You’re InvitedPlease plan to attend a Public Scoping Meeting for the Rushmore Connector Trail Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.Hill City High School Commons Area 488 Main Street Hill City, SD 57745

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Rushmore Connector Trail

Thursday, June 16, 2016

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.Hilton Garden Inn 815 E. Mall Drive Rapid City, SD 57701

photos courtesy of

Elevate Design Studios

Visit the project website at rushmoreconnectortrail.com to get the latest information and to sign up for the project mailing list

Comments on the project may be sent to: comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills@fs.fed.us, with “Rushmore Connector Trail” in the subject line or through the project website

Rushmore Connector Trail

• Project is for a 15-17-mile non-motorized trail

• Trail would connect the George S. Mickelson Trail to Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• The Environmental Impact Statement will analyze the Special Use Permit application

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) has applied for a Special Use Permit to construct an approximately 15-17-mile non-motorized trail across National Forest Service lands managed by the Black Hills National Forest. The trail would connect the George S. Mickelson Trail near Hill City, South Dakota to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The Forest Service, in coordination with the National Park Service is evaluating the application from the SDGFP.

The Forest Service is preparing an EIS so it can make an informed decision whether to authorize the Special Use Permit for the Rushmore Connector Trail.

If an action alternative is selected in the EIS process, the Forest Service will:

• Issue a Special Use Permit for the trail• Determine if an amendment to the current

Management Plan is required

The Rushmore Connector Trail will also require approval from the National Park Service due to activities within the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The EIS is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to promote informed decision-making by federal, state and local agencies by making “detailed information concerning significant environmental impacts” available to both agency leaders and the public.

NEPA requires an early and open public and agency process for determining the scope of the issues to be addressed by the process. This process is known as “scoping.”

Input will be integrated into the technical evaluation process and will be considered before decisions are made.

A concept for the trail was developed through the George S. Mickelson Trail to Mount Rushmore National Memorial Connector Trail Feasibility Study in 2012. The EIS will move the connector route vision forward by further analyzing the route provided in the Special Use Permit application.

• An open process involving the public and federal, state and local agencies

• Identifies the major and important issues for considerations in the Environmental Impact Statement

What is Scoping?

Project History - Feasibility Study

• To take your input to help narrow the focus of the study.

Why do we conduct Scoping?

EIS & Public Involvement

Get Involved/Stay Informed

Opportunity for Public Comment Decision Announced

The Environmental Impact Statement Process

Initiate EIS

Collect Data

Analyze Alternatives

Publish Draft EIS

Publish Final EIS

Make Decision

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We are here

All persons interested in this project are invited to attend this meeting. HDR Engineering is assisting the Forest Service with this project. Any persons with disabilities who require alternately formatted materials or other arrangements should contact Rebecca Baker, HDR Engineering, prior to the meeting at 605.977.7756 or Rebecca.baker@hdrinc.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired call 1-800-877-1113 or 711:TTY.