Extended Deadline to Comment on Exploration for Graphite Mine BHNF
May 16 @ 11:50 pm
May 9th electronically sent before midnight or postmarked , is the deadline for scoping comments on. THIS DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED A WEEK to Friday the 16th
Pete Lien and Sons Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project. https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67838
- The scoping comment period for this project is April 9, 2025 – May 9, 2025.
- Project web page and project documents can be found at – https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/67838
- Electronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=67838. An automated response should confirm your electronic comment has been received. Comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Mystic Ranger District Office, Attn: Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project, 8221 S. Mount Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, SD, 57702 or by fax at 605-343-7134. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the date of this Scoping Letter. Comments submitted, including names and addresses of commenters, are public information.
- If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jonathan Manning, Project Leader at 605-673-9200, Thawney Stottler, District Resource Planner, or James Gubbels at the Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City, SD at 605-343-1567, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
Here is a slide show that has been sent to us, on how to comment on both this proposed uranium exploration and exploration for graphite near Pe Sla (Reynolds Prairie). It has talking points and sample letter text. Both of theses projects threaten areas sacred to Lakota.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGmDCLr5oc/4f0GEt4oTl6E2UamY84P3w/edit
=====================
This mine is near Pe Sla and could have impacts to the sacred site. Pe Sla is also called Reynolds Prairie in Caucasian terms. It is a large meadow west of Sliver City. Quote from Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Instagram post:
“Proposed by Pete Lien & Sons, this drilling project puts one of the most sacred sites of the Lakota people, Pe’ Sla, at risk. The project seeks to extract graphite for electric vehicle batteries, but the true cost? The desecration of a spiritual and cultural landmark.
Pe’ Sla is a place of deep spiritual significance, used for ongoing ceremonies by the Lakota people. Would we allow mining RIGHT BESIDE a church or mosque? Of course not.
ALSO, this project is located in the Rapid Creek Watershed, which supplies water for all of Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Pe’ Sla is a culturally protected area; any drilling or mining near this site is a desecration. This is environmental injustice in its purest form. Tell Pete Lien & Sons you stand with the Lakota to protect Pe’ Sla.
Go to www.bhcleanwateralliance.org to learn how to send a comment to the Forest Service TODAY”
We assume BHCWA has some sections of it’s web page devoted to this issue