The Senate passed a resolution Wednesday to promote the long-term health and viability of the Black Hills National Forest.
Brought by Spearfish Republican Sen. Randy Deibert, the bill was widely supported. Though that doesn’t mean it went without questions.
Oglala Lakota Democratic Sen. Red Dawn Foster questioned issues like tribal involvement in the long-term forest plan and the treatment of old growth trees. Deibert said tribal involvement is important to plans moving forward.
“The tribes have a cooperative agency status that is above and beyond the local governments, so they will have a seat at the table on any action taken in the Hills," Deibert said. "Now, the old growth – that’s part of the management plan too. They have guidelines in the management plan too when they do a harvest to acknowledge that growth and other unique situations.”
The Black Hills are considered a sacred site in Lakota culture, and indigenous peoples have historically been underrepresented in decision-making for forest management.