The public has until July 21 to comment on U.S. Forest Service plans for prescribed fires and other measures in the Spearfish Canyon area.

Spearfish District Ranger Rhonda O'Byrne said the proposed West Rim Project aims to reduce fire fuels in the forest and the risk of mountain pine beetle infestations. The beetles burrow into trees and kill them, making them susceptible to fire.

The project area spans 53,157 public areas south of Spearfish. Landmarks include Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish Creek, Terry Peak, Iron Creek Lake and Bridal Veil Falls. The 10,000 private acres in the area are not included in the Forest Service's proposal.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the draft environmental impact statement, contact Chris Stores at the Northern Hills Ranger District at 605-642-4622 or e-mail cstores@fs.fed.us. The project also is outlined on the Black Hills National Forest Web site, www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.