The History and Future of the Black Hills' Groundwater
Valuable Asset
Fresh Water Source
According to USDI (2007), the Black Hills fresh groundwater is an important resource for most South Dakotans. Each resident uses the water daily for cooking, drinking, and bathing. Additionally, some residents in Wyoming also "depend" on the water from the Black Hills. Since, the ground water actually "recharges the aquifer", which services their communities. Recently, the geologists have been trying to find other groundwater sources. This way, they can ease pressure cause by the "increasing population" in these two states.
Drying up
With the "1980's drought", the state officials began noticing how important resources in the black hills were. The officials had no choice, but set "water management" laws in each city or they would run out of water. However, the "rapidly expanding population" caused a further strain on the future availability resources. According to USDI (2007), the "periodic droughts" have caused the water table to drop each year. Unfortunately, this non-renewable resource is a slowly drying up the cities groundwater and aquifers. So far, the research shows that these cities will face drought conditions in the future...unless something is done now.
Possible Hazards
In South Dakota, mining is a way of life for so many families in the South Dakota and Wyoming. The mountains are full of valuable "minerals" and "timber" that is being strip mined in the name of progress. This practice is creating "sink holes" that causing structural "damage to houses" and "language". Additionally, these sinkholes can "contaminate" the local drinking water or cause devastating "landslides" . Now, each community is looking for a way to reduce the potential hazards that they face.
Nature's Masterpiece
Scenic Paradise
These naturally sculpted caverns were discovered by the "Lakota Indians", who used the hills as "hunting grounds". According to (Pisarowicz, 2006), the Lakota Indians believed that the hills were sacred. During "Lewis and Clark's expedition" they noticed the scenic paradise, but didn't dare go closer. It wasn't until "1823", when "Jedediah Smith and a group of 15 traders" were able to explore to hills. Most "fur trappers" were told that the Indians were "hostile", which caused many to continue avoiding the hills and a confrontation. So, the Black hills remained a sacred mystery that was virtually untouched.
Historic Legacy
During the Gold rush, many reports claimed to have found gold in the Black Hills area. Soon, the mountainous terrain was filled with people, who were digging for their piece of the golden pie. Soon, the Lakota Indians were forcefully pushed off their sacred mountain and the US Army moved in. The government wanted to explore the mountains and find of what types of minerals are in the hills. Now, the "ownership of the mines" (Pisarowicz, 2006) is being debated by the Lakota Indians and the US government.
Tourist Destination
Currently, the Black Hills is a popular tourist destination for families that long for an adventure. The locals enjoy recreational activities at hill and have celebrated the history of the hills. The mountainous terrain have become home to miners that are cutting the minerals out of the earth. However, these families are in danger daily, since of "landslides and earthquakes" are a constant threat. Many locals are worried that the mining will "pollute" the rivers and kill the people that consume it every day.
Conclusion
Since its discovery, the Black hills have intrigued many generations and is believed to have a mysterious past. However, its future is still uncertain at this time, due to the groundwater drying up at alarming rate. Only time will tell, if the hills will stay productive, due to the water management practices in both states. However, the practice of mining will cause the hills to collapse or lose their value. Therefore, it is up to the current generation to save the hills and the groundwater from being destroyed.
References
Epstein, J. (2007) Hydrology, Hazards, and Geomorphic Development of Gypsum Karst in the Northern Black Hills, South Dakota and Wyoming
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on October 29, 2007
http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/karst/kigconference/jbe_hydrologyhazards.htm
Pisarowicz, J. (2006) History of the Black Hills
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on October 30, 2007
http://www.nps.gov/archive/wica/History_of_the_Black_Hills.htm
US Department of the Interior (2007) Black Hills Hydrology Study
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on October 28, 2007
http://sd.water.usgs.gov/projects/bhhs/Intro.html
Published by Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM
Crystal S. Kauffman is a Freelance Copywriter, Published Author, Poet, and Songwriter with 14 years of experience. Her chosen pen name is Imogen Rayne, since she first thought of it in 1995 and adopted the n... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentIt is amazing to me the number of natural resources that have been ruined in the name of progress. great article.
I just read your article about the housing situation and the economy. I had to read more of your articles. You write about very interesting topics!
Really interesting.
Sorry I missed your article on the front page-but belated congratulations! This is a very interesting article.
Super article. Well done!
Congrats on making the front page!
Your "click to rate content" doesn't seem to be working. I gave you a five but it didn't change. I'll try again for the third time.
Very interesting. I understand water shortage is a problem in a lot of places these days. Some parts of Texas are having a real problem that way. We're blessed with water here in eastern Oklahoma, but that could change. Right now we're drinking water from the muddy Poteau River, which tends to turn people off, so many (like us) are filtering all their water. My husband has started having a lot of dental problems since we started filtering our water a few years ago. We think our filters may be removing the flouride put in the water to protect our teeth, so he has stopped drinking filtered water.
Wow, I had no idea.