Spearfish Canyon - Homestake Lands Acquisition

Spearfish Canyon is under threat of continued development, impinging on resource values enjoyed by the public. A significant portion of these resources have been enjoyed by the public under the stewardship of Homestake Mining. Homestake now wants to sell that land.

A coalition of over a dozen concerned stakeholders is testament to the need to conserve this Canyon. Of the handful of waterfalls found in South Dakota, this project proposes to acquire for natural resource conservation and for public enjoyment, the most recognized falls in the Black Hills: Roughlock Falls and associated Little Spearfish Creek wetlands.

The total purchase price is $2,713,500 plus $600,000 from the Homestake Mining Company Natural Resource Restoration Fund (HMC-NRRF), and includes:

• Ownership in fee title, 3 parcels of land totaling approximately 355 acres including 1.52 miles of stream and 0.29 and 1.62 acres of ponds.

• Establishment of an interest-bearing restricted fund for operation, maintenance and restoration of these parcels.

• Transfer of water right 137-1 for instream flow purposes, which historically authorized the diversion of up to 75 cfs from Spearfish Creek by means of the Savoy Intake.

This acquisition will secure the future of one of South Dakota's state treasures.

The project will restore, replace and/or enhance lost resources and services by acquisition of scenic and unique canyon habitats, including riparian areas, wetlands, deep canyon drainages with hardwood communities, canyon walls and escarpments and pine covered uplands.

The public will be compensated for lost and/or injured resources and services by keeping lands in public ownership rather than high probability of private or commercial development. Also, the parcels border waters of the State of South Dakota and by best managing the land, adjacent waters and riparian areas will benefit.

Learn more about this proposal