PRESS NOTICE FROM DEFENDERS OF THE BLACK HILLS

During our Regular meeting on Sat., March 25, 2006, the consensus of the group was NOT to participate in the rally on April 4 in Sturgis, SD, in order NOT to weaken our position of NO DEVELOPMENT not just no alcohol near Bear Butte. The following is being sent to you as "An Open Letter to the Meade County Commissioners."

DEFENDERS OF THE BLACK HILLS
PO Box 2003, Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: (605) 399-1868 Fax: (605) 399-1851
March 26, 2006

Meade County Commissioners
Meade County Courthouse
1425 Sherman Street
Sturgis, SD 57785

Dear Sirs:

This letter is to reaffirm our position of no development of any kind within a five-mile radius of Bear Butte, a position we have held for a number of years. Our reasons for this position are:

1. Bear Butte is a sacred place to more than 60 Native American nations of the North American continent who have continually visited this shrine for religious/spiritual purposes for tens of thousands of years, and respect should be given to all peoples' places of worship in order to meet the foundations of the Freedom of Religion; and

2. Bear Butte is a National Historic Landmark whose impact for its historical significance and unique geological structure in this region is being eroded with the incursion of urban development.

We understand you will be considering the granting of a liquor license on April 4, 2006. Our position is not just against the granting of liquor licenses, but is against any development within a five-mile radius of Bear Butte.

As we have already stated our position to you during your Oct. 4, 2005, meeting, and as our position does not single out anyone business owner or developer, we will not be attending your April 4th meeting. However, we respectfully request that our position in this written form be considered in any and all new and renewal of liquor licenses, building permits, or other development near Bear Butte that come under your review.

Thank you for your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,
~
Charmaine White Face, Coordinator

Defenders of the Black Hills Website

Contents

April 2006 Reports

Last updated on April 1, 2006