The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources contracted Stockwell Engineers to plat 13 parcels within the Black Hills National Forest in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Spanning six sections, this project will facilitate the transfer of land from the U.S. Forest Service to the State of South Dakota. Once approved, the plats will be filed with Lawrence County, and Stockwell will set monuments, clear lines, and post boundaries to delineate the transfer.
Our team began with extensive research into Lode Claims, Mineral Surveys, and historical plats, recovering numerous original monuments dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these parcels had not been surveyed in over a century, requiring careful retracement of past surveys and verification of boundaries. The site’s complexity was compounded by its location at township and range lines and the presence of more than 80 overlapping parcels, some previously unplatted.
The rugged terrain added another layer of challenge. With slopes reaching 50% and elevation changes exceeding 800 feet, the survey required precision and adaptability in the field. Careful planning and precise fieldwork were essential in navigating the site and ensuring accurate data collection.
