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STRONGHOLD TABLE |
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"The Stronghold District, also known as the South Unit, of Badlands National
Park is comprised of lands on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation owned by
the Oglala Sioux Tribe and managed by the National Park Service under an
agreement with the Tribe. The 133,300 acres of the Stronghold District were
added to Badlands National Monument in 1976, prior to the monument
becoming a park in 1978. Much of the land in the Stronghold Unit was
previously used by the United States Air Force as an aerial gunnery range
during World War II. Dominated by rugged badlands interspersed with
mixed-grass prairie, the Stronghold District is less developed than the North
Unit of the Park. There are currently few paved surfaces. Little of the National Park Service managed area is accessible by road. With the exception
of Sheep Mountain Table, those hoping to explore the Stronghold District
must obtain permission from individual land owners prior to crossing their
land to reach the park."
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Council adjourned before the excavation issue was addressed. Therefor the proposed dig will take place Aug.12-14. On July 26th, Tribal PresidentJohn Yellow Bird Steele invited Oglala Oyate to come to his office on Mon,. July 29th to discuss the excavation. On July 31st, the Oyate are having a Lakota Gathering on Stronghold with attorneys who will give directives on what legal courses should be taken. Any legal assistance regarding our efforts would be greatly appreciated.
HEADLINES AND NEWS Badlands fossil dig mired in history: Rapid City Journal 8/5/2002
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