the purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding

8/7/2019 The Purpose of the Memorial is to Communicate the Founding

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"The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation, and

unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and

Theodore Roosevelt." Gutzon Borglum

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is host to almost three million visitors a year from

across the country and around the world. They come to marvel at the majestic beauty of theBlack Hills of South Dakota and to learn about the birth, growth, development and the

preservation of our country. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has grown in fame as a

symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and a hope for people from all cultures and

backgrounds.

All the cultures that make up the fabric of this country are represented by the memorial and

surrounding Black Hills. One of the most important gifts we can give our visitors at Mount

Rushmore National Memorial is an understanding and love for our nation's history and

cultures and an appreciation of the importance of caring for that legacy.

People

Learn more about the life of Gutzon Borglum and his other works.

Lincoln Borglum was his father's right hand man on this project the unsung hero of this project.

NPS PHOTO

Doane Robinson 1856-1946

Doane Robinson is known as the “Father of Mount Rushmore.” It was his idea for colossal carvings in the

Black Hills. He wanted to create an attraction that would draw people from all over the country to his

state. In August of 1924 he contacted Gutzon Borglum who was working at Stone Mountain, GA on the

face of Robert E. Lee. In his letter Robinson invited Borglum to visit South Dakota and talk over the

possibility of carving a mountain. Borglum took Robinson up on his offer and met with him during

September of 1924 and again in August of 1925. During this second trip Borglum found Mount

Rushmore. From that point on Robinson worked diligently to secure funding for the project. Doane

Robinson’s idea was a success.

JOHN BOLAND FAMILY

John Boland 1884-1958

John Boland became interested in the Mount Rushmore project through Doane Robinson in 1925. He wasvery active in raising funds. It was Mr. Boland that kept the Rushmore project from running up bills it

could not pay. Trustworthy and hard working he was the one that had to handle the unpaid creditors

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until the treasury was replenished.

NPS PHOTO

William Williamson 1875-1972

Congressman William Williamson was the driving force in getting money appropriated from Congress for

the construction of the memorial. He was the one who convinced President Coolidge to come visit the

Black Hills for a summer vacation in 1927. He also served as a member of the Mount Harney Memorial

Society in 1925 until the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society was created by legislation in

1929. He served as secretary, vice-president, and president of the Society.

SD STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Peter Norbeck 1870-1936

Senator Peter Norbeck was a champion of Mount Rushmore and all of South Dakota. He was a political

leader with a vision for the future of South Dakota. A tireless campaigner for Mount Rushmore, Norbeck

orchestrated the political and legislative means to provide federal support in times when funding was

difficult to obtain.

NPS PHOTO

Charles E. Rushmore, the mountain bears his name.

RUSHMORE, BISBEE & STERN61 BROADWAY, NEW YORK

December 14, 1925

RE: RUSHMORE MOUNTAIN: OR RUSHMORE ROCK



Dear Sir:

My friend, Mr. Lawrence F. Abbott, of The Outlook, has handed to me your letter tohim of October 10, 1925, relating to the project of sculpting Rushmore Mountain, or

Rushmore Rock, in the Black Hills of South Dakota; and, since then, I have seen a copy of

your letter of November 28, 1925, to Mr. Julian Blount, of Redfield South Dakota, concerning

the naming of the mountain.

No doubt it will interest you to have accurate data on that subject.

In your letter to Mr. Blount you say: "Rushmore Rock was named for Mr. Rushmore,

a lawyer of Philadelphia who was interested in the Etta Mine." I am the lawyer in question,

though of New York City, and not of Philadelphia.Late in 1883 the discovery of tin in the

Black Hills was brought to the attention of a group of gentlemen in New York City and

excited their interest. I was a youthful attorney at the time, and was employed by these

gentlemen early in 1884 to go to the Black Hills and secure options on the Etta mine, andother cassiterite locations. My mission required me to remain several weeks in the Hills, and

to return there on two or three later occasions in that year and in 1885. Part of my time was

spent among prospectors at Harney, and at a log cabin built in that neighborhood. In my life

among these rough, but kindly, men I conformed to their ways, and, may I say it with

becoming modesty, was in favor with them.

I was deeply impressed with the Hills, and particularly with a mountain of granite rock

that rose above the neighboring peaks. On one occasion while looking from near its base, with

almost awe, at this majestic pile, I asked of the men who were with me for its name. They said

it had no name, but one of them spoke up and said "We will name it now, and name it

Rushmore Peak." That was the origin of the name it bears, and, as I have been informed, it is

called Rushmore Peak, Rushmore Mountain and also Rushmore Rock.Some time after the incident above narrated I was told that the name and identification

of the Rock, or Mountain, was recorded in the Land Office in Washington at the instance of

some of the good friends referred to, but I have never sought to verify this feet.

As you well say in your letter to Mr. Abbott this Rock is unique and lends itself

admirably to a national monument of the kind you have suggested. I trust you may succeed in

carrying out the proposed design.

Very truly yours,

Charles Edward Rushmore

Hon. Doane Robinson,

Superintendent, Department of History

Pierre, South Dakota

Stories

WHY THESE FOUR PRESIDENTS?

George Washington,(1st president) led the early colonists in the American Revolutionary War to win

independence from Great Britain. He was the father of the new country and laid the foundation of



American democracy. Because of his importance, Washington is the most prominent figure on the

mountain. (1732-1799) Washington Birthplace

"Believing that a representative government, responsible at short periods of election, is that which

produces the greatest sum of happiness to mankind, I feel it a duty to do no act which shall essentially

impair that principle." George Washington

Thomas Jefferson, (3rd president) he was the author of the Declaration of Independence, a document

which inspires democracies around the world. He also purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in

1803 which doubled the size of our country, adding all or part of fifteen present-day states. (1743-

1826) Jefferson Memorial...

"We act not for ourselves but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether

man can be trusted with self - government." Thomas Jefferson

Theodore Roosevelt, (26th president) provided leadership when America experienced rapid economic

growth as it entered the 20th Century. He was instrumental in negotiating the construction of the

Panama Canal, linking the east and the west. He was known as the "trust buster" for his work to end

large corporate monopolies and ensure the rights of the common working man. (1858-

1919) Birthplace... Inaugural... Sagamore Hill... TR Nat. Park...

"The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his

weight - that he shall not be a mere passenger." Theodore Roosevelt

Abraham Lincoln, (16th president) held the nation together during its greatest trial, the Civil War.

Lincoln believed his most sacred duty was the preservation of the union. It was his firm conviction that

slavery must be abolished. (1809-1865). Boyhood Home... Lincoln Home... Lincoln Memorial...

"I leave you hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be adoubt that all men are created free and equal." Abraham Lincoln

To learn more about these four presidents and all the others follow this link to the White House.

Memorial History

Getting this project underway was a challenge all by itself. Once Robinson and others

had found a sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, they had to get permission to do the carving.

Senator Peter Norbeck and Congressman William Williamson were instrumental in

getting the legislation passed to allow the carving. Williamson drafted two bills, one

each, to be introduced to Congress and the State Legislature. The bill requesting

permission to use Federal land for the monument was easily passed. The bill sent to

the State of South Dakota was not going to be so easy. The Mount Harney National

Memorial bill was defeated twice and almost a third time when on March 5, 1925

Governor Gunderson signed the bill. The Mount Harney Memorial Association was

established by the Governor later that summer.

Early in the project money was hard to find despite Borglum's promise easternbusinessmen would gladly make large donations. He also promised the people of

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South Dakota they would not be responsible for paying for any of the mountain

carving. In the summer of 1927, President Calvin Coolidge was in the Black Hills, and

Borglum was planning a formal dedication of the mountain. Borglum hired a plane to

fly over the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park where Coolidge was staying. As

he flew by Borglum dropped a wreath to invite the President to the dedicationceremony. Fortunately Coolidge agreed to attend. On August 10, 1927 Mount

Rushmore was formally dedicated. At the dedication ceremony President Coolidge

gave a speech and promised federal funding for the project.

A meeting was arranged for Borglum to meet with the Secretary of the Treasury,

Andrew Mellon. Mellon's approval would be critical to the passage of the Mount

Rushmore National Memorial Act through both houses of Congress. Borglum

convinced Mellon of the projects importance. Mellon was willing to fund the entire

project but Borglum said he would need only half the money from the government on

a matching basis, the rest, he could raise privately. Senator Norbeck was stunned that

Borglum would turn down full funding.

President Coolidge signed the bill authorizing federal funding. The Rushmore bill

authorized government matching funds up to $250,000.00 and created the Mount

Rushmore National Memorial Commission with 12 members appointed by the

President. Coolidge appointed ten of the twelve members and said Hoover should

appoint the other two.

When Hoover took office he quickly appointed the final two members to the

commission but did not meet with the Commission. The Commission had to meet with

the president to begin work. Congressman Williamson was asked to make an

appointment with the president, asking him to organize the Commission meeting.

Frustrated by the slow pace, Borglum decided he would try to get in to see the

President. When he got to the White House he got into an altercation with the

President's secretary and Williamson's appointment was cancelled. Eventually

Williamson got in to see the President, convinced him of the importance of the project

and getting the first meeting of the Commission set up. Hoover met with the

Commission within a couple of days. Officers were elected and the day following the

meeting Williamson and Boland, the secretary of the executive committee, went to

Mellon and received the first funding from the government. Mellon gave them

$54,670.56 to match funds already spent by the Mount Harney Association.

One notable exclusion from the new Mount Rushmore National Memorial Commission

was Doane Robinson. The father of the project was not even put on the list of

potential candidates to serve on the committee to be selected by the President.Robinson continued to support the project and generously offered, "Let me help were

I can." Soon, feeling unnecessary, Robinson moved away from the Rushmore project.

The Commission was organized and money was in the bank, work on the mountain

could begin in earnest. Workers were hired, machinery was installed and facilities

were developed. In the 1930's Norbeck managed to get emergency relief-funds

through the New Deal and to get those funds matched by the Rushmore

Appropriation.

In 1933 a major change developed with the signing of Executive Order 6166 by

President Franklin Roosevelt. Mount Rushmore was placed under the jurisdiction of

the National Park Service. Borglum did not like being under the "watchful eye of the

government". Julian Spotts, an engineer by training, was sent by the National Park



Service to assist with the work. Spotts made improvements that made work on the

mountain more efficient and easier on the workers.

In 1938 Borglum removed all road blocks to his complete control of the Rushmore

project. At this time the Mount Rushmore Memorial Commission was reorganized andnew members, who allowed Borglum complete control over almost everything, were

named. Borglum wanted to create the Hall of Records, a large repository carved into

the side of the canyon behind the carving of the presidents, to tell the story of Mount

Rushmore and America. Work was stopped in 1939 because of the threat of losing all

funding if the money was not used on the carving of the faces as was intended. Work

on the Hall of Records stopped and was never started again.

For the final two years of the project Lincoln, Borglum's son, was in charge while

Gutzon was constantly trying to get more money for the project. In March of 1941, as

a final dedication was being planned, Gutzon Borglum died. With the artist gone and

the impending involvement of America in World War II, finishing work on Mount

Rushmore drew to a close. On October 31, 1941 the monument was declaredcomplete.

Receiving permission to do the carving, finding funding and managing personalities

were all a part of the challenge to establish Mount Rushmore National Memorial. At

times it seemed harder to keep the project going than it was to do the colossal

carving of the four presidents. In the end, cooler heads, charm, and determination

saw the memorial through to the end. Mount Rushmore National Memorial has

become a great icon of American history.

Historical Letters and Legislation

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.

South Dakota State Historian Doane Robinson.

South Dakota State Historian, Doane Robinson, was the first to contact Sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, in 1924 to talk ove

mountain carving in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Read Doane Robinson's letter to Gutzon Borglum letter. PDF





CHARLES D'EMERY

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum's reply to Doane Robinson telegram PDF

Carving History

October 4, 1927 - October 31, 1941

Mount Rushmore is a project of colossal proportion, colossal ambition and colossal

achievement. It involved the efforts of nearly 400 men and women. The duties

involved varied greatly from the call boy to drillers to the blacksmith to the

housekeepers. Some of the workers at Mount Rushmore were interviewed, and were

asked, "What is it you do here?" One of the workers responded and said, "I run a

jackhammer." Another worker responded to the same question, " I earn $8.00 a

day." However, a third worker said, "I am helping to create a Memorial." The third

worker had an idea of what they were trying to accomplish.

The workers had to endure conditions that varied from blazing hot to bitter cold and

windy. Each day they climbed 700 stairs to the top of the mountain to punch-in on

the time clock. Then 3/8 inch thick steel cables lowered them over the front of the500 foot face of the mountain in a "bosun chair". Some of the workers admitted

being uneasy with heights, but during the Depression, any job was a good job.

The work was exciting, but dangerous, 90% of the mountain was carved using

dynamite . The powdermen would cut and set charges of dynamite of specific sizes

to remove precise amounts of rock.

Before the dynamite charges could be set off, the workers would have to be cleared

from the mountain. Workers in the winch house on top of the mountain would hand

crank the winches to raise and lower the drillers. If they went too fast, the drillers in

their bosun chairs would be dragged up on their faces. To keep this from happening,

young men and boys were hired as call boys. Call boys sat at the edge of the

mountain and shout messages back and forth assuring safety. During the 14 years





of construction not one fatality occurred.

Dynamite was used until only three to six inches of rock was left to remove to get to

the final carving surface. At this point, the drillers and assistant carvers would drill

holes into the granite very close together. This was called honeycombing. Theclosely drilled holes would weaken the granite so it could be removed often by hand.

Visitors would become very interested in the honeycomb granite and would ask,

"How can I get a piece of rock like that?"

The hoist operator would respond, "Oh, I can't give that away. I'm holding onto it

for a buddy of mine that works up on the mountain."

The visitor would respond, " I'll pay, I'll give you $2.00 for it."

The hoist operator's reply was, "Nope, nope, I'd really catch if I gave away my

buddies piece of granite."

Well the visitors were very determined to get a piece of that granite. They would

make another offer. "I'll give you $6.00 for that piece of honeycomb granite.

Well, the hoist operator would pretend to pause and think about it... then he wouldsay, "Alright for $6.00 I'm willing to take the heat."

The hoist operator would give the visitors the piece of Honeycomb granite and take

their $6.00. The visitor would leave very pleased with their rare and hard won

souvenir. The hoist operator would wait until he was sure the visitors were gone,

then he would get on the phone going to the top of the mountain and he would say,

"Boys send down another one!"Another piece of honeycomb granite was sent down,

ready for the next visitor looking for a special souvenir from Mount Rushmore.

After the honeycombing, the workers smoothed the surface of the faces with a hand

facer or bumper tool. In this final step, the bumper tool would even up the granite,

creating a surface as smooth as a sidewalk.

From 1927 to 1941 the 400 workers at Mount Rushmore were doing more than

operating a jackhammer, they were doing more than earning $8.00 a day, they

were building a Memorial that people from across the nation and around the world

would come to see for generations.

Nature and science

There is more to Mount Rushmore than meets the eye, use all five of your senses to discover

the little known wonders hidden below the sculpture of the four presidents. Mount Rushmore

is located in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota. The Black Hills are also called the

"Island in the Prairie," because they are an island of granitic hills surrounded by a prairie sea.

Take your time and view the great biological diversity that Mount Rushmore offers. On a

typical day you might see several different species of wildflowers, deer, mountain goats,

chipmunks and turkey vultures.

Animals



NPS PHOTO

Baby Mountain Goat

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT (Oreamnos americanus) Rocky Mountain Goats demand a very

specialized habitat. These skillful climbers inhabit the craggy granite core of the Black Hills.

Mountain goats are not native to the Black Hills. The population can be traced to six goats, a gift to

Custer State Park by Canada in 1924, that escaped from their pens and found their home among

the Black Hills granite peaks. There are now more than 200 mountain goats in the area. They have

long, shaggy white coats that contrast sharply with their black horns, nose and hooves. Themountain goat's hooves are very soft to allow very steep climbing.

Amphibians

Amphibians, like the three frogs found at Mt Rushmore, go through many changes on their way to

becoming adults. Once the eggs are attached to submerged grass or twigs they will hatch in a few

days. Tadpoles, newly hatched frogs, grow rapidly and feed on algae that grow on submergedobjects. By June most tadpoles have legs and have the appearance of small froglets. Froglets that

survive will hibernate until spring when the warmer temperatures bring them out again.

Striped Chorus Frog

The Striped Chorus frog is a small frog only measuring about 1 ½ inches. They can be found in a

variety of habitats including marshes, meadows, and other open areas, and are most active at night

or in moist weather. Breeding season begins in mid-March and continues through late May. Females

lay 500-1500 eggs that attach to submerged grasses or sticks, with hatching occurs in 3-14 days.

Striped chorus frogs eat a variety of small invertebrates including ants, flies, beetles, moths,

caterpillars, and spiders. These frogs are important ecologically because they help control insect

population where they live, but they also act as a critical indicator species.

Western Chorus Frog

The Western Chorus frog is another small frog measuring only ¾-1 ½ inches. Their habitat is often

in or near areas of shallow, often temporary, bodies of water, but also can be found in grassy areas,



woodlands, and swamps. Breeding season begins in mid-March and runs through late May. The

female lays 500-1500 eggs and hatching occurs in 3-14 days. Western Chorus frogs eat ants,

moths, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates. This frog also acts as a critical indicator species.

It is valuable in determining the overall health of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Due to its

thin skin it is very susceptible to contaminants and can indicate high levels of pollution in areas

where changes in ecology or morphology occur.

Northern Leopard Frog

The Northern Leopard Frog is a medium sized frog that ranges in length from 2-5 inches. They are

found in a variety of habitats including lakes, streams, ponds, and marshes. These frogs are

common in backyards in the summer. Breeding season begins in the spring when the air

temperatures are above 68 F in mid-March or early April. Females will release 3000-6000 eggs

which attach to twigs or plants and will hatch in about two weeks. Northern Leopard Frogs will eat

grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, non-aquatic insects, and other frogs. The Leopard Frog is

experiencing a drop in numbers due to a variety of factors, including harvesting for bait, increased

pesticide use, and loss of habitat.

Frogs are unique creatures; they have a combination of physical and biological characteristics that

make them sensitive to changes in the environment such as pollution and loss of habitat. Frogs also

have venom glands that act as protection against predators secreting irritants or toxins that may

cause a predator to drop the frog from its mouth if it is picked up or bitten. The unpleasantexperience may deter that predator from bothering that type of frog again. Since frogs prefer areas

that are moist, it may be difficult to see one on your visit, but if you listen closely at night in the late

spring you just might here the call of a male frog.

Plants

Like the smell of fresh cut grass tells you that there is grass growing in the yard, your sense of

smell, can clue you into some of the plants you will find at Mount Rushmore. Some

wildflowers have evolved to have very pleasant and sweet smells to attract pollinators likes

bees and butterflies and other plants smell sour or rotten to attract different pollinators likeflies. Trees and grasses can have distinct smells also. Smell can help you to discover

something new. The Black Hills are a very unique ecosystem. Several plant ranges overlap

here. You can find plants from areas north, south, east and west growing in the Black Hills.

Only about 5% of the plant species in the hills are indigenous to the area. The Ponderosa pine

is a tree that grows commonly in the western United States. Using your sense of smell you

can easily identify the Ponderosa pine trees that dominate the landscape in the Black Hills.

Look for a tall pine tree with reddish bark. If it has long needles you may have a Ponderosa

pine. Now walk right up to the tree and smell the bark. Does it smell sweet, kind of like

vanilla or butterscotch? You have a Ponderosa pine! Your sense of smell can help you

identify plants at home and elsewhere.



Trees and Shrubs

A young Ponderosa pine can grow from a crack in a boulder because of its many adaptation for

collecting water.

If you walk through the forest in the cool of a summer evening and smell the air it may smell sweet.

That is the sent of the Ponderosa pine trees. They have a sweet smell like vanilla or butterscotch.

Ponderosa pine is the primary tree in the Black Hills around Mount Rushmore. Ponderosa pine trees

are well adapted to the environment that they grow in. You can find Ponderosas in the Black Hills,

across the Rocky Mountains and westward to California. Ponderosas can tolerate drier conditions. In

the Black Hills Ponderosa pines are found on dry, rocky, slopes, especially south facing slopes. Other

species of pine like the Douglas fir, which is a western forest climax tree, can not tolerate the drier

climate here. The Ponderosa pine forest community has evolved with cycles of drought and fire to

become home to a variety of species.

In the Black Hill a Ponderosa pine forest is the climax forest community. A climax community is the

final stage of biotic succession attainable by a plant community. If there is a disturbance in the

Ponderosa community, forest succession will start again from an earlier stage. A blow down or pine

bark beetle infestation in an area can cause a break in the Ponderosa climax community. In this

newly opened area other species of trees and plants will start to grow. Grasses, shrubs and quaking

aspen are introductory species. They are the first plant species to colonize a disturbed area. The

quaking aspen is a short-lived tree. Individual trees may only live 30 to 50 years before they start to

die. In the Western United States, including the Black Hills, Aspens reproduce with suckers. Suckers

are new trees that grow from the parent rootstock. The parent rootstock produces a genetic twin or

clone. Every tree growing in a stand is likely a clone. Cloning gives aspens a head start over other

tree seedlings that start out with tiny rootlets to provide them with nutrients. The aspens will

continue to clone until the Ponderosas begin to reseed. The aspen seedlings can not tolerate the

shade created by the Ponderosas. Soon the Ponderosas take over the area and a climax forest is

developed again and will maintain until the next major disturbance.

A typical characteristic of a climax Ponderosa pine forest is an open understory. The understory is

kept clean of debris and shade tolerant species by periodic fires. Historically in the Black Hills, fires

occurred in a particular area about every 27 years. This fire record was obtained from tree core

samples. Fire scars found in the growth rings give researchers a timeline to calculate the date of a

fire. These fires were often ground fires that would clean up forest debris and remove shade tolerant

species that might compete with young ponderosas for space and sunlight. Major conflagrations

could occur but were uncommon.

During times of drought, Ponderosas are well adapted to get water and moisture whenever possible.

As with most plants, the roots are the primary tool for getting water. Where the soil is deep enough

the roots may go down 36 feet and spread to a circumference of 100 feet around the tree. The open

space in a Ponderosa forest is important. Each tree needs ample space to collect water. However,

when there is a drought the small amount of precipitation may not be enough. Another way to obtain

moisture must be used. The needles of a ponderosa have a thick skin and breathing pores or

stomata recessed into the skin. The stomata are the openings in the needles through which

transpiration, the exchange of gases, occurs. The Ponderosa's stomata are adapted to conserve and

obtain moisture. The well-protected stomata decrease potential moisture loss from desiccating

winds. The stomata also take in moisture and send it through the tree to the roots. When there is

fog or dew the stomata will open and take in water vapor from the air to water the tree. This allows

the Ponderosa to survive in dry environments and even grow from cracks in boulders.



Ponderosa pines create a forest community like your neighborhood. From under the soil to the crown

of the trees there are organisms living together and depending on each other. The plants and

animals that live in the Ponderosa pine forest have developed unique niches for living in the forest.

Birds are likely the first animals you think of when talking about trees. Small songbirds and members

of the woodpecker family find shelter in the standing dead trees in the Ponderosa forest. Nuthatches,

northern flickers and hairy woodpeckers will carve out cavities in standing dead trees for nesting

sites. The living trees provide a food source for these species and others. In the tree's layered bark a

plethora of insect life make their homes. The nuthatches, woodpeckers, flickers, brown creepers and

other birds will feed on these insects. The pygmy nuthatch and the brown creeper work the bark in

opposite directions to harvest this abundant food source without competing with each other. As the

brown creeper creeps up the tree searching for insects under the bark, the pygmy nuthatch is

coming down the tree searching the bark from the opposite direction. These insects living in the bark

are also an important food source for birds and small mammals during the winter when other food

sources are scarce.

Red squirrels, mice, wood rats and chipmunks also depend on the trees for food. The seeds in the

cones are a source of protein in the animal's diet. Porcupines mainly subsists on tree cambium, thesweet layer just under the bark that transports nutrient throughout the tree. Porcupines can girdle a

tree and kill it. This, however, opens the forest for introductory species or young climax species

growth. Every member of the forest community has a role to play. The habitat created by a healthy

Ponderosa pine forest maintained by fire is important to ungulates like deer and elk. The open park

like landscape with grassy meadows interspersed creates forage for these animals. During the heat

of summer the grasses below the Ponderosas are still greener and provide food for elk as they make

their altitudinal migration to higher elevations during the hotter weather. During the winter months

white-tailed and mule deer will forage on young seedlings.

A healthy, well-developed forest community will include a mosaic of vegetation types. Aspen, birch,

oak and spruce also grow in the forests of the Black Hills and create different smaller forest

communities in areas. Many of the drainages with perennial streams support the spruce and oak

communities. In Spearfish Canyon, about an hour north of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills spruce is

the climax tree in the upper part of the canyon. The spruce/oak understory has thick undergrowth of

shrubs. In the low areas wet grass meadows form. Beaver ponds are common as well. The Black

Hills have a very diverse forest community from the open Ponderosa climax forest to the cooler

moister spruce and oak woods of the canyons.

There are many wonders at Mount Rushmore besides the four presidents carved on the mountain.

Flowers found at Mount Rushmore

National Memorial

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

Blooms late June – August

Uses: This flower was used by many Native Americans. An adhesive

substance (poultice) was used to treat skin disorders. The plant also was

used to make eyewash, nose drops, foot wash, and the flower heads

were rubbed on rawhide bags for waterproofing.

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Blooms July – August

Uses: Native American used the leaves to treat rashes under the arm pits.

Leaves were also used to treat swollen glands; the flowers were rubbed

on sores. The smoke produced by burning the plants was used to treatasthma and bronchitis.



False Dandelion (Agoseris glauca)

Blooms June – August

Uses: This plant produced a sap which the Native Americans used to clean

their teeth.

Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon glaber)

Blooms Late May – July

Uses: Several tribes took the leaves of this plant and made an adhesive

substance out of them and used it to treat snakebites. A tea was also made

from the leaves to treat cramps.

Wild Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blooms: June – August

Uses: Many Native American tribes used the seeds of this plant to add

flavor to their food. The flower tops were also used to make eyewash.

Purple Prairie Clover (Petalostemum purpureum)

Blooms: June - August

Uses: The Plains tribes chewed the roots of this plant like gum. They also

used the clover to make tea.

Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea angustifolia)

Blooms: June - July

Uses: This plant was a mainstay for Native Americans. It was used for

many things from treating headaches, stomach aches, and sore throats, to

snakebites.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Blooms: June - August

Uses: The Native Americans used this plant to make a tea that was used to

treat colds.

Wooly Vervain (Verbena stricta)

Blooms: July - September Uses: Many Native tribes made a tea out of this plant for enjoyment and

also to treat stomach problems.

Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Blooms: Late July – September

Uses: The seeds of this plant provided many tribes with a food source.

They could be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.

Prairie Cone Flower (Rudbeckia columnifera)

Blooms: July – September Uses: A tea was made from this plant by many Native tribes to treat



headaches. The yellow petals were also used to make a yellow dye.

Western Dock (Rumex occidentalis)

Blooms July – August

Uses: Many Native tribes used the leaves of this plant in a sweat bath totreat rheumatism. They also took the plant and made an adhesive

substance which could be used to treat cuts and wounds.

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Environmental factors

If you took a long deep breath while visiting Mount Rushmore what would you smell? Nothing? Look at

the picture to the right for a view from Mount Rushmore to the east toward the plains. How far could you

see? 15-20 miles? More? On a clear day at Mount Rushmore you can see over 40 miles out onto the

plains and the air would smell fresh and clean. There are factors though that could change the view in

the future. Natural events like fault movement, fire and rivers can cause change, but outside influences

can have an effect as well. Dust, pollution, light and noise that come to Mount Rushmore from distant

places on the wind or with the weather change the local environment. It is the mission of the National

Park Service to conserve and protect National Park Sites for the enjoyment of present and future

generations. This means the National Park Service has the job of keeping these natural and culturalwonders in pristine condition, so you can come and enjoy these places again and again.

Geologic Activity

The geologic forces of heat, pressure, deposition, uplift and erosion have combined with millions of

years of time to create the spectacular setting for the carving of Mount Rushmore. The rocks which

form and surround the memorial are part of the “crystalline core” of the Black Hills, the oldest rocks

inSouth Dakota and among the oldest in the western United States.

There are two distinct stories to tell - the origin of the rocks and the creation of the current

topography. The rocks are ancient, the topography is relatively recent.

Origin of the Rocks

There are two main types of rock at Mount Rushmore, very old granite and much older metamorphic

rocks.

Precambrian Sediments

The metamorphic rocks we now see began as sediments at the bottom of a shallow sea during thePrecambrian period - sometime between 1.6 and 2.5 billion years ago. Dates this old are very

difficult to determine precisely, mainly because they pre-date all life on the earth. What is now

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western South Dakota was then near the edge of a sea. Because there was no plant life to hold the

forces of erosion in check, erosive forces acted much faster during the Precambrian. Vast quantities

of sand and clay were washed down into the sea.

The pressure of its own weight eventually turned this sand and clay into sandstone and shale.Eventually these sandstone and shale formations reached a thickness of several miles.

Formation of the Granite

About 1.6 billion years ago a great mass of molten rock began to rise from deep within the earth’s

crust. As this mass cooled (still well underground) it formed the granite which is now the core of

theBlack Hills. The molten rock cooled unevenly, forming both blocks of relatively fine grained rock

(quick cooling) and, more commonly, blocks of coarse grained pegmatite (slow cooling). A large

block of fine grained granite now forms the upper portion of Mount Rushmore, which provided an

excellent carving medium for Gutzon Borglum.

Metamorphism

As this mass of molten rock rose upwards it came in contact with the older sandstone and shale. The

intense heat and pressure melted some of the sedimentary rocks and turned the rest into

metamorphic rock. The sandstone became quartzite, an extremely hard, glassy rock. The more

abundant shale became mica schist. What had once been shale now acquired a property called

schistosity, or the physical ability to break easily into thin slices. The mineral content was also

changed by the pressure as the original quartz and clay were converted into new minerals. The most

common are muscovite and biotite, but others include garnet, sillimanite, staurolite, cordierite and

feldspar. The rocks were also bent and folded. The exact contact points between the granite and the

metamorphic rocks can be seen in many places within the memorial as geologic unconformities.

These granites and metamorphic rocks (mainly mica schists) make up all of the surface rock visible

within the memorial.

Formation of the Topography

Erosion

The geologic history of the region between 1.6 billion and 500 million years ago is unknown. Either

no rocks formed during that time or none have survived. Several miles of rocks must have been

eroded from above the granite during that time, creating marine sediments which have been found

to the east of the region.

Deposition

The flanks of the Black Hills are covered with rocks which formed between 500 and 100 million years

ago. These rocks have been completely eroded away in the area of the memorial but they can be

seen on any of the roads heading away from the central Black Hills. Most of these rocks were

limestone. They were deposited in shallow seas as millions of marine organisms died and fell to the

bottom, were buried and converted to sedimentary rock. These limestone formations include the

rocks of both Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument.

Uplift

About 70 million years ago the area of the Black Hills began to uplift. This uplift

is believed to be related to the general uplift of the central Rocky Mountains. As the Black Hills began

to rise, the sedimentary rocks above the crystalline core began to crack, and then erode away. This

process of erosion is complete in the area of the memorial-only the granites, pegmatites and

metamorphic rocks of the crystalline core are still visible within the boundaries of the memorial.

Much of the material eroded from above the crystalline core was transported up to 150 miles to theeast and forms the rock layers now being eroded again at Badlands National Park.



Modern Topography

Mount Rushmore is here today because the granite erodes very slowly compared to the surrounding

rocks. In the area of the memorial the hard granite creates mountains or hills and the equally tough

quartzite forms knife ridges. The less resistant mica schist tends to be eroded into canyons and

gullies.

Erosive Forces

The primary erosive forces in action today are wind, rain, snow and frost wedging. The forces of wind

and weather slowly eat away at the rocks of the memorial. However, the granite is extremely

resistant. The rate of erosion on the granite faces has been estimated at only 1/10 inch per one

thousand years.

A more significant erosional force in the Black Hills is frost wedging. Granite has natural cracks in it.

If water gets into the cracks it expands as temperatures dip below freezing - exerting great pressure

on the rock and gradually expanding the cracks. This is prevented by the caulking of cracks on the

memorial with a silicon solution that prevents water from entering the cracks.

What You See Today

The two stories of the rock at Mount Rushmore - the origin of the rock and the creation of the

current topography are as different as the rock types found here at the mountain. The granite is a

very hard rock and the mica schist is much softer. The granite was once molten rock and the mica

schist was formed as a result of the heat and pressure exerted by the molten rock. The granite

erodes very slowly at only one inch every 10,000 years, while the mica schist is eroded relatively

quickly into canyons and gullies. Water is the main erosive force threatening to make any real

change to the mountain. Water freezing over the years can wedge the blocks of rock apart. The

result of all these geologic forces created a place where a colossal carving could stand. The four

granite faces look down upon millions of visitors each year from their lofty heights and will continue

to do so for thousands of years to come.

Soundscape / Noise

Natural Sounds Program: Safeguarding the Sounds of Life

Listening to the National Parks

Elk bugling in the cool autumn air of Rocky Mountain National Park, waterfalls thundering in

Yosemite Valley, muskets firing at Gettysburg, the quiet hush among giant redwoods - these are the

sounds that make visiting our national parks a unique experience.

Natural and cultural sounds reawaken the sense of awe that connects us to the splendor of the

national park experience and have a powerful effect on our emotions, attitudes, and memories. Who

can forget the flash of adrenaline from the sound of looming whitewater or the lightning bolt that

cracked just a little too close.

The National Park Service regards these sounds as acoustical resources that must be protected.

Acoustical resources include sounds such as wildlife, waterfalls, wind, rain, historic and cultural



sounds.

The Importance of Sound

Soundscapes are essential for appreciating and enjoying park features. Our ability to see is a

powerful tool for experiencing our world, but sound adds a dimension that sight alone cannot

provide. In many cases, hearing is the only option for experiencing certain aspects of our

environment. Our ears often provide the best opportunities to find wildlife because animals can often

be heard at much greater distances than they can be seen.

Noise behaves a lot like smog in the air because it obscures sounds and reduces the listening horizon

for visitors and wildlife. Places of deep quiet are most vulnerable to noise. Therefore, wildlife in

remote wilderness areas and park visitors who journey to these quiet places are likely to be

especially sensitive to noise.

Sound and Wildlife

In the wild, the ability to hear is so important for survival that no deaf vertebrate species are known

to exist. In addition to producing sounds for communication, animals continuously detect sounds,

even when they are asleep. Losing the ability to hear those sounds because of inappropriate or

excessive noise can have serious consequences. It may mean missing the footfall of a predator or

failure to adequately compare songs from potential mates. Appropriate soundscapes are important

for animal communication, territory establishment, courtship and mating, nurturing young, and

effective use of habitat. Scientific studies have shown that wildlife can be adversely affected by highlevels of noise. Although the severity of the impacts varies depending on the species being studied

and other conditions, research has found that wildlife can suffer adverse physiological and behavioral

changes from noise and other human disturbances.

For example:

• Noise has been associated with suppression of the immune system and increased levels of

stress-related hormones in animals.

• Studies have also shown that songbirds that live in noisy places have to sing louder than

birds in quieter environments. Birds forced to sing at a higher volume have to expend

increased levels of precious energy to attract a mate or warn of predators.

• Bighorn sheep are less efficient at foraging for food when they are exposed to aircraft noise,

and mountain goats often flee from the sound of helicopters and airplanes.

• Research has demonstrated that noise can adversely affect reproductive success in caribou

and communication in whales.

When these effects are combined with the other sources of stress experienced by wildlife such as

winter weather, disease, insect harassment, and food shortages, noise can have important

implications for the health and vitality of wildlife populations within a park. By protecting the

integrity of park soundscapes, creatures big and small have a better chance of reproduction and

survival in the wild.



Hearing our Past: Cultural and Historic Sounds

A healthy soundscape is not limited to the sounds of nature. Human sounds also have an appropriate

place in the outdoors. Cultural and historic sounds are important components of many national park

units. The sound of a cannon shot echoing across a Civil War battlefield or the hypnotic drumbeat of a sacred tribal dance brings the past into the present and elicits a sense of connection to our

ancestors. Cultural and historic sounds provide insight into historic events or an earlier lifestyle,

people, or culture. Cultural and historic soundscapes are treated and managed as a park resource

and an important component of the visitor experience. Managers at cultural and historic parks strive

to preserve an acoustic setting that is consistent with the resources and values being protected.

Did you know that…

• Crickets have hearing organs in their knees.

• The ear never stops working. When we sleep, our ear keeps hearing and our brain filters out

background sounds.

• The three bones in the middle ear are the malleus, incus and stapes (or hammer, anvil and

stirrup). They are the smallest bones in the human body and are full sized when we are

born. All three could fit on a penny.

• We begin to hear in the womb at 18 weeks, while sight is the last sense to develop.

Tune in – Help us safeguard the sounds of life

There is a whole new world of sound waiting to be revealed. Here are some tips to help you becomeattentive listeners in national parks.

• Take a moment to close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. You may be

surprised by what you hear.

• Speak quietly and turn off vehicle engines whenever possible.

• Look for mute options on electronic equipment such as cell phones, watches, or cameras.

• Follow park rules on motorized recreation, and be courteous and respectful on your

motorcycle, boat, personal watercraft, or off road vehicle.

• Turn off car alarms. Disable sound on electronic door locks.

• Use alternative transportation such as shuttles when available.

• Be aware of campground quiet hours.

• Be respectful of others. The sounds you make will affect the experience of other visitors.

Encourage friends and family to do the same.

Ecosystem

Natural features and ecosystems

Cave / Karst Systems



NPS PHOTO

Boxwork, a calcite formation common in Wind Cave.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the granite core of the Black Hills. There are no caves within the

there is a ring of limestone exposed around the edge of the Black Hills that does contain numerous caves. This lim

down at the bottom of a shallow sea that covered the area about 350 million years ago. Two of these caves are Natsites, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. Check their websites for additional details

was formed and what their special features are.

NPS PHOTO BY D. LUCHSINGER

Nailhead spar calcite crystals and dripstone formations in Jewel Cave.

Jewel Cave

Forests

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A young Ponderosa pine can grow from a crack in a boulder because of its many adaptation for

collecting water.

If you walk through the forest in the cool of a summer evening and smell the air it may smell sweet.

That is the sent of the Ponderosa pine trees. They have a sweet smell like vanilla or butterscotch.

Ponderosa pine is the primary tree in the Black Hills around Mount Rushmore. Ponderosa pine trees

are well adapted to the environment that they grow in. You can find Ponderosas in the Black Hills,

across the Rocky Mountains and westward to California. Ponderosas can tolerate drier conditions. In

the Black Hills Ponderosa pines are found on dry, rocky, slopes, especially south facing slopes. Other

species of pine like the Douglas fir, which is a western forest climax tree, can not tolerate the drier

climate here. The Ponderosa pine forest community has evolved with cycles of drought and fire to

become home to a variety of species.

In the Black Hill a Ponderosa pine forest is the climax forest community. A climax community is the

final stage of biotic succession attainable by a plant community. If there is a disturbance in the

Ponderosa community, forest succession will start again from an earlier stage. A blow down or pine

bark beetle infestation in an area can cause a break in the Ponderosa climax community. In this

newly opened area other species of trees and plants will start to grow. Grasses, shrubs and quakingaspen are introductory species. They are the first plant species to colonize a disturbed area. The

quaking aspen is a short-lived tree. Individual trees may only live 30 to 50 years before they start to

die. In the Western United States, including the Black Hills, Aspens reproduce with suckers. Suckers

are new trees that grow from the parent rootstock. The parent rootstock produces a genetic twin or

clone. Every tree growing in a stand is likely a clone. Cloning gives aspens a head start over other

tree seedlings that start out with tiny rootlets to provide them with nutrients. The aspens will

continue to clone until the Ponderosas begin to reseed. The aspen seedlings can not tolerate the

shade created by the Ponderosas. Soon the Ponderosas take over the area and a climax forest is

developed again and will maintain until the next major disturbance.

A typical characteristic of a climax Ponderosa pine forest is an open understory. The understory is

kept clean of debris and shade tolerant species by periodic fires. Historically in the Black Hills, fires

occurred in a particular area about every 27 years. This fire record was obtained from tree core

samples. Fire scars found in the growth rings give researchers a timeline to calculate the date of a

fire. These fires were often ground fires that would clean up forest debris and remove shade tolerant

species that might compete with young ponderosas for space and sunlight. Major conflagrations

could occur but were uncommon.

During times of drought, Ponderosas are well adapted to get water and moisture whenever possible.

As with most plants, the roots are the primary tool for getting water. Where the soil is deep enough

the roots may go down 36 feet and spread to a circumference of 100 feet around the tree. The open

space in a Ponderosa forest is important. Each tree needs ample space to collect water. However,

when there is a drought the small amount of precipitation may not be enough. Another way to obtainmoisture must be used. The needles of a ponderosa have a thick skin and breathing pores or

stomata recessed into the skin. The stomata are the openings in the needles through which

transpiration, the exchange of gases, occurs. The Ponderosa's stomata are adapted to conserve and

obtain moisture. The well-protected stomata decrease potential moisture loss from desiccating

winds. The stomata also take in moisture and send it through the tree to the roots. When there is

fog or dew the stomata will open and take in water vapor from the air to water the tree. This allows

the Ponderosa to survive in dry environments and even grow from cracks in boulders.

Ponderosa pines create a forest community like your neighborhood. From under the soil to the crown

of the trees there are organisms living together and depending on each other. The plants and

animals that live in the Ponderosa pine forest have developed unique niches for living in the forest.

Birds are likely the first animals you think of when talking about trees. Small songbirds and members

of the woodpecker family find shelter in the standing dead trees in the Ponderosa forest. Nuthatches,



northern flickers and hairy woodpeckers will carve out cavities in standing dead trees for nesting

sites. The living trees provide a food source for these species and others. In the tree's layered bark a

plethora of insect life make their homes. The nuthatches, woodpeckers, flickers, brown creepers and

other birds will feed on these insects. The pygmy nuthatch and the brown creeper work the bark in

opposite directions to harvest this abundant food source without competing with each other. As the

brown creeper creeps up the tree searching for insects under the bark, the pygmy nuthatch is

coming down the tree searching the bark from the opposite direction. These insects living in the bark

are also an important food source for birds and small mammals during the winter when other food

sources are scarce.

Red squirrels, mice, wood rats and chipmunks also depend on the trees for food. The seeds in the

cones are a source of protein in the animal's diet. Porcupines mainly subsists on tree cambium, the

sweet layer just under the bark that transports nutrient throughout the tree. Porcupines can girdle a

tree and kill it. This, however, opens the forest for introductory species or young climax species

growth. Every member of the forest community has a role to play. The habitat created by a healthy

Ponderosa pine forest maintained by fire is important to ungulates like deer and elk. The open park

like landscape with grassy meadows interspersed creates forage for these animals. During the heatof summer the grasses below the Ponderosas are still greener and provide food for elk as they make

their altitudinal migration to higher elevations during the hotter weather. During the winter months

white-tailed and mule deer will forage on young seedlings.

A healthy, well-developed forest community will include a mosaic of vegetation types. Aspen, birch,

oak and spruce also grow in the forests of the Black Hills and create different smaller forest

communities in areas. Many of the drainages with perennial streams support the spruce and oak

communities. In Spearfish Canyon, about an hour north of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills spruce is

the climax tree in the upper part of the canyon. The spruce/oak understory has thick undergrowth of

shrubs. In the low areas wet grass meadows form. Beaver ponds are common as well. The Black

Hills have a very diverse forest community from the open Ponderosa climax forest to the cooler

moister spruce and oak woods of the canyons.

Groundwater



Melting snow helps replenish the water tables.

In the Black Hills the average annual precipitation is approximately 18 inches. This is more than the

1.92 inches received annually at Death Valley National Park but much less than the 133 inches

received in a year in the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park. Though the amount of rain that

falls here is more than falls in the desert it is not sufficient to "water" the Black Hills. Groundwater is

an important source of water for plants and animals here.

The high elevation of the area around Mount Rushmore means the watertable is charged by

precipitation. The main water carrying rock formation is mica schist. The extensive tree and plant

cover helps to control runoff, this encourages filtration of the water down into the broken and

fractured rock. In spring, when the snow is melting, this ground cover is especially helpful. The

ground cover will help to hold back runoff and offer moderate temperature control. If the snow melts

slowly more of the water will filter into the rock and will not be lost as runoff.

To discover different ways nature helps to control runoff try this experiment at home or school. You

will need two people, one to pour the water and another to run the timer or stop watch. Get a piece

of plywood and cover it with a tarp. Prop the plywood up at a gentle angle and place a pan at the

base of the plywood to catch the water. Using a 1-gallon watering can pour the water over the

surface like rain. Time how long it takes the water to run down the board into the pan. Stop your

timer when the water stops flowing. Now take a few soda cans and attach them to the tarp tosimulate tree trunks and put torn pieces of wax paper on top to represent leaves on the tree. Scatter

dirt, small twigs, leaves and pine needles over the surface of the tarp to represent forest debris.

Again use your 1-gallon watering can to pour water over the surface, remember rain will fall on the

treetops too. Time how long it takes the water to flow down slope. Which landscape did it take longer

for the water to run through down into the pan? Which example would allow more water to soak into

the ground? If you added more trees would that make a difference?

Around Mount Rushmore groundwater is used for drinking water and by the local plant and animal

life. To provide drinking water for the people who live, work and visit the Mount Rushmore a well

pumps water from the ground. The groundwater also comes to the surface on its own. Because of

gravity water will flow downhill on the surface and in the bedrock. The water will continue to flow

until it reaches the lowest point or it runs into something that will not let it pass. If there is a barrier

the water will dam up. The water in the rock around Mount Rushmore flows downthrough the rock

until it runs into granite or pegmatite dikes. The dikes act as dams and the water backs up behind

them. The water can build up until it starts to flow at the surface forming a spring. Seeps and

springs release groundwater unexpectedly from fractures in the rock as well. The seeps and springs

provide water to creeks and small pools that might otherwise dry up. These are important watering

places for the local wildlife population. The groundwater is also a water source for plant life. The

shallow watertable of the area allows plant roots and especially the large taproot of trees to get

water.

Around the Black Hills there is another interesting groundwater feature. Layers of metamorphic and

sedimentary rocks ring the central granitic core of the Black Hills. Rings of sandstone and limestone

in particular, are good rock layers for the formation of aquifers. The Madison or Pahasapa limestone

and sandstones in the upper layer of the Minnelusa formation take in and hold groundwater. These

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rock layers are exposed at elevations higher than most of the state. The rest of the rock formation

dips downslope. The down sloping will cause the water that is taken in to move downhill away from

the intake area. The water level in the aquifer will rise as more water is added. The elevation to

which the water will rise is called the potentiometric surface. This is a gently sloping line that moves

downward and away from the intake area. Where the contour of the land surface goes below this line

an artesian spring or well could form. Artesian springs are fairly common around the periphery of the

Black Hills, especially on the west side in the Red Valley.

However, there are threats to the groundwater. Increased population causes strain as do resource

development and periodic drought. The very thing that made the area popular with early settlers,

mining the areas rich mineral resources, also endangers water quality. As population increases the

need for additional water for drinking, household use, watering lawns, all take water from

groundwater aquifers. Aquifers have a finite amount of water that they receive each year. Using

more water than the aquifer is recharged with each year will cause the aquifer to be drawn down.

Eventually the groundwater could someday be used up. To prevent this from happening there are

things we all can do. Water your lawn in the evening or plant your lawn with native plants that are

beautiful and drought resistant. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, only use thedishwasher when it is full or stop using it all together. Get involved with your community, set an

example for others to follow. Let your local, state and federal officials know that clean water is

important for your community. Every little bit helps.

Soils

Mount Rushmore is located in the higher elevation of the central Black Hills. This area is where

granite outcroppings form the high peaks of the Black Hills. Below the high granite domes ponderosa

pines dominate the landscape. The appearance of the landscape is influenced by many factors

including the soil. The high elevation areas have little or no soil and therefore have little vegetation.

Where the Ponderosa pines grow, there is moderately deep soil. This is enough for the Ponderosas to

take root and sink in a taproot to obtain moisture when there is little precipitation. Soil influences the

plants that grow in a particular area. However, Ponderosa pines have a great effect on the soil too.

Soils vary based on attributes of the parent material or bedrock, elevation and climate. The parent

material for soils in the central Black Hills is mostly granite or mica schist. The granite is very hard

and slow to break down. The mica schist is a metamorphic rock that breaksdown more readily. The

mica schist develops into a well-drained soil. Except where parent materials are of recent igneousorigin, deep zones of fractured bedrock usually underlie soils. Joints and fissures in this rock admit

and store soil water that has percolated down through, and they are often penetrated deeply by

roots-particularly those of ponderosa pine. A well drained, moderately deep soil is ideal for

Ponderosa seedlings to start. The parent material first influenced the soil condition but climate and

trees also influence the soil. The climate of the Black Hills Ponderosa pine forest is cold and dry. The

cold, dry climate means that dead plant material, or detritus, is slow to break down and return

nutrients to the soil. Pine needles with their thick, waxy coat form a thick mat on the surface of the

soil. When rain and snow melt percolate through this layer of detritus it forms humic acid. Humus

and minerals, particularly aluminum and iron are transported from the top, or A horizon, into the B-

horizon. Humus is the dark colored organic portion of the soil, between the detritus and upper soil

horizon. The results is an acidic, gray colored soil. The acidic soil is inhospitable and unfavorable for

other understory plants to start in. Young Ponderosa seedlings are more tolerate of the soil and able



to out compete other plant life.

Growing in the acidic soil is a vast fungal network of branching hyphae. Hyphae are hairlike

filaments. The hyphae release enzymes that breakdown detritus and return some nutrients to the

soil. In the dry ponderosa forest soils fungi parasitize the tree roots to increase their nutrient intake.The trees in return receive additional moisture from the extended "reach" of the fungi's hyphae. This

is a symbiotic relationship where both members of the relationship benefit.

The acidic soils of the Black Hills prove to be an ideal foundation for the plant and animal

communities that live in and above its surface.

Pine Beetle Infestation

Mount Rushmore to Develop Action Plan to Manage Pine Beetle Infestation

(Keystone, SD) The National Park Service has assembled a team of managers and specialists to

develop an action plan for summer 2010, relating to the treatment of the mountain pine

beetle(Dendroctonus ponderosae) at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The team is comprised of

National Park Service employees from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Northern Great Plains

Fire Management Program, and the Midwest Regional Office which provides oversight and technical

guidance to the Memorial.

For decades, the Black Hills have been experiencing outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle which

currently are killing large swaths of forests on private and public lands. The National Park Service

has been working with Black Hills partners and developing strategies on how to slow the spread of

the infestation by working with the USDA Forest Service, the South Dakota Department of

Agriculture, and various local government agencies.

The team will convene today at Mount Rushmore to strategize on the development of an action plan.

The plan will most likely include a three prong approach and will focus on prevention, elimination of

existing infestations, and a post-treatment clean-up component.

The Black Hills area has experienced severe drought conditions for several years now, allowing the

mountain pine beetle to proliferate, infecting more and more trees. Mount Rushmore National

Memorial is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest and abuts the Black Elk Wilderness area.

As of 2009, 100% of the total acreage of the Black Elk Wilderness has been affected by tree mortality

due to bark beetle infestation. The nearby Norbeck Wildlife Preserve

is also adversely impacted, with an anticipated mortality rate of 80% for its mature timber stands.



Populations of the mountain pine beetle are typically found at an endemic level, killing and

reproducing in stressed or weakened trees. At times, beetle populations increase dramatically. In

the increasing and outbreak stages, any host trees, healthy or stressed, are attacked and killed.

Mountain pine beetle has always been a part of the Black Hills forest ecosystem, with outbreaksoccurring periodically. The first recorded outbreak in the Hills occurred from the late 1890's through

the early 1900's and killed an estimated 1-2 billion board feet of timber. Outbreaks also have

occurred in the 1930's, 1940's, 1960's and 1970's, each lasting 8-13 years with the 1970's outbreak

being larger and causing more mortality than any of the others, except for the turn of the century

outbreak.

The standing dead timber with many trees still retaining their dried out needles, combined with the

drought conditions, significantly increases the potential for a catastrophic wildfire to rapidly spread

throughout the area. Just like the mountain pine beetle, wildfire does not recognize political

boundaries and can affect public and private lands without discrimination.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial has successfully completed several fuel-reduction projects in the

past several years in an attempt to provide a means to stop or slow the growth of any unwanted

wildfire. These projects have included thinning, through prescribed fire or mechanical removal,

overcrowded stands of timber near critical structures and areas within the memorial.

The goal of this planning team is to develop a plan for action to slow the spread of mountain pine

beetle and protect the Mount Rushmore area from large wildfires.

http://www.nps.gov/moru/forteachers/loader.cfm?

csModule=security/getfile&PageID=267043

celebrations

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January 20, 2010

Action Plan to Manage Pine Beetle

Mount Rushmore to Develop Action Plan to Manage Pine Beetle Infestation.

September 29, 2007

Fall Hours

Fall Hours for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Starting October 1, 2007

September 01, 2007

Fall Hours at Mount Rushmore

Fall Hours at Mount Rushmore

August 19, 2007

Naturalization Ceremony

Naturalization Ceremony to be at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

July 04, 2007

Entertainment and Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day at Mount Rushmore

The annual fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial ended a day full of patriotic entertainmentand celebrations.

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July 02, 2007

Status of Fireworks Program still Uncertain

Forecasted hot temperatures and dry conditions have officials at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

concerned about the status of the planned July 3rd fireworks show.

June 30, 2007

Be Prepared and Arrive Early for Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration

Over twenty thousand visitors are expected to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Tuesday, July

3, as part of the annual Independence Day Celebration.

June 28, 2007

Rising Temperatures and Dry Conditions Threaten Mount Rushmore Fireworks

Forecasted hot temperatures and dry conditions have officials at Mount Rushmore concerned about the

status of the planned July 3rd fireworks show.

June 21, 2007

Fireworks, Music, and Dance Mark Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration

One of the nation’s top rated fireworks displays will cap a full day of events on Tuesday, July 3rd, at

Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

2008 Press Releases

December

12/03 Public Scoping Meetings Announced

October

10/01 Fall Hours Announced

10/08 Julie Gregg Joins Mount Rushmore Team

September

09/11 Preservation Team Gets up Close with Sculpture

August

08/11 Mount Rushmore to host Naturalization Ceremony

July

07/14 Memorial Unveils new D.A.R.E. Vehicle

07/03 Independence Day Celebration a Success

07/02 Author Catherine Stier to Sign Books on July 3

June

06/30 Plan Ahead to Attend Independence Day Celebration

06/25 Full Program Planned for Independence Day Celebration

06/24 Tramway Installed on Mountain for Fireworks

06/23 Mount Rushmore Honors WWI Veteran Frank Buckles

06/16 Author Jim Burnett to Sign Hey Ranger! at the Memorial

May

http://www.nps.gov/moru/parknews/fireworks-update.htm

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05/28 Free Sculpture Workshops Offered at Mount Rushmore

05/22 Author Bruce Raisch to Sign Books

April

04/17 Memorial Seeks Comments on Backcountry Trail Proposal04/01 Memorial announces Summer Hours

Statistics

Park Statistics

AcerageGross Area Acres 1,278.45

Visitation:

Mount Rushmore NMEM

Year Recreational Visitors

1941 393,000

1942 139,694

1943 31,412

1944 29,575

1945 84,712

1946 324,596

1947 427,022

1948 570,663

1949 656,717

1950 740,499

1951 740,634

1952 835,101

1953 913,808

1954 910,100

1955 894,600

1956 829,800

1957 866,700

1958 961,400











1959 1,045,700

1960 1,067,000

1961 1,030,400

1962 1,209,4001963 1,272,800

1964 1,343,300

1965 1,507,400

1966 1,585,200

1967 1,632,500

1968 1,728,500

1969 1,763,900

1970 1,965,700

1971 2,281,200

1972 1,880,903

1973 1,949,300

1974 1,592,500

1975 1,533,500

1976 1,733,500

1977 1,733,100

1978 1,750,127

1979 1,245,425

1980 1,284,888

1981 1,604,991

1982 1,484,300

1983 1,562,559

1984 1,558,872

1985 1,740,793

1986 1,648,737

1987 1,530,714

1988 1,570,137

1989 1,639,986

1990 1,671,673

1991 2,044,522



1992 1,917,134

1993 1,930,053

1994 2,043,988

1995 1,687,5291996 1,904,991

1997 1,752,014

1998 2,014,485

1999 1,972,289

2000 1,868,876

2001 1,904,119

2002 2,162,570

2003 2,217,894

2004 2,037,820

2005 2,037,861

2006 1,989,771

2007 1,856,118

2008 1,789,328

2009 2,260,192

2010 2,331,237

ParkPlanning

park planning includes:

General Management Plan

http://www.nps.gov/moru/parkmgmt/gmphome.htm

http://www.nps.gov/moru/parkmgmt/gmphome.htm



Park planning is an integral element in the preservation and enjoyment of national parks across the

country. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial management team looks forward to hearing from

the public concerning any planning projects happening at the park.

Please check the National Park Service's Park Planning website for more information about

planning projects.

COMPLETED PLANNING DOCUMENTS

2010 Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan

A National Park Service Rapid Resource Assessment Team (RRAT) created an action plan to address

the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) epidemic that is causing ponderosa pine mortality throughout the

Black Hills. Working with area agencies, the memorial developed this plan to slow and hopefully

mitigate the movement of the pine beetle into the memorial.

Press Release (.pdf)

Mountain Pine Beetle Plan (7.58mb .pdf)

Backcountry Trail Environmental Assessment

Mount Rushmore National Memorial completed an Environmental Assessment in 2009 on a proposed

backcountry trail for the park. The approximately 9.8 miles of trail in the proposed system would be

constructed in phases along with accompanying visitor comfort stations, information kiosks, and

trailheads. The multi-loop trail will encompass the memorial and will provide several shorter sub-

loops to allow shorter hikes on the trail and hikes of varying length and difficulty.

Yellow Wolf Trail Environmental Assessment (13.3mb .pdf)

Environmental Assessment Appendix Documents (8.42mb .pdf)

Finding of No Significant Impact (643kb .pdf)

General management plan

NPS PHOTO

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Visitors at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is beginning the planning process of a new General Management

Plan. The plan identifies the overall direction for the future management of the memorial. This

includes answering the question "what kind of place do we want this area to be?"

Mount Rushmore is looking for your help in answering this question. You are invited to participate in

the planning and preservation of the memorial through the submission of comments and attendance

at upcoming public meetings.

An Invitation to Participate

Planning, Environment and Public Comment website

We welcome your comments and ideas throughout the planning process. The comment website is

available for you to post comments concerning your thoughts about the future planning of Mount

Rushmore.

Scoping Newsletter

Mount Rushmore GMP Scoping Newsletter(1.06 mb, pdf)

This introductory newsletter provides background information on the General Management Plan

process.

Public Scoping Presentation

Mount Rushmore Public Scoping Presentation

For those unable to attend the December public scoping meetings, please review this presentation for

information concerning the GMP process.

Planning Today for Tomorrow's Parks

Planning Today for Tomorrow's Parks

video opens and plays in Windows Movie Player This introductory video explores the planning process that helps address the multitude of challenges

facing parks today. In this overview, key stakeholders and park staff from around the country

highlight some of the results of recent general management planning.

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkId=152&projectId=23700&documentID=26861



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