We the Forest | Common Denominator of the Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest is home to over one million acres of unparalleled beauty and recreational abundance, creating a bedrock for healthy communities that surround it.

Community stakeholders have historically been involved in the Black Hills National Forest, working to find the right balance between conservation and sustainability. With the input of different stakeholders, comes the focus on the many different opinions, interests, and approaches they have to the landscape. These similarities are often overlooked, leaving their underlying interests uncovered.

To change that, we gathered perspectives from large stakeholders within many aspects of the forest, searching for common denominators. One thing stood out: they all shared a common appreciation and connection to the land, and wanted to see a forest that is healthy and here for generations to enjoy.

Watch our newest We The Forest film, Common Denominator, and see how many stakeholders who may come from very different backgrounds can still agree upon common goals.

Featuring (by order of appearance):
Emma Kuiper, Key Account Manager, Forest Products Distributors Inc.
Steve Kozel, District Ranger, US Forest Service
Samuel Greear, Executive Director, Black Hills Trails
Bob Burns, Vice Chair, South Dakota Family Forests Association
Dick Terry, District Forester, Wyoming State Forestry Division
Paul Pierson, Professional Forester, Neiman Enterprises, Inc
Colin Paterson, The Norbeck Society
Jim Gubbels, District Ranger, US Forest Service
Sonja Marryman, Community Relations Director, Neiman Enterprises, Inc
Dave Mertz, Retired, Former USDA Forest Service
Kevin Forrester, Founding Board Member, Black Hills Trails, Sturgis City Council