![]() The draft decision also states that “Alternative C has been developed to minimize effects by avoiding cultural resources,” but for the Indigenous people to the Black Hills, every single grain of dirt, particle of air and water, and animal are sacred cultural resources. Table 3-1 in the USFS Draft Decision Notice showing the differences between the three Alternatives. However, the report then goes on to say that Alternative C “proposes more potential drill pads and associated access routes, and subsequently greater surface disturbance than the Proposed Action.” So instead of the initial proposed project of a maximum of 42 drill pad sites, Alternative C has a maximum of 47 drill pad sites. Gubbels chose Alternative C “to minimize Project impacts across evaluated environmental issues.” The final Environmental Assessment (EA) (PDF) was also released, which outlines the three actions the Forest Service could take with the proposed project-Alternative A would have shut it down, and Alternative B and C were two varying plans to move forward with it. This decision does not give an immediate green light for F3 to begin drilling, however it does indicate “the intent of the agency to approve the final PO once required criteria have been met.” Jim Gubbels, the Mystic District Ranger in the Black Hills, compiled the 29-page report summarizing the project, and the potential effects on the environment and cultural resources, and came to the conclusion that “the Selected Alternative will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. ![]() Forest Service (USFS) released their draft decision and findings on a new gold exploration project by Minneapolis-based F3 Gold. ![]() Black Hills National Forest, SD – On Thursday, the U.S.
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