06/14/2026
🚨 STURGIS CITIZENS: WHY IS THIS ALWAYS LAST-MINUTE NOTICE AND WHY DOES THE CITY KEEP PRIORITIZING TRAILS? 🚨
Citizens report that just days ago, Public Works Director Rick Bush and City Administrator Aaron Jordan went door-to-door discussing TWO (2) proposed new trailheads near the Sturgis Marcotte Recreation Area Park.
According to residents, the handout distributed contains outdated information and an inaccurate map. Residents were unable to find meaningful information online and were forced to contact agencies themselves seeking answers. The residents we have heard from do not want additional trailheads in this area and forwarded their concerns to Citizens for Change for post for ALL Sturgis Citizens to be made aware.
Why does the City of Sturgis continue spending staff time, resources, grant dollars, and taxpayer money on trails while so many other needs compete for attention?
Sturgis already has access to City trails, Forest Service trails, BLM trails, Fort Meade trails, reservoir trails, and the Centennial Trail system. How many trailheads are enough?
Before expanding further, shouldn't the City first demonstrate clear public demand, provide a full accounting of costs, and explain why additional neighborhood trailheads are needed when Sturgis already serves as one of the primary gateways to outdoor recreation in the Northern Black Hills?
❓ How much City money has been spent on trails since 2016?
❓ How much staff time has been dedicated to trail planning and development?
❓ How much grant money has been accepted for trail projects?
❓ What matching funds, maintenance costs, and future obligations come with those grants?
❓ How much money has been contributed directly or indirectly to trail organizations?
❓ How many citizens actually requested these projects?
❓ Was there ever a public vote making trail expansion a priority?
❓ If residents overwhelmingly oppose these trailheads, will the City stop the project?
Is this the best use of City resources right now?
The handout states that no final decisions have been made and that public feedback matters. However, residents report they were told the project is moving forward like it or not. If that's true, citizens need to show up and be heard.
📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 City Hall Council Chambers, 1040 Harley-Davidson Way, Sturgis
If citizens believe the City should pause spending on new trail projects until the public has spoken, perhaps it's time for a petition:
"We, the undersigned citizens of Sturgis, request that the City suspend further spending, planning, and development of new trail projects until a public vote, citizen survey, or other transparent public process demonstrates clear community support."
Share with fellow citizens. Show up. Ask questions. Demand answers. Hold your elected officials accountable. Its apparent the Mayor, Admin, City Council will continue to use their "more trails" rubber stamp.
