Lawrence County to submit comments on North Sand project, adopts resolution backing state bill and opposes HCR 60‑10

Lawrence County commissioners voted to submit the county’s formal comments on the U.S. Forest Service’s North Sand preliminary environmental assessment and to sign the comments on county letterhead. Natural‑resource committee representatives presented the county draft comments, which stress active forest management in mature stands, caution about prescribed fire without pre‑treatment and ask for more coordination with counties and inholding landowners.

Commissioners approved a motion that the county’s comments be submitted on letterhead and signed by the chairman. Staff and committee members said the Forest Service’s public website did not list a clear comment deadline and encouraged submission without delay; staff will post the county’s comments in the Forest Service portal and keep commissioners informed.

Separately, the board adopted a resolution in support of a state bill presented by local economic development interests (recorded in the packet as Resolution 2025‑11). Staff said seven state representatives, including the District 31 delegation, had signed on as sponsors. The board approved the resolution and asked staff to provide copies to the bill’s sponsors.

Finally, commissioners voted to send a formal letter of opposition, signed by the chairman and other commissioners, to House Concurrent Resolution 60‑10 (HCR 60‑10). The board described HCR 60‑10 as a proposal that would shift decisions away from local authorities on matters the county considers properly within local control; commissioners said they want to preserve locally decided land‑use and property policy.

The combined actions underscore county staff and commissioners’ intention to engage both on federal land management projects in the Black Hills and on state legislation affecting local governance.