Preservation: Hold The Fort
By: Mark Boardman 11/01/2008
HIT THE ROAD
On the surface, it seems like a reasonable project—Billings County, North Dakota, officials plan to build a major road along a secluded trail in the Badlands.
The problem is that the road will run near Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, where the future president gained a better understanding of the West and conservation in the 1880s. Much of the ranch is owned by the National Parks Service. Opponents believe that traffic and construction will ruin the area.
County commissioners say the road will significantly cut down commute time, aid emergency responders and encourage economic development. They argue the road is necessary to support the region’s booming oil industry.
A public comment period ended in early August—opinion ran about 50-50 among the 800 residents of Billings County. An environmental impact study should be completed by next spring. A final decision is expected by 2010.
701-842-2333 • NPS.gov/thro
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