The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to treat approximately 2,937 acres on National Forest System lands in the Ridgeback Vegetation Management project area. The proposed project is located 3 miles east of Keystone, South Dakota.
Proposed activities include commercial, non-commercial treatments, to include use of prescribed fire and other vegetation treatments. Treatments are designed to improve forest health and increase tree stand resiliency to future disturbance from fire and disease, and to promote a healthier more fire-resistant ecosystem.
The Ridgeback Project area includes plans to plant approximately 713 acres within the 2002 Battle Creek fire scar. Reforesting these previously forested sites will reduce the time spent in grass and forb stages, accelerating the return to a productive forested condition. Additionally, about 6,851 acres are planned for prescribed burning to improve forest health and reduce natural fuel accumulation near private property, particularly addressing fuel loads from Mountain Pine Beetle infestations and the Battle Creek Wildfire. Nearly 700 acres within the project have also been identified for non-commercial vegetation management, which will help foster the development of old – growth stands.
Approximately 126 acres were identified for steep slope logging. Different steep slope logging methods may be used including constructed skid trails, tethered logging and tong throwers. This enables harvesting equipment to travel on slopes that are otherwise too steep for most ground-based equipment (40% slope or greater), increasing access to areas that were previously inaccessible due to terrain.
Prior to a decision being made on this project, Forest Service specialists will analyze potential effects on resources such as water, wildlife, cultural resources, recreation, and timber. Required consultation with other federal, state, and tribal entities, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office, and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, will also occur prior to the decision.
Electronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=67113. 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: Ridgeback Vegetative Management 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.
While the Forest welcomes comments on this proposal at any time, it would be most helpful if comments are received by November 22, 2024. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted. Comments submitted, including names and addresses of commenters, are public information. The scoping documents can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects.
For additional information, or if there are questions on this proposed project, please contact Thawney Stottler at the Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City, SD, at (605) 343-1567, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., mountain daylight time.
For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills, follow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf and/or Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackHillsNF