SD-3997
June 27-July 1, 2011
Must commit to full session
Please join us in the beautiful high country of the Black Hills for the third and final year of the Gold Mountain Mine and Mill restoration! The site is an example the "hard rock" mining period that followed the "Gold Rush" of 1875. This period saw the introduction of advanced milling and refining processes in the region, which later came to dominate the industry and replace the placer mining techniques of the late 19th century. The mill served the historic Gold Mountain Mine during opening decades of the 20th century, and is the last "living" ore-processing mill on the Black Hills National Forest. The wood frame of the mill still retains many of its original features, including its ore crusher, ore shoots, and distribution gates, and steam boiler. This structure is only one of many that stood here during that prosperous period though, and, sadly, few other structures now remain. What does remain from that time of regional settlement and industry 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 preparation of the mill frame surrounding the site was begun. In June of 2010, we initiated Phase II. During this phase, we began the heavy-duty work at the site, installing new footings, replacing missing and damaged timber bracing, demolishing and reconstructing the main roof and head-house framing, and so on. During that phase of the project, volunteers also began the work on interpretive signs and information for the public. This year, we will conclude restoration efforts by completing the heavy work begun in 2010, and we'll finish things up on the interpretive side of the project as well. We will install planks and metal-sheeting on the main roof, complete the restoration of the upper ore bin, install the remaining column brackets, and complete all of the remaining small projects that need to be wrapped up.
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 the final year or wish to join us for the first time, we look forward to seeing you in June!
Number of openings: 14
Special skills: Participants must have an interest in learning! General construction, roofing, 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 25, 2011
SD-4015
July 11-15; 18-22, 2011
Must commit to one full session; may participate in both
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!
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. See you in July!
Please be aware that this is a Paleontological Special Interest Area, so no personal fossil collecting is allowed.
Number of openings: 30 (15 per session)
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 an inexpensive caterer! Volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, extra drinking water, and $15/day for caterer
Nearest town: Edgemont, 25 miles; Crawford, NE, 45 miles; Hot Springs, 50 miles
Applications due: May 15, 2011