Start
05/12/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Daniel Austin · Daniel.Austin@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management; Watershed Improvements
Palmer Creek Trailhead Bridge Replacement FANEC(d)Decision Signed Date: 09/24/2025
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionBHM, T2S R5E Sec 8
Environmental Assessment · Bearlodge Ranger District · updated 9/3/2025
Eight miles northwest of Sundance, WY · Crook, Wyoming

Thinning, prescribed fire, watershed improvements, oak management, and wildlife habitat improvement

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsForest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementWatershed management
Scoping Start
12/14/2024
Comment Period
12/14/2024
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Ryan Tallmadge · ryan.tallmadge@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Road Maintenance; Timber Sales (Salvage); Timber Sales (Green); Watershed Improvements
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsBearlodge Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Mystic Ranger District · updated 8/27/2025
The Triple Seven Vegetative Management Project area lies approximately 3 miles west of Blackhawk, South Dakota. · Pennington, South Dakota

The purpose and need of this project is to improve forest health and increase resiliency within the project area to wildfire and insect and disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.

Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
05/21/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Thawney Stottler · thawney.stottler@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.3 (9)
Special AuthorityHfra Title Vi: Wildfire Resilience Ce
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Special Products Sales; Noxious Weed Treatments; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsMystic Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionThe legal description of the project area is T3N, R6E; sections 25-27, 34, 35; T2N, R6E, sections 1-3, 10-12, 13, 14, 22, and 24.
Environmental Assessment · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 8/13/2025
Approximately 13 miles south of Spearfish, SD. Project area is bounded by Tinton Road, Wagon Canyon Road, the Wyoming border, and US Highway 85. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Forest management to encourage ecological diversity and increasing vigor of ponderosa pine, aspen, and meadows.

Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
03/04/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Chris Stores · Chris.Stores@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Rangeland Vegetation Improvements; Timber Sales (Salvage); Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Bearlodge Ranger District · updated 8/12/2025
10 miles northwest of Sundance, WY · Crook, Wyoming

Thinning and timber harvest to reduce hazardous fuels on isolated National Forest parcels.

Forest productsFuels management
Scoping Start
05/23/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Patrick Champa · pchampa@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.3 (9)
Special AuthorityHfra Title Vi: Wildfire Resilience Ce
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsBearlodge Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT52/53N, R64/65W, 6th PM
Decision Memo · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 8/6/2025
Motorized annual recreation event on NFS open roads and trails, primarily on Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest, SD. · Custer; Pennington, South Dakota

5-year recreational event special use permit from 2025-2029 on Hell Canyon and Mystic Ranger Districts, Black Hills National Forest

Special use management
Scoping Start
02/03/2025
Decision
05/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Daniel Austin · Daniel.Austin@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT2NR3E;T1NR5E;T1NR4E;T1NR3E;T1NR2E;T1SR5E;T1SR4E;T1SR3E;T1SR2E;T2SR4E;T2SR3E;T2SR2E;T2SR1E;T3SR5E;T3SR4E;T3SR3E;T3SR2E;T4SR5E;T4SR4E;T4SR3E;T4SR2E;T5SR5E;T5SR4E;T5SR3E;T5SR2E
Environmental Assessment · Bearlodge Ranger District · updated 6/27/2025
Six to ten miles south of Beulah, Wyoming · Crook, Wyoming

Thinning, prescribed fire, and oak management

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsForest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
03/28/2024
Comment Period
01/21/2025
Objection Period Start
03/15/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Elizabeth Krueger · elizabeth.krueger@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Road Maintenance; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsBearlodge Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 6/20/2025
Near Sunday Gulch stream: project is located on the south side of Highway 87, approximately 1/4 mile south of the junction of Highway 87 and Palmer Ck Road. · Pennington, South Dakota

Special use authorization to include this Hell Canyon Ranger District location in the operation and maintenance for an early warning, flash flood streamgage for Pennington County Emergency Management in Pennington County, SD

Special use management
Scoping Start
06/09/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Dona Warwick · dona.warwick@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Sunday Gulch USGS StreamgageDecision Signed Date: 06/18/2025
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT2S R4E Sec 13
Decision Memo · Mystic Ranger District · updated 6/11/2025
The Ridgeback Vegetative Management Project area lies approximately 3 miles east of Keystone, South Dakota. · Pennington, South Dakota

The purpose and need of this project is to improve forest health and increase resiliency within the project area to wildfire and insect disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.

Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
10/23/2024
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Thawney Stottler · thawney.stottler@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.3 (9)
Special AuthorityHfra Title Vi: Wildfire Resilience Ce
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Special Products Sales; Noxious Weed Treatments; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsMystic Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT1S, R6E; sections 23-28, 31-36; T2S, R6E, sections 1-5, 10-15, 22-27, 36; T1S R7E, sections 17-20, 30, 31; T2S, R7E, sections 6, 7, 19, 30.
Environmental Assessment · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 4/23/2025
Approximately 2 miles west of Piedmont, SD, and 6 miles south of Sturgis, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

The purpose of the Zeppelin Project is to increase the resiliency of forest landscapes to mountain pine beetle outbreaks and the potential for high severity wildfires by implementing vegetation treatments that would thin dense pine stands.

Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Scoping Start
04/12/2023
Comment Period
05/09/2024
04/23/2025
Decision
04/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Chris Stores · chris.stores@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special Authority2021 Infrastructure: Emergency Actions
Notice and Comment Regulation2021 Infrastructure: Emergency Actions
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · R2 - Rocky Mt. Region All Units · updated 12/27/2024
Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek Watershed · Pennington, South Dakota

The USFS requested 20,574 acres of NFS lands be withdrawn (closed) to all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the mining laws, mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and public land laws, subject to valid existing rights

Land management planningMinerals and geology
Scoping Start
03/21/2023
Comment Period
09/20/2024
Decision
12/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2024 (Estimated)
Project documents
Elysia Retzlaff · elysia.retzlaff@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Area Management
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsMystic Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · Bearlodge Ranger District · updated 12/5/2024
Across Bearlodge Ranger District · Crook, Wyoming

Prescribed broadcast burning of south-facing slopes in winter.

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementClimate change adaptation
Scoping Start
04/25/2024
Comment Period
04/25/2024
Objection Period Start
08/24/2024
Decision
12/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2024 (Estimated)
Project documents
Elizabeth Krueger · elizabeth.krueger@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Species Habitat Improvements
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsBearlodge Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 7/2/2024
Township 3 N, Range 2E, 9 Miles Southwest of Lead · Lawrence, South Dakota

The Black Hills National Forest is considering authorizing a 20 year FLPMA Special Use Permit for Lead-Deadwood Sanitation District to access proposed roads that lead to the LDSD Pipeline system.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/02/2024
Decision
07/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2024 (Estimated)
Project documents
Valerie Jagim · valerie.jagim@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 2/23/2023
Southern Black Hills - · Custer; Fall River, South Dakota

The project is proposing to modify the original decision pertaining to the waterflow intake and water source as documented in the Decision Notice signed in 2012. The proposed action would allow for increased waterflow through the existing pipeline.

Special use management
Scoping Start
09/01/2021
Comment Period
10/07/2021
Objection Period Start
12/17/2022
Decision
02/2023 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2023 (Estimated)
Project documents
Wendy Schuyler · wendy.schuyler@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT6S, R4E, Sec 24; T6S, R5E, Sec 19, 20, 29
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 11/20/2018
Several trails and roads across the Northern Hills Ranger District. · Lawrence; Meade, South Dakota

Over the snow grooming of fat bike trails across the Northern Hills Ranger District for use during the 2018/2019 winter season (December 15 through March 31, depending on snow conditions).

Special use managementRecreation management
Scoping Start
10/18/2018
Decision
11/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2018 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations; Trail Management
Decision Decided Date11/20/2018
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 8/8/2018
Open forest roads on the Bearlodge, Northern Hills, and Mystic Ranger Districts in South Dakota and Wyoming. · Lawrence; Pennington; Weston, South Dakota; Wyoming

The Days of 76 Wagon Train occurs every other year. The wagon train follows Forest roads that are open to the public. This year's route begins in Wyoming and travels east and north to Deadwood. Overnight camp sites are located on private land.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
07/16/2018
Decision
08/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2018 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date08/08/2018
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Hell Canyon Ranger District · updated 7/27/2018
Off of Highway 16 · Custer, South Dakota

Reissuance of a sign permit for the Custer County Conservation District.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/27/2018
Decision
07/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2018 (Estimated)
Project documents
Karina Hawley · khawley@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (10)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date07/27/2018
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsHell Canyon Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 5/23/2018
Established climbing routes in Spearfish Canyon near Savoy, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

The BHSU rock climbing club (CRUX) has requested a one year temporary permit to conduct a rock climbing competition in Spearfish Canyon on established climbing routes near Savoy, SD.

Special use managementRecreation management
Scoping Start
04/06/2018
Decision
05/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2018 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date05/23/2018
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 1/5/2018
Several non-motorized trails across the NHRD. · Lawrence; Meade, South Dakota

Several existing trails across the NHRD have been proposed for winter use by fat bike riders. These trails would be groomed for fat bike use from December 1 through March 31, as snow conditions allow.

Recreation managementSpecial use management
Scoping Start
10/23/2017
Decision
01/2018 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2017 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations; Trail Management
Decision Decided Date01/05/2018
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 10/24/2017
One location along Snowmobile Trail 1 and two locations along Snowmobile Trail 7. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Reroute/maintenance of three snowmobile trails to address safety and resource concerns.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
06/16/2017
Decision
10/2017 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2017 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
Decision Decided Date10/24/2017
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 5/19/2017
From Cement Ridge lookout approximately 15 miles SE of Sundance, WY along NFS roads 850.1, 804, 105, 134, and 222 to US Hwy 14A to Spearfish, SD. · Lawrence; Crook, South Dakota; Wyoming

The proponent has requested a one-year special use permit to conduct a marathon that would begin at Cement Ridge in WY and follow National Forest System roads and US Hwy 14 to the finish in Spearfish, SD.

Recreation managementSpecial use management
Scoping Start
04/12/2017
Decision
05/2017 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2017 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date05/19/2017
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 4/13/2017
Centennial trail, beginning in Wind Cave National Park and ending at Bear Butte State Park. · Custer; Lawrence; Pennington, South Dakota

Step Outdoors has requested a special use permit to guide up to 5 hikers on a hike of the entire length of the Centennial Trail, excluding the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness. The hike would occur in early June.

Recreation managementSpecial use management
Scoping Start
03/13/2017
Decision
04/2017 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2017 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date04/13/2017
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 8/31/2016
Trail 1 near Iron Creek Lake, Trail 2A near O'Neil Pass and Trail 7 near Brownsville. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Reroutes of snowmobile trails 1, 2A and 7 to alleviate safety concerns and to mitigate impacts to some trails from planned logging activities.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
08/03/2016
Decision
08/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
Decision Decided Date08/31/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 8/4/2016
Little Spearfish and Old Baldy trails, located approximately 13 miles south of Spearfish, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Maintenance of the Little Spearfish and Old Baldy trails, including installation of lead-off ditches to divert water from the trails and repair of the section of Little Spearfish trail through Ranger Draw, which was used for a recent timber sale.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
03/15/2016
Decision
08/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Paul Bosworth · pbosworth@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
Decision Decided Date08/04/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 7/13/2016
Various trails and roads on the Black Hills NF Motorized Vehicle Use Map located across the Northern Hills and Mystic Ranger Districts. · Lawrence; Meade; Pennington, South Dakota

Off Road Riders has requested special use permits for a series of ATV events to be held on authorized motorized trails on the Northern Hills and Mystic Ranger Districts during the summer of 2016. These permits would be valid for one year.

Recreation managementSpecial use management
Scoping Start
02/17/2016
Decision
07/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date07/13/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 7/13/2016
Along FSR 140 (Boxelder Forks Rd.) immediately west of Nemo, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Replacement of a concrete bridge deck located on FSR 140 across Boxelder Creek. The existing deck would be removed by crane and a new pre-fabricated concrete deck would be installed by crane. No work would occur in the creek.

Road management
Scoping Start
06/01/2016
Decision
07/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Paul Bosworth · pbosworth@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityRoad Maintenance
Decision Decided Date07/13/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 6/6/2016
Sunshine Wall in Spearfish Canyon near Cheyenne Crossing, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

The BHSU rockclimbing club has requested a 1 year permit to conduct a rockclimbing competition on established routes on the Sunshine Wall near Cheyenne Crossing, SD.

Special use managementRecreation management
Scoping Start
04/28/2016
Decision
06/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
Decision Decided Date06/06/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 5/13/2016
Strawberry Hill Picnic Ground, approximately 4 miles southeast of Lead and Deadwood, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Would allow for tent camping at Strawberry Hill Picnic Ground, which was historically a campground. Fire rings and picnic tables would be installed at tent sites.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
03/15/2016
Decision
05/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityDeveloped Site Management
Decision Decided Date05/13/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Northern Hills Ranger District · updated 4/29/2016
Steamboat Rock Picnic Ground, approximately 4 miles southeast of Nemo, SD. · Lawrence, South Dakota

Installation of ground fire rings at Steamboat Rock Picnic Ground to allow tent campers to build campfires.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
03/15/2016
Decision
04/2016 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2016 (Estimated)
Project documents
Bonnie Jones · bjjones@fs.fed.us
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityDeveloped Site Management
Decision Decided Date04/29/2016
ForestsBlack Hills National Forest
DistrictsNorthern Hills Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable