The U.S. Forest Service is not allowed to say no to mining, but it can insist on protections for surface resources. That fact emerged during an open house held at the Mystic District station in the Black Hills last week.
A Minneapolis prospecting company, F3 Gold, wants to drill exploratory holes near Pactola Reservoir in the Silver City area, and residents showed up to ask questions and express concerns.
SDPB's Victoria Wicks has this report.