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.
Location
Approximately 2 miles west of Piedmont, SD, and 6 miles south of Sturgis, SD.
Project timeline
1
Scoping Start
04/12/2023
2
Comment Period
05/09/2024
3
04/23/2025
4
Decision
04/2025 (Estimated)
5
Implementation
05/2025 (Estimated)
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | 2021 Infrastructure: Emergency Actions |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 2021 Infrastructure: Emergency Actions |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Timber Sales (Green) |
| Zeppelin Forest Health | Decision Signed Date: 04/23/2025 |
| Forests | Black Hills National Forest |
| Districts | Northern Hills Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |