Categorical Exclusion Completed

Rattlesnake Randy Placer Mine Excavation Project

Black Hills National Forest Pennington, South Dakota Mystic Ranger District

Rattlesnake Randy (John Randall Nelson) is requesting authorization to conduct small-scale placer mining activities on National Forest System (NFS) lands under a Plan of Operations. Proposed activities include excavation to bedrock. No milling, processing, structures, or permanent facilities.

Location

East of Foster Gulch

Project timeline

1
NEPA Start Date
3/11/2025
2
Finding/Decision Date
7/2/2026

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical ExclusionUSDA-28d-USFS
Decision Signed Date7/2/2026
Minerals and geologyRecreation managementSpecial use management