Rochford Exploratory drill pad and access route area closure

Beginning April 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. through August 1, 2026, the Rochford Exploratory drill pads and their temporary access routes will be closed to the public.  This is to protect public health and safety due to the nature of the operations.

There will be heavy machinery operations occurring at these locations. Officials said the safest course of action is to temporarily close these areas due to the heavy equipment being utilized.

Signs and flagging will be posted at each area that is closed during operations and removed when operations cease.

The Rochford Exploratory Drill Pad and Access Route Area Closure Order No. BKF-187-2026 including maps, can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website. For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.