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 Foundation
- Philosophy Statement
The
Spearfish Canyon Foundation was established in 1989 as a nonprofit public
charity for the purposes of preserving the rich cultural heritage, protect
the natural beauty, and maintain public access and enjoyment of Spearfish
Canyon .
The
Foundation is managed by a President who reports to an eleven member Board
of Directors. The Board is comprised of people who are skilled in certain
fields of knowledge and are representative of the public at large. The
Board's purpose is to create objectives to accomplish the goals contained
within the Foundation's mission through thoughtful, caring, and fiscally
responsible programs.
The
Foundation incorporates values that are paramount to its judgments and
is called a Philosophical Statement. The Foundation has inherited an established
legacy of land stewardship from Homestake Mining Company who owned and
managed most of the private lands in Spearfish Canyon for the past one-hundred
and twenty six years.
Spearfish
Canyon is approximately 11,500 acres and is predominantly public
lands of the Black Hills National Forest . Public Access to
public lands is a reasonable condition particularly if it is within the
tolerances of the natural environment. If the public owns the land and
the public has reasonable access to the land, it follows that a public's
use and enjoyment of the land is a reasonable privilege derived from ownership
and access. The Foundation basis its judgments on the "best interests
of the public" and views the meaning of the term public in the broadest
sense to mean the People of the United States .
There
is a small amount of private lands within Spearfish
Canyon . Private property and the rights and privileges of ownership in
land, water, and mineral assets are a value bestowed in the U.S. Constitution,
and are highly regarded by the Foundation. Responsible development of
these properties within the constraints of local laws and regulations
is supported by the Foundation. The Foundation, however, discourages surface
mining in the Canyon "rim-to-rim", but understands that, unless
voluntarily restricted, may result in an adverse condemnation of property
rights which requires due compensation to the property owner. The Foundation
values the eventual public ownership of most private undeveloped lands
to be an ideal future condition for the best protection, preservation,
and enjoyment of Spearfish Canyon . The Foundation views such a transition
as voluntary transactions in land sales, trades, or gifts over an extended
length of time.
The
ecology – rich biodiversity and scenic values -
of Spearfish Canyon is of paramount importance to the Foundation.
Biodiversity and the resulting visual qualities must be maintained, and
further enhanced, were feasible. Public activities and residential/ commercial
development must be responsible and environmentally sound, and constantly
balanced with the natural environment to best serve the long term interests
of the public. Spearfish Canyon with its vast and varied natural resources
is a monument to man and nature's peaceful coexistence. The Foundation
views the meaning of the term natural resources in its broadest sense
to mean timber, mineral, grazing, water course and quality, geologic formations,
vegetation, wildlife, and air quality.
Economic
development – tourism and recreation – is dependant on a healthy
ecology, and would be severally diminished by an imbalance. Spearfish
Canyon is the fourth most popular attraction in the Black Hills with nearly
a million people visiting annually. The Foundation values Spearfish Canyon
as it would a National or State Park. In a Park scenario, the infrastructure
would include but limit public roadways, hiking trails, lodging
and eating facilities, a gift shop, an interpretive center and outdoor
area, and public restrooms. Education through
interpretation is a value of high regard to the Foundation. The public's
motivation to involve itself in Canyon affairs is, most often, the appreciation
they derived from their personal experiences. Interpretation of the scenic
and unique landscape, wildlife, and cultural history is a major activity
of the Foundation, and presents itself in many forms from nature hiking
trails to cultural displays and self-guided tour brochures.
 There
is a rich cultural heritage within Spearfish Canyon
. Many different nations of Native Americans lived in the Black Hills
before the arrival of the settlers. The discovery of gold in 1876 brought
a change in culture as America expanded westward to explore new and exciting
opportunities. The transition of cultures and the developing American
culture caused conflicts in lifestyles and values, and from its hardships
and struggles developed many famous persons and events which shaped the
future of America in South Dakota . The Foundation values the sacrifices
and contributions of the people who created and nurtured the formation
of modern civilization. The Foundation has erected many different mining
and historic exhibits in their Cultural Center . The new Lodge features
the culture of the western plains, and a number of outdoor cultural exhibits
are planned for the future. The Foundation values the 86-year tradition
of visitor accommodations that have been part of the Canyon culture since
1909 when McLauglin Sawmill was converted to the Glendoris, the first
vacation resort in the Canyon. In 1919 the named was changed to Latchstring
Inn. By then, the area consisted of a restaurant, gift shop, sleeping
rooms, six cottages, mercantile store, post office, and a railroad station.
The
Foundation values partnerships through public input
and public support on all issues related to the affairs of Spearfish Canyon
. People who visit the Canyon are inspired by its unique formation and
scenic view, and instinctively adopt the Canyon as their own. This phenomena
and the fact that over 90% of the Canyon is public land, requires that
a thoughtful, caring, and, often, lengthy approach and review of issues
is necessitated to best serve the long range needs of the people and the
protection and preservation of the Canyon environment and its culture.
Whenever possible, the Foundation will join in partnerships with federal,
state and county agencies, other nonprofit charities, and individuals/groups
to formulate, plan, develop, and finance the management of Spearfish Canyon
affairs.
Political
Action activities are not part of the Foundation's purpose or
desire. The Foundation is prohibited by law as a non-profit public charity
to involve itself in candidate issues, and even though the law permits
"minimal" legislative lobbying activities, the Foundation will
rarely participate in lobbying of any kind except for defensive and preservation
purposes. Political issues often polarize people and inevitably substantially
restrict and constrain broad public support. It is the Foundation's desire
to proceed with various concept developments in a low key and confidential
manner until a plan is fully developed and presentable to the public for
comment and scrutiny. Foundation members will occasionally meet with legislatures
to inform and enlighten.
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