Spearfish Canyon Owners Association

Spearfish Canyon NewsJune 2017

When I think of Spear-fish Canyon, I think of fam-ily and thousands of mem-ories encompassing five generations so far. My wife’s grandparents bought this cabin in August of 1949 for $3,500 including the pi-ano and silverware. We still have the contract, and the piano, and the silver-ware. While the cabin has changed over the years there is family DNA every-where. I am sure many of you have a similar history and memories.

In the early days, Homestake owned much of the canyon and controlled everything including the lots available to the public, improvements to the cabins, and most of the water and resources. The focus was always on keeping Spearfish Canyon as natural and semi-prim-itive as possible. NO mining was ever done in Spearfish Canyon. They made sure the cabins were modest and did not detract from the natural beauty of the Canyon.

In 1990, a land swap with the USFS began taking Homestake out of Spearfish Canyon and brought a new stakeholder into the equation. This action also created the charter for Spearfish Canyon Owners Association (SCOA). That began our responsibility for maintaining the natural beauty and pristine waters of Spearfish Can-yon for future generations.

The restrictive covenants which we all have on our respective properties are for the benefit of all SCOA members collectively, homeowners outside of SCOA as well as the general public. From our beginning it has been our focus to protect, preserve and maintain the semi-primitive nature of Spearfish Canyon and the Northern Hills.

While the creation of a Spearfish Canyon State Park at Savoy has been temporarily abandoned, that is an is-sue that will resurface. It is our concern that the more “improvements” that are made to the Northern Hills, the more overused, over-loved, and overrun will our pre-cious, primitive gem become. Let’s not let that happen.

Going forward, we will continue to monitor this as well as other issues including Deadwood Standard Mine, cabin owners proposed improvements, and water quality of Spearfish Creek and its tributaries. Another issue of concern is what is happening at Devils Bathtub on Cleopatra Creek.

As always, your input and concerns are greatly ap-preciated.

Dave Johnson, President

Building Permit Procedure The Architectural Review Committee has a packet for people who want to obtain a building permit in Spearfish Canyon. The packet contains the SCOA building permit application and copies of the build-ing rules and pertinent covenants. You can also get it on the SCOA website at www.canyonowners.org. Before any kind of external work is done, the home owner or their builder may fill out the applica-tion, and supply the necessary drawings to the any ARC member so that the committee persons may begin a review of the project.

When they approve the project, ARC members sign the application and drawings, and return it to the owner or builder. The owner then refers their project (if required) to Lawrence County with the completed L.C. building permit application for approval. Be advised that the Lawrence County Planning and Zoning office is not responsible for explaining or enforcing SCOA covenants. Their only concern is that the SCOA permit process has been followed before they take action on a Lawrence County build-ing permit.

Spearfish Canyon Owners Association Members,

Our annual meeting is July 15 at the Lead Country Club. At this meeting we will elect new board members.

Dave & Andree Johnson

2 – Spearfish Canyon Owners Association June 2017

Annual Meeting July 15 Includes Board Elections

Notification: As a member of Spearfish Canyon Owners’ Associat ion, you are hereby notified of the annual member’s meeting on July 15, 2017, at the Lead Country Club. Once again Dave Brueckner of Cheyenne Crossing will be catering our mea. Happy Hour begins at 5 p.m. with the meal beginning at 6 p.m. A cash bar will be available. The annual business meeting and election of officers will commence after the meal. If you have family visiting, feel free to bring them along to catch up with all your canyon neighbors!

Board members whose terms are complete in-clude: Dave Palmer, Bob Morcom, and Steve Fox. Nominees for the board include:

Steve FoxSteve Fox has been a Canyon owner since 1991.

He and his wife Lisa, are parents of four children; Zach, Theresa, Joey, and Emily who were raised on Spearfish Canyon meeting potlucks. He is a retired general den-tist. Steve has volunteered to serve another three-year term on the board.

Judy RossiMy name is Judy Jo Rossi. Born and raised in Lead/

Pluma. My parents bought our Hanna home in 1954. We’ve resided here to witness the many changes ex-perienced in the Canyon and with the SCOA Associa-tion. This Canyon is part of my heritage. My desire to navigate each case with teamwork, flexibility, and com-munication inspires me to run for the Board. I bring an open mind, a friendly disposition, and a commitment to make SCOA an essential part of Canyon life.

David JohnsonAfter having graduated from SDSU with a degree

in Economics, I spent 15 years in the computer indus-try and the last 27 years in Orthopedic sales. You do the math….

My wife, Andree, and I have 3 daughters and 6 grandkids. We bought our cabin in 2006 from her fam-ily. She has enjoyed the cabin her entire life and I have been visiting the Canyon on a frequent basis since 1975. We are located at 21498 US Highway 85 S.

I have been on the SCOA Board for 3 years and my interests are focused on maintaining the natural, semi-primitive environment of the Canyon, protecting the water quality of Spearfish Creek, and keeping the beauty and free access of all Spearfish Canyon as the primary focus of SCOA.

If you are unable to attend the annual meeting on July 15, 2017 at the Lead Country Club at 7 p.m., you may fill out and mail this absentee ballot.

Absentee Ballot for SCOA Board Election

(Vote for three)

_____ David Johnson

_____ Judy Rossi

_____ Steve Fox

Your Name(s): _______________________________ Spearfish Canyon Address: ____________________________________

Mail to: Spearfish Canyon Owners Association P.O. Box 480, Lead, SD 57754

Canyon Closed to ATV’sWith the

wet spring weather, the forest floor is very soft and spongy. It is advisable for off-highway-ve-hicles to stick to gravel roads at this time. Stay out of the mud and don’t go around gates and barricades.

For SCOA members’ information, the Black Hills Phase I Plan specifically pro¬hibits off-road-ing of motorized vehicles in Spearfish Canyon. If members see viola¬tions, report it to the USFS, or to SCOA Board Members who will report it.

To view the current trail issues discussion at the USFS go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackh-ills/ maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5203192

June 2017 Spearfish Canyon Owners Association – 3

Restrictions Apply For Cabin Rentals

The officers of the Spearfish Canyon Owners As-sociation sent the following letter to all members on September 14, 2016.

Dear Fellow Spearfish Canyon Owner Association Members:

Recently, several members have approached me with their concerns regarding the issue of cabin rentals in the canyon in general, and more specifically, Spear-fish Canyon Owners Association (SCOA) cabin rentals. There are approximately 200 cabins that fall under the SCOA umbrella so this is not insignificant.

In an effort to address their concerns, the Board thought a letter of reminder might be appropriate. In 2010, the membership voted, almost unanimous-ly, to limit our owners’ ability to rent their cabins for not more than 14 days each calendar year. This was done in order to maintain the overall serenity, beauty and quiet grandeur of the canyon. All SCOA members live under these same restrictions and covenants. The membership voted for this and it is the responsibility of the SCOA Board to enforce it.

As a Board, it is our goal to help each of our mem-bers enjoy their cabins to the utmost. Consequently, our bylaws state:

“No lot or cabin shall be rented to non-family members for more than fourteen (14) days during any calendar year.”

Further,“Any and each owner shall indemnify the Asso-

ciation against all costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, damages, suits, fines, penalties, claims and demands, including reasonable counsel fees, arising out of any violation or default in any bylaw, rule, covenant or restriction. The Association shall also be entitled to file a lien for any unpaid dues or assessments, fines or other charges made by the Association in accor-dance with these covenants… The lien shall be an obligation of such lot, but shall also be a joint per-sonal obligation of each owner thereof.”

Referencing our bylaws is important, however, please receive this in the manner it is intended – as an informational reminder that we all need to respect the covenants and restrictions of SCOA. By doing so, we ensure all our members can enjoy their individual cabins to their fullest.

Respectfully,David Johnson

Rimrock Lodge Schedule of EventsOpening Party Celebrating 40 Years of Ziebart OwnershipJune 17, 3-6 p.m.10% off drinks, free snacks, music, 1970’s top hits

Canyon Bistro & Gallery OpeningTues-Sun 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Local art, gifts, wine & beer, sandwiches and desserts by Anke Towsdin

Happy Hour & Street TacosThursdays, July 6 - Sept. 7, 4 - 7 p.m.Catered by Elite Event’s Traveling Bistro

Catered BrunchesJuly 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 13, 20, 27; Sept. 10Catered by Cheyenne Crossing - 2 seatings**Reservations Required**

Street Tacos Aug. 4 - 12, 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.Catered by Elite Event’s Traveling Bistro

Lead Country Club in the mist

4 – Spearfish Canyon Owners Association June 2017

Canyon

The C a n y o n Curmudgeons (men) meet for cof-fee at the fire hall on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

The Canyon Ladies Coffee Klatsch meet on Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the Fire Hall, or at each others’ homes. Call Judy Rossi for more information at (605) 584-1377.

RUN LITTLE BROOKLETRun, little brooklet, You seem to

know your wayThrough this crowded canyon, And through that sheltered lea. Then stop to swirl a little Behind a beaver’s dam. And burble down the spillway Into a pine log jam. Run, little brooklet, You seem to know your wayThrough the quiet, cool darkness, And through the cloudless day. Don’t let the winter stop you, Nor the breaking ice in spring. Let the summer see you, And the fall should hear you sing. Run, little brooklet, Run, run away.

– Poem by Edward F. Sundberg

Directory of Local ServicesBlack Hills Disposal, LLC, Garbage Service(605) 580-9911P.O. Box 722Lead, SD 57754

Century Link Telephone and Internet1-800-247-7285

George Prisbe, Handyman, Painting(605) 584-902921671 Hanna RoadLead, SD 57754

Kime Roberts, American MaidMove In/Move Out, Cleaning, Cabin Checks(605) 645-6230 call/text

Phil’s Electric and Phil’s Chip Repair(605) 580-5587405 Glendale DriveLead, SD 57754

Reausaw Construction, Inc.(605) 584-3197P.O. Box 777Lead, SD 57754

Rim Rock Lodge(605) 642-3192P.O. Box 365Spearfish, SD 57783rimrocklodge.com

Spearfish Canyon Lodge & Latchstring Restaurant(605) 584-3435

Spencer RossiReal Estate Agent with Jorgensen Realty (605) 269-160021499 Hanna Rd Lead, SD 57754

Wickiup Village(605) 584-3382

We are just beginning to build this directory. Please contact the editor, Carol Reausaw with additions or corrections at ralphandcarol@gmail.com.

June 2017 Spearfish Canyon Owners Association – 5

Upon moving to Hanna, almost 25 years ago, my wife and I prom-ised to never take the Black Hills for granted. We have done a good job of honoring that pledge. Prop-er credit for this loyalty is attribut-able to the wonder and beauty of this place.

Perhaps, it is simply human na-ture to take the familiar for granted – to become jaded to the common. For this reason, I would like to call attention to a couple of bird spe-cies that are routinely under-appre-ciated: the mallard duck and the Canada goose.

The iridescent head of the drake mallard, reflecting blue, bronze, and green, rivals the brilliance of a finely polished emerald. Add to this a sleek, intensely yellow beak, bright orange legs and feet, and you have quite a dabbler fellow! Yes dabbler. Waterfowl generally fall into two descriptive categories, dabblers and divers, which refer to bird’s preferred method of feeding. Dabblers feed in shallow water, rear end pointing up, as they for-age for food. Diving ducks totally submerge while feeding, usually to depths of 6 to 10 feet or more. Be-cause the ponds and creeks of the area are generally quite shallow, Spearfish Canyon attracts far more dabbler than diving ducks.

To the human eye, the female mallard appears drab. However, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the drake mallard might see things differently. Consid-er this. We have three types of photoreceptors, or cones, in our retinas which allow us to see the red, green, and blue aspects of the spectrum. Birds can see the same portion of the color spectrum plus the ultraviolet range. A bird’s vision is further enhanced by the eye hav-ing more cones, with the additional

advantage of colored oil droplets which allow them to see even more colors. So, to a male mallard, the female may have the exotic appeal of a peacock!

The apparent simplicity of the female mallard serves the purpose of giving her a stealthy camou-flage, allowing her to blend into the grassy surroundings of her nest and thereby go unnoticed by predators.

Mallards are one of a small hand-ful of waterfowl species that can be found in Spearfish Canyon during migration, and one of only two spe-cies that routinely breed here. The other being the wood duck.

The asthetic attributes of the Canada goose are far more subtle than the mallard, but I would argue no less beautiful. To the observant eye, black is not just black, white more than just white, and the nu-ances of gray generally underap-preciated. Again, taking into ac-count the greater visual spectrum of birds, it is likely that what we see and they see are totally different. To us, one Canada goose looks indis-

tinguishable from the next, but they can easily recognize individuals. Af-ter all, how else would it be possi-ble for these birds to mate for life, if they could not identify each other?

Canada geese vary greatly in size, ranging in body size from 25 to 45” and wingspans of 43 to 60.” Consequently, the species is divid-ed into several subspecies, with interbreeding rare. Recently, one of these subspecies, the Cackling Goose, was split off and classified as a separate species from the Can-ada goose. Geese establish strong family bonds with young staying with adults for a full year or more.

In an environment increasingly dominated and altered by human activity, both species have shown a remarkable ability to adapt and flourish, in stark contrast to many avian species. So much so, that in many areas both Mallards and geese are beginning to be regard-ed as a nuisance.

We are fortunate to have both of these common species living here among us. Please do more than give them a fleeting glance. Take the time to observe them, note their behavior, and appreciate their beauty.

George Prisbe is a resident of Hanna and an avid birder. He is happy to share his love of birds and to hear your stories and obser-vations. Contact him at 584-9029 or prisbe.przybysz@gmail.com.

Jaded Bird Lovers

Pay Your Dues! Give our treasurer Pam Haugland a pleasant surprise by paying your $100 dues before, or at the annual meeting on July 15. The cost is $100. P.O. Box 480, Lead, SD 57754. Your dues support the efforts of the association to enforce covenants and advocate for the preservation of our beautiful environment. Dues also underwrite the cost of publishing a thrice-yearly newsletter, and you get a free banquet at the annual meeting! What a value!

6 – Spearfish Canyon Owners Association June 2017

Being 'Firewise' in CanyonThe annual "Firewise Day" in

Spearfish Canyon is set for August 19, 2017.

Spearfish Canyon is considered a high hazard fire environment. Based on experience, this area pos-sesses all the ingredients neces-sary to support large, intense and uncontrollable wildfires (especially due to dead pine bark beetle trees, brush and other dead materials). Within this hazardous environment, there are your cabins. Many home-owners, however, are ill-prepared to survive an intense wildfire. Since it is not a question of “if” wildfires will occur, but “when” they will oc-cur, the likelihood of human life and property loss is great and growing.

Our ability to live more safe-ly in this fire environment greatly depends upon our use of “pre-fire activities.” Pre-fire activities are ac-tions taken before a wildfire occurs which improve the survivability of people and cabins. They include proper vegetation management around the home, or survivable space, use of fire resistant building materials, and forest management.

Firewise is a program to encour-age the widespread use or pre-fire activities as outlined above. For more information these pre-fire ac-tivities visit www.firewise.org/usa/south_dakota.htm. Of particular interest are the courses and articles at www.firewise.org/library .

Fire Dept. NewsAbout 30 people were pres-

ent at the monthly meeting of the Spearfish Canyon Fire District held on June 1 following a 6 pm pot-luck dinner. These meetings and potlucks will continue through the summer months on the last Monday night of each month at 6 pm. The next potluck will be June 26. Neigh-bors and friends are welcome.

Fire Chief Gerry Bennett report-ed that, thankfully, no calls were re-quired in the last month. He an-nounced upcoming training dates and times for the fire-fighters.

The Lawrence County Sherriff and Emergency Management are announcing a new robo-notifica-tion system to let residents know of currently occurring emergencies. People can sign up for phone calls, texts, emails, and social media re-leases to learn about forest fires, public health crises, criminal activ-ity, missing children, emergency evacuations and so forth. The sys-tem is called CODE RED and you can find out more about it at www.lawrence.sd.us or download the CODE RED MOBILE ALERT APP.

Fire Chief Gerry Bennett

Weed Control Information AvailableCanadian Thistle is becoming

quite prolific in Spearfish Canyon and is a concern of many home-owners. I met with Marty Pederson of the USFS who is the coordinator for spraying of noxious weeds in a large area of the Black Hills. He re-layed that USFS park areas will be targeted for spraying. Initial spray-ing wilt occur in the upper altitudes of the canyon walls as this is where the greatest concentrations of nox-ious weeds occur. Seeds are car-ried down through the canyon from these areas by rain and snowmelt. Marty is more than willing to answer homeowner questions. You may submit questions to me at 605-584-2311, and I will pass them on.

I also met with Dave Heck, the coordinator for noxious weed control in Lawrence County. I also asked him if SCOA could help in the fight against noxious weeds. He said that funds would be best spent by assisting property owners in controlling weeds on their prop-erty by providing environmentally safe spray for those who wish to do their own spraying. So I have ob-

tained, with SCOA funds, the rec-ommended Canadian Thistle spray which is called “Perspective” which is mixed with a chemical called “Liberate.” These are effective on thistle, Tansy, St. John’s Wort and a few others. You may obtain the spray from me during mens’ coffee time on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30. You can also con-tact me at my home phone num-ber. Bring your own sprayer and get it filled courtesy of SCOA. We strongly encourage Canyonites to use environmentally safe products within the confines of the canyon. We are all concerned with the qual-ity of our Spearfish Creek. Also, a reminder to always be aware of en-vironmentally safe products within your home or cabin. Laundry deter-gents that are phosphate free and free of colors and scents, ditto for other cleaning products. There are many recipes for cleaners made from common household ingredi-ents like vinegar. Check the net. Our grandchildren will thank us for handing on a clean, clear stream and healthy plant and animal life.

June 2017 Spearfish Canyon Owners Association – 7

HOMEOWNER CHECKLISTWildfires don’t have to destroy everything in their path. Science and research have proven that using Firewise principles in your landscaping can minimize damage and prevent losses. The work you do today can make a difference.

Follow these simple action steps now and throughout the year to prepare and help reduce the risk of your home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire:

» Clear needles, leaves and other debris from the roof, gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This reduces the chances of embers igniting your home.

» To reduce ember penetration, replace or repair loose or missing roof shingles or tiles, and caulk any gaps or openings on roof edges.

» Cover exterior attic vents, and enclose under-eave and soffit vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the home.

» Remove items stored under decks or porches; replace vegetation in these areas with rock or gravel.

» Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.

» Remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.

» Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity, and don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

» Fire can spread to tree tops. If you have tall trees on your property, prune low hanging branches 6 to 10 feet from the ground and for smaller trees, prune low hanging branches no more than a third of the tree’s height. Remove tall grasses, vines and shrubs from under trees.

» Talk to your neighbors and create a plan for how to address your wildfire safety challenges together. Learn more about how to keep your family

safe and reduce your home’s risk for wildfire damage at firewise.org.

FIREWISETOOLKIT

“The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain the beauty, serenity and attractiveness of the Spearfish Canyon, and monitor and protect the water quality and flow of Spearfish Creek and its tributaries and to preserve in perpetuity the covenants and conditions placed upon said property

by Homestake Mining Company of California.”(Section A, Article III, Articles of Incorporation. Spearfish Canyon Owners’ Association)

Spearfish Canyon NewsletterP.O. Box 480

Lead, SD 57745

First-Class MailU.S. PostagePAID

Spearfish, SD57783

Permit No. 9

2016-2017Board of Directors

President – Dave Johnson (605) 376-6048 • johnson.siouxfalls@gmail.com

Vice President – Bob Morcom (605) 269-3136 • bhptmorc@gmail.com

Treasurer – Pam Haugland (480) 272-1728 (cell) • pam.haugland@hotmail.com

Secretary – Carol Reausaw (605) 584-3197 • reausaw.ralphandcarol@gmail.com

Executive Committee Member – Tom Gallagher (703) 801-4373 • tdgncg@comcast.net

Directors – David Palmer (605) 584-2311, davidpalmer@centurylink.net

Cindi Knapp, (619) 972-2493, godmanc@aol.com Steve Fox (605) 584-2085, foxes@centurylink.net

Doug Hendriks, dougmac@sio.midco.net

Committees: Firewise – Harold Matti, Chair; Gerry Bennett,

Ray Rossi, Paul Thompson, Jack BillingtonArchitectural Review – Ralph Reausaw, Chair;

Steve Fox, Cindi Knapp, Harold Matti, Bob Morcom, Dave Palmer

Environmental/Weed – Dave Palmer, Bob Geis

Newsletter – Carol Reausaw Nominating – Doug Hendriks

Spearfish Canyon News…is a newsletter by and for the homeowners of Spearfish Canyon Owners Association.

Send comments and articles PLEASE to Carol Reausaw: Caroljeanie@yahoo.com.

Many thanks to Dee Sleep with Chicken Creek Communications, LLC, for printing our newsletter. Our website is: http://www.canyonowners.org