News Release Archive

Reclamation Partnering with National Guard During Operation Golden Coyote at Belle Fourche Reservoir

Media Contact: Jay Leasure, (605) 394-9757 ext. 3011
Ryan Alcorn

For Release: May 27, 2015

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Reclamation and the South Dakota Army National Guard have entered into an agreement permitting SDARNG access to Reclamation lands at Belle Fourche Reservoir to conduct military training. In conjunction with training exercises, the SDARNG will complete projects at the facility that will be mutually beneficial.

"The planned projects provide valuable on-the-job training to troops, while benefitting Reclamation, and the recreating public," said Ryan Alcorn, Deputy Division Manager of Environment and Resources with Reclamation's Dakotas Area Office in Rapid City.

The SDARNG will be performing 2015 Operation Golden Coyote exercises at Belle Fourche Reservoir from Saturday June 6 through Sunday June 21. Project work and troop training will be performed in the Bird Island View Area in the southeast corner of Belle Fourche Reservoir. The Troop Bivouac area will be in the Fruitdale area, the same area as in the past.

As there will be heavy equipment, military vehicles, and hundreds of SDARNG troops in the area, certain places around the reservoir will be closed to the public, including:

  • The southern section of Bird Island View Road, from the junction of Golf Course Point Road and Bird Island View Road due north for approximately 1 mile. This area is located on the far southeast corner of the reservoir property.
  • The northern section of Bird Island View road will remain open and can be accessed through the CCC point area.

"Vehicle and foot traffic will not be allowed inside the closed construction area during construction activities. There will be signs in place notifying the public of road closures," said Alcorn.

Projects to be completed during Operation Golden Coyote include the construction of the southern 1 mile stretch of Bird Island View Road, including culvert placement and replacement, ditches, and gravel placement. If time permits the SDARNG will relocate stockpiled rock rip-rap, and some road work to include construction/rerouting and gravelling of designated roads.

For more information please contact Jay Leasure at 605-394-9757 ext. 3011 or Ryan Alcorn at ext. 3004.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Dakotas Area Office Home Page