mount rushmore

Pilots flying tourists over national parks face new rules

(AP) — Fewer planes and helicopters will be flying tourists over Mount Rushmore and other national monuments and parks as new regulations take effect that are intended to protect the serenity of some of the most beloved natural areas in the United States. The air tours have pitted tour operators against visitors frustrated with the noise for decades, but it…

Feds once again deny Noem’s Mount Rushmore fireworks request

PIERRE, S.D. – The National Park Service has denied South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s request to mark the Fourth of July with fireworks at Mount Rushmore, citing opposition from Native American tribes and the possibility of igniting wildfires. The Republican governor said in a statement Tuesday that she would continue her court battle to hold the fireworks. Noem filed a…

Arguments set in Mount Rushmore fireworks appeal

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Oral arguments are set for next month in the latest round in Gov. Kristi Noem’s legal fight to shoot off fireworks at Mount Rushmore. A three-judge panel from the 8th U.S. Court of Appeals in St. Louis will hear arguments on Jan 12. Both sides will get 15 minutes to speak. Noem filed a federal lawsuit…

Fourth of July Fireworks to Return to Mount Rushmore in 2020

The show was discontinued in 2009

MOUNT RUSHMORE, S.D. — Fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for the Fourth of July celebration in 2020. The show was discontinued after 2009 due to concerns related to the pine beetle infestation that increased fire concerns in the Black Hills National Forest. The forest has since rebounded, and there have been advances in pyrotechnic safety. Gov. Kristi Noem says the…