Comment Deadline to DANR on BHNF Beaver Dam Analog project

Comment Deadline to DANR on BHNF Beaver Dam Analog project.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has received an application for a Water Resource Enhancement or Restoration Project approval, pursuant to Administrative Rules of South Dakota 74:51:01:60. The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to increase aquatic and riparian habitat along Silver Creek and Greens Gulch in the Black Hills National Forest through installation of beaver dam analogs and willow plantings in conjunction with on-going riparian management. This proposed project is approximately 1.5 miles long and would include approximately 75 beaver dam analogs within the reach. The beaver dam analogs would be built by driving untreated wooden posts to create structure support, weaving willows onto the posts, and then adding cobble and sod mats creating a semi-permeable structure. Riparian plantings of willows would accompany each beaver dam analog structure to improve stabilization of banks and provide riparian habitat. The proposed work will occur in Sections 1 and 2, Township 2 North, Range 3 East, Lawrence County, South Dakota

Written comments regarding this proposed project must be received by the department on or before June 6, 2023.  We are not sure if the deadline is close-of-business or midnight CT, but likely midnight for internet submissions.

Questions and/or written comments concerning this project should be  directed to Shannon Minerich at Shannon.Minerich@state.sd.us. Written comments may also be mailed to the following address: SD DANR WQ, 523 E Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or provided using the online comment form, accessible via the “Comment Deadline” link provided at https://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx

There is a BHNF scoping letter on this project also.