Superintendent Gerard Baker of Mount Rushmore National Memorial announced on October 25, 2004 a multi-year firewood donation program from the National Park Service to the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Approximately six cords of firewood, needed as a primary heating source for homes of elder tribal members was loaded by park staff and delivered to the tribe.
Superintendent Baker noted that the program serves both strategic partnership needs and reduces critical fuel loads from within the park. "This project can be accomplished safely, accommodates both park and tribal needs and helps promote a positive relationship with Pine Ridge."
Oglala Sioux Tribal contact, Volunteer Tribal Emergency Manager Monica Terkildsen, (605) 867-8120, states: "We are excited at this opportunity and are willing to assist any way we can. I believe we can have a win-win situation, that is positive and reflects the true spirit of community or as we say Tiospaye."
Park employees have enthusiastically embraced the project as well, being quick to offer to load and deliver the wood. Drop off points for the fire wood and have been established by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Mount Rushmore contact Division Chief Duane Bubac, Park Facility Manager (605) 574-3112, adds that "This is a great program that provides a mechanism for park staff to help a neighbor while at the same time reducing the threat of a catastrophic wildland fire within the park. Moving forward with the Firewood Program is also a testament to Gerard's dynamic leadership and sense of community involvement."
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