Rapid City, SD – The South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office is opening a public comment period that runs until November 6. Residents across the state can recommend locations they believe merit historic surveys, inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, or protection because they are threatened.

How to participate

Anyone can fill out the online suggestion form, which is hosted on the South Dakota State Historical Society’s website. The form asks for basic information about the site, why it is historically significant, and what preservation resources the community may need. All entries must be submitted by the November 6 deadline to be considered in the office’s upcoming annual work plan.

Why the input matters

The office uses public recommendations to shape its priorities for the 2027 fiscal‑year federal grant application. By identifying sites that deserve attention, South Dakotans help ensure that state and federal funds are directed toward preserving the heritage that defines their neighborhoods, especially in the Black Hills and surrounding western communities.

Focus on western South Dakota

For residents of western South Dakota, the call for input offers a chance to highlight historic places in the Black Hills region that may have been overlooked. Whether it’s a pioneer homestead, a mining landmark, or a cultural site important to Indigenous peoples, the office is seeking a broad range of nominations.

What the office hopes to achieve

Beyond compiling a list of potential survey sites, the State Historic Preservation Office aims to gauge what preservation resources local communities need most. This could include technical assistance, grant writing support, or guidance on how to protect sites from development pressures.

Next steps after the comment period

After November 6, the office will review all submissions and prioritize projects for its annual work plan. Those priorities will guide the state’s request for federal preservation funding for the 2027 fiscal year. Selected sites may receive funding for research, documentation, and preservation measures.

South Dakotans who wish to contribute should visit the South Dakota State Historical Society’s website, locate the historic preservation comment form, and submit their nominations before the deadline. This is a direct way for citizens to help safeguard the state’s rich heritage for future generations.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.