Gov Kristi Noem of SD and President Donald Drumpf have confirmed the return of the 4th of July Fireworks display at Mt. Rushmore, ignoring environmental concerns. When addressed about the environmental concerns, Drumpf asked "What can burn? It's stone. Nobody knew why,"

However, we do know why this is an environmental concern. Originally the display was discontinued due to pine beetle infestations. These infestations kills trees, which increases their flammability risk and poses a serious wildfire hazard. Did you know that 95% of wildfires are started by humans?!? Have we not learned from the countless CA wildfires that have caused devastating losses to American families?!?

Additionally, some studies suggest that climate change is causing some types of pine beetles to reproduce more rapidly and influencing their growth and development to make them more lethal. This problem is far from over. 

If the risk for wildfires wasn't enough, a recent US Geological Survey report cited past fireworks displays at the monument as the probable cause for elevated concentrations of contaminants in groundwater near the monument.

Please consider signing and sharing this petition so we can hopefully stop this potentially devastating event.