PIERRE, S.D. – State lawmakers have moved to ban the interment of human remains at Bear Butte State Park. This ruling includes the spreading of ashes at the site.
The ban was previously instituted over 20 years ago but was “inadvertently” repealed in 2019. The legislative rules review committee reinstated it in a meeting Tuesday.
Bear Butte, or Mato Paha, is considered a sacred site to the local indigenous population, and this ban was first put in place after consultation with tribal leaders.
For those spiritual reasons, visitors are encouraged to respect the area before hiking.
The mountain stands alone from the Black Hills proper near Sturgis, and the peak is about 4,500 feet above sea level.
