The Biden administration is barring mining and geothermal leasing in a critical South Dakota watershed for two decades, likely blocking a contentious bid to explore for gold there.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland last week signed an order to block new mining in the Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek Watershed in the Black Hills National Forest. The order removes 20,510 acres of national forest land from possible sales or exchanges, mineral entry and leasing for a 20-year period, but does not affect valid and existing rights, or nonfederal lands and minerals.
Haaland said the order responds to mounting concerns from tribes and the local community officials around the fate of cultural and natural resources, and the Pactola reservoir — the largest and deepest in the Black Hills National Forest. The reservoir supplies drinking water to Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
“The Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed is a treasured landscape, valued for its clean air and water, abundant recreation and ecological benefits, and sacred to multiple Tribes who call the area home,” said Haaland. “I’m proud to take action today to withdraw this area for the next 20 years, to help protect clean drinking water and ensure this special place is protected for future generations.”
