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Black Hills National Forest seeks comment on proposed land withdrawal

The old Etta Mine near Keystone. Spodumene crystals, which contain lithium deposits, are visible along the rockface.
Lee Strubinger
/
SDPB
The old Etta Mine near Keystone. Spodumene crystals, which contain lithium deposits, are visible along the rockface.

The USDA’s Forest Service invites public comment on its application to withdraw over 20,000 of the Black Hills from sale, settlement, and leasing.

The Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal was submitted in response to public concern raised about the impacts of increased mineral exploration in the Hills.

If the withdrawal is approved, mining and mineral exploration activity could cease around the 20-thousand acre area for up to 20 years. Only exceptions would be those with valid existing rights.

The Forest Service is hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. to explain the withdrawal.

Public comment is accepted through October 21, 2024.

Ryan is the local host of "Morning Edition". Originally from Iowa, he first came to the Black Hills to study at SD Mines. After graduating in 2019, he was an educator in Arizona and North Dakota before returning to the Black Hills.