Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Chris Stores (605) 642-4622, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

WEST RIM DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT RELEASED

SPEARFISH, SD: JUNE 9, 2008

District Ranger Rhonda O’Byrne announces the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the West Rim Project.

The West Rim project proposes silvicultural and prescribed fire treatments with the goal of reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation. Of the 53,157 acres in the project area, 10,000 acres are private land where no actions are proposed.

The Project area is located immediately south of Spearfish and includes landmarks such as Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish Creek, Terry Peak, Iron Creek Lake and Bridal Veil Falls.

For more information about the project or to obtain a copy of the DEIS, contact Chris Stores at the Northern Hills Ranger District at (605) 642-4622 or by email at cstores@fs.fed.us. The comment period on the DEIS ends July 21, 2008.

For more information, see our website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.