20,510 acres of Black Hills forest have been withdrawn from mining leases for 20 years.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland finalized protections for the Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed last week, waiving all mining leases in the area for 20 years.
The 20,510 area supplies water for the Black Hills and its surrounding communities in South Dakota. While mining leases are a source of federal income, mining operations produce pollutants that can negatively impact surrounding ecosystems for decades, particularly for water sources.
“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 Secretary 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.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Haaland to be prudent in the actions and decisions she makes in the final weeks of the current administration.
- For U.S. interior officials as they strategize the best practices for preventing water pollution.
Sources: Department of the Interior
