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Outdoors, Inc.
1013 North Grand
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-5104
FAX (605) 224-2977
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Forest Service Schedules Moon Walk
Rapid City, SD – Join the Black Hills National Forest on Saturday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. for an educational walk on the Forest’s mountain pine beetle epidemic.
This ½ mile roundtrip walk through the forest over uneven terrain and 2 track roads is located approximately 12 miles west of Hill City, SD.
The featured speakers are entomologists Kurt Allen and Bill Schaupp from the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region, division of Forest Health Management. Allen and Schaupp are engaged in continuing research and mapping of the pine beetle damage on the Black Hills National Forest. They will share specimens, maps and tools used to
measure bug infestations.
“Beetle epidemics are natural processes that cycle over time and are one of nature’s ways of rejuvenating forests,” says Allen. This pine beetle epidemic was triggered by an extended drought, warmer winters, and aging forests. Mountain pine beetles are native to the ponderosa
pine forest that dominates the Black Hills. The beetles don’t usually attack small pines, or other tree species such as fir, aspen and spruce. These young trees will make up the next forest.”
As you travel to the Moon Walk site, notice entire hillsides of ponderosa pine trees turning red and brown as they die and the logging activity in the Deerfield area. The Forest Service is removing these dead and dying trees to protect homes, campgrounds, watersheds and other improvements from the threat of catastrophic wildfire.
To reach the Moon Walk site from Hill City, take the Deerfield Road approximately 8.7 miles to East Slate Road. Turn south or left on East Slate Road and travel 3.5 miles to Forest Road 424. Turn right on Forest Road 424 and travel up the hill approximately .2 miles to the
parking area.
Signs will be posted at major intersections to guide visitors to the parking area. The drive from Rapid City should take approximately one hour.
The Forest Service suggests that visitors dress for unexpected weather and cooler nighttime temperatures. The program will not be cancelled due to rain unless lightning is spotted. About 100 visitors per walk have been attending the programs so please arrive early to aid us in
parking vehicles.
For more information about the program and summer schedule or if you would like to be placed on an internet mailing list to receive the Moon Walk news releases and directions please call the Mystic Ranger District at (605) 343-1567 or go to www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.
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