South Dakota lawmakers continue to oppose efforts by the state to protect sacred Bear Butte from continued encroachment.

Gov. Mike Rounds (R) proposed to buy an easement to prevent development near the butte. Tribal practitioners are worried about biker bars and development related to the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Lawmakers already rejected a bill that would have provided $250,000 to purchase the easement. But now that the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is looking for another source of funds, they are again raising objections.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers oppose easement at Bear Butte (AP 9/25)

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