KEEP RAPID CREEK PRISTINE AND FREE!

South Dakota’s Rapid Creek, also known as Mniluzahan to the Lakota Tribe, is a world-class trout fishery and drinking water source for more than 89,000 people. It feeds the area’s aquifers and flows clean and free from the Black Hills National Forest onto the Great Plains. Unfortunately, the Creek is critically threatened by gold exploration and the potential for toxic mining in the central Black Hills.

The Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota people, who are linked to the Hills by treaty, history and culture, making mining and water pollution in the Rapid Creek watershed important environmental justice issues. Furthermore, using the sole water source for both Rapid City -- South Dakota’s second largest city -- and Ellsworth Air Force Base for gold mining does not make sense; there are simply no water supply alternatives for area communities and wildlife. Toxic mining spills could also destroy the area’s tourism economy, which focuses on outdoor recreation and Mount Rushmore. The U.S. Forest Service plays a key role in the area and is being asked to permit more gold exploration. The good news is that they are early in the permitting process.

Please join us in urging the Black Hills National Forest to make all information on gold exploration projects in the central Black Hills public immediately and to fully consider potential exploration and mining impacts in thorough Environmental Impact Statements.

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Deputy Director

Jerry

Krueger

Black Hills National Forest

Dear Black Hills National Forest Supervisor:

I am writing to request that you release all information on proposed and actual gold exploration projects in the Mystic Ranger District and complete full Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for each gold mining project. The futures of Rapid Creek, the central Black Hills, Lakota cultural and treaty resources, Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base are threatened by these projects, and full disclosure and complete consideration are imperative.

Proposed gold mining projects require tribal consultation and serious consideration of the issues raised by the Lakota and other indigenous peoples in the region. Without full EIS evaluations, these concerns will not receive the required “hard look.” The release of all information being withheld by the U.S. Forest Service on current and proposed projects is a prerequisite to thorough EIS processes.

Historically, mining operations have harmed land, wildlife and water in the Black Hills, and a former gold mine has been declared a Superfund site. If there were to be a mining spill (usually cyanide, arsenic and other heavy metals), Rapid Creek would be polluted, and the aquifers would be polluted soon after. Concern over the potential harm that could be caused to Rapid Creek and its associated communities has led American Rivers to include it on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2020.

The Rapid City Council recently passed a resolution opposing gold exploration and mining in the Rapid Creek watershed due to the immediate threat they pose to our area’s economy and future. All of Rapid City’s water sources have their beginnings in Rapid Creek, and damage to the Creek could have permanent, widespread impacts. What’s more, the economy depends on tourists who want to continue fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling and sightseeing in a beautiful ecosystem that centers on plentiful, clean water.

Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Keep Rapid Creek pristine.

Sincerely

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