SD-3921
June 14-18; 21-25, 2010
Must commit to one full session; may participate in both
Please join us in the beautiful high country of the Black Hills for the second year of the Gold Mountain Mine and Mill restoration! The mill served the historic Gold Mountain Mine during the "Gold Rush" of 1875, and is the last "living" ore-processing mill on the Black Hills National Forest. The structure is one of many that stood here during a prosperous period of the gold-mining industry in the region. The wood frame of the mill still retains many of its original features, including its ore crusher, ore shoots, and distribution gates. Today, little else remains beyond the mill and its associated features, and the area's history is quickly slipping away. However, in 2007, the Forest Service and local volunteers began to explore plans to restore and preserve this unique site. In June of 2009, the plans became action. Phase I of our project consisted of a detailed survey to fully record the site and its features and preliminary restoration of the mill frame. Additionally, volunteers removed overhead hazards and emptied an estimated 12 tons of ore and debris from the mill, and planning crews began efforts to interpret the site for visitors.
During Phase II, we will continue to restore the mill structure and develop means for the site's interpretation. Restoration will focus on the mill-frame structure. The surviving original components will be removed, treated, repaired, and replaced using power and hand tools, though we will also bring in heavier equipment, such as cranes and bobcat tractors. Simultaneously, those assigned to interpretive crews will do historic research, develop trail plans, and design signage and other displays. This area of the Black Hills offers many popular attractions and boasts some of the best scenery to be found, and early summer here features warm days and cool nights, perfect for enjoying yourself around a camp fire! So, whether you're back for year two or will join us for the first time, we look forward to seeing you in June!
Number of openings: 20 (10 per session)
Special skills: Participants must have an interest in learning! Construction, carpentry, woodworking, art, and/or research skills helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent and RV camping at no charge at nearby FS campgrounds; drinking water, toilets, no hookups; private campgrounds available nearby; facilities vary with campgrounds and may or may not include pit toilets, water, and/or RV spaces/hookups; reservations recommended; Hill City, Custer, and Rapid City are full-service communities with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, and transportation
Nearest town: Hill City, 5 miles; Custer, 20 miles; Rapid City, 35 miles
Applications due: April 12, 2010
SD-3901
June 1-8, 2010 (including weekends)
Must commit to minimum of five days
This PIT project will focus on the survey and excavation of 95 million-year-old fossils preserved in the Late Cretaceous Pierre Shale. Our site has been extremely prolific, and has yielded fossils such as fish from 6" to 16' long, remains of marine reptiles such as Mosasaurs and Plesiosaurs, sharks, and flying reptiles such as Pterosaurs. Volunteers and Forest staff will conduct several aspects of investigation at the same time: one crew will survey designated areas and flag fossils; another crew will photograph finds and record their positions with GPS; and the final will excavate. Not to worry, though - everyone will get a chance to participate in each process! See you in June!
The project area is in southwestern South Dakota, which is very scenic, but remote. High winds and stormy weather are possible, so it is recommended that volunteers come prepared with gear suitable for a variety of weather conditions. Please also be aware that this is a Paleontological Special Interest Area, so no personal fossil collecting is allowed.
Number of openings: 25
Special skills: None required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent camping in remote (but scenic) area; chemical toilets, hot showers, base camp tents, solar generator, and most importantly a caterer! Volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment and drinking water
Nearest town: Edgemont, 25 miles; Crawford, NE, 45 miles; Hot Springs, 50 miles
Applications due: April 5, 2010