Rapid City, SD – Public meetings will be held June 14 and June 16, 2016 to discuss a proposed trail that would connect the Mickelson Trail near Hill City, South Dakota to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Black Hills National Forest with Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Federal Highways Administration as cooperators, have received an application from South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) for a Special Use Permit to place a 14 to 16 mile non-motorized trail across federally managed lands. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Forest Service, Federal Highways Administration, and National Park Service are working with a contractor (HDR Engineering) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will identify and analyze possible environmental and social impacts of the project to make an informed decision on whether to approve the proposed action, or other alternatives to the project which are formulated with public input.
Two public meetings will be held and all persons interested in this project are invited to attend:
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Hill City High School
Commons Area
488 Main Street
Hill City, SD 57745
Thursday, June 16, 2016
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
815 E Mall Drive
Rapid City, SD 57701
If an action alternative is selected in the EIS process, the Forest Service would:
· Issue a Special Use Permit for the trail
· Complete site-specific amendments to the Forest Plan
The Rushmore Connector Trail would also require a decision and authorizations from the National Park Service.
Any persons with disabilities who require assistance should contact Rebecca Baker, HDR Engineering, prior to the meeting at 605.977.7756 orRebecca.baker@hdrinc.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired call 1-800-877-1113 or 711: TTY.
For further information regarding this Project, please contact Scott Jacobson, Forest Service Public Affairs Officer, at 605-673-9216. Information is also posted on the project website at www.rushmoreconnectortrail.com. Comments on the project must be in writing and may be sent to the Forest Service at comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills@fs.fed.us, with “Rushmore Connector Trail” in the subject line.
Visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills for more information on the Black Hills National Forest.
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