"The Black Hills is one of the Nation's greatest natural resources. ...Nowhere else on the continent can be found an area of such diversity within such a relatively restricted space." -- Dr. Sven Froiland, Naturalist

Rising from the plains of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming are the forests of the Black Hills

The Black Hills Mountainsnail, a Rare Land Snail that Exists Only in the Black Hills

and the 1.2 million acre Black Hills National Forest. Lush, majestic, and awe-inspiring, the Black Hills are literally a forested island within the vast Great Plains. This "Island in the Plains" supports a biologically and culturally unique environment that for generations, have provided clean water, clean air, abundant game, wilderness, edible and medicinal plants, spirituality, inspiration, recreation, and a wealth of other values.

Many rare fish, plants, and wildlife make up the web of life in the Black Hills. Some are now quite rare, an several species, like the Black Hills red-bellied snake and Black Hills flying squirrel, exist nowhere else in the world.

Three-toed Woodpecker

The Black Hills are also a melting pot of different forests. Dominated by Rocky Mountain ponderosa pine, they also support a diversity of other forests, including white spruce typical of the far north, bur oak typical of the Midwest, and birch and hazelnut typical of the east. Large expanses of dense, old growth forest, periodically shaped by large forest fires once characterized the landscape.

The Black Hills, or He Sapa, are sacred lands to indigenous cultures. They are considered the heart of everything that is. They are the birthplace of the Lakota Nation and other indigenous peoples. Mato Tipila (Devils Tower), Mato Paha (Bear Butte), Inyan Kara, and Wasun Niya (Wind Cave) are but a few areas of spiritual and cultural significance.

Indigenous peoples have prayed, fasted, danced, buried their dead, and sought visions here for centuries. They have gathered medicinal plants, tepee poles, and found wild game. For thousands of years, the Black Hills have been relied upon as a source of spiritual and physical well-being.

The Black Hills are one of the most heavily exploited forests in North America. Nearly every acre of the Black Hills has been logged since the late 1800's, with most areas cut over numerous times. Less than 1% of the entire forest is considered old growth and the once common giant, yellow-bark ponderosa pines are now rare. Extensive mining has left a legacy of toxic waste. Overgrazing of domestic livestock has polluted water and destroyed vital streamside habitats. Over 8,500 miles of roads crisscross the forest and have splintered forest habitats critical for wildlife.

Too many fish, plants, and wildlife are now extinct or on the brink of extinction in the Black Hills:

• The black bear and gray wolf are gone because of overhunting and habitat loss; the majestic mountain lion is unfortunately following.
• Ruffed grouse, which were once abundant, are now scarce, and blue grouse have vanished altogether.
• Old growth denizens like pine marten, brown creeper, northern goshawk, and flying squirrel all are on the brink extinction because of habitat loss.
• Water pollution has imperiled streams, endangering native fish and other wildlife.
• The loss of streamside willow thickets threatens rare plants, birds, mammals, even rare land snails.

Today, excessively high levels of logging and road building, overgrazing of domestic livestock, and mining

Pine Marten. Imperiled Black Hills Carnivore Photo By Wilderness Classroom Organization

continue to threaten the Black Hills. Wildlife and plants that indicate the health of our environment are declining, telling us the forest is in trouble. The U.S. Forest Service, which manages most of the Black Hills, is now increasing logging under the guise of improving "forest health." This misguided approach fails to account for the evidence that more than a century of widespread logging has caused significant environmental problems, but hasn't improved forest health at all. Increasing logging will further harm wildlife, fish, and plants and the habitats they need to survive. Too much logging is the problem, not the solution.

To restore the Black Hills, action must be taken to bring back parts of the natural landscape and the web of life it supports. To reestablish old growth forest, some of today's younger forests must be allowed to grow old

Photo By South Dakota Department of Tourism

and dense forests should be protected in certain areas. THIS can only happen if logging and road building receive less emphasis on the forest. Water pollution must end and stream health must be restored. This too can only happen if mining, domestic livestock grazing, and road building receive less emphasis. Populations of rare or declining plants and animals must be protected and recovered by restoring lost habitats, and reestablishing species which have vanished.

The forests of the Black Hills are so much more than a tree farm, a gold mine, or a pasture for domestic livestock. They are alive, they are unique, and they are irreplaceable. Future generations of people and wildlife will face the legacy of natural and cultural values we leave when we are gone. To make sure this legacy is a positive one, to give future generations the legacy they deserve and will depend upon, it is crucial that a true balance be restored to management of this vital forest.

Protecting and restoring the Black Hills must be a priority if we are to sustain the health of our environment and our communities. Yet for this to happen, the forest needs YOU! Now, more than ever, the Black Hills need your support -- your voice, your ideas, your involvement, and your actions. Together, we can make a difference in so many ways!