Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has signed Public Land Order 7956, establishing protections for the Pactola Reservoir–Rapid Creek Watershed within the Black Hills National Forest. This measure responds to a request from the U.S. Forest Service and aims to shield 20,510 acres of National Forest System land from mineral exploration and development for a period of 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. Non-federal lands and minerals are not affected by this withdrawal.

The decision follows appeals from Tribes and local communities in Pennington County, South Dakota, seeking to safeguard cultural and natural resources as well as municipal water supplies for Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Pactola Reservoir is noted for its extensive shoreline and depth, making it the largest reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest.

"The Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed is a treasured landscape," stated Secretary Haaland. "I’m proud to take action today to withdraw this area for the next 20 years."

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed gratitude towards Secretary Haaland's decision, emphasizing that "the Pactola Reservoir–Rapid Creek Watershed provides so many benefits...this withdrawal will safeguard this space for decades."

The watershed offers various recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, camping, and boating. It also supports local ranchers who use it for summer grazing.

The area holds spiritual significance for several Tribes including Oceti Sakowin, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Arikara, Hidatsa, Mandan and Crow. The Black Hills contain sites sacred to these Tribes along with traditional cultural properties.

This withdrawal is enacted under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act which allows federal lands over 5,000 acres to be withdrawn by the Secretary of the Interior for up to 20 years with potential renewal; only Congress can legislate permanent withdrawals.

The proposal was initiated by the U.S. Forest Service in March 2023 when they applied through the Bureau of Land Management which opened public comment periods and conducted Tribal consultations throughout that year.