“1940 DAR Penny Pines Forest”
(Note: any text in italics has been taken from the official SDSHS records.)
Marker Text
In 1940, fourteen South Dakota chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) contributed funds for the planting of 18,000 Ponderosa “penny pines” in a 25 acre tract along the west side of Highway 85, about 4½ miles from Deadwood on the road to Spearfish. Penny pines, so named for their cost of one penny apiece, were planted by the Black Hills National Forest in conjunction with the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). The planting commemorated the Golden Jubilee of the National Society DAR (50th anniversary of founding). In 1939, DAR’s President General, Mrs. Henry M. Robert, chose the Penny Pine program to help the National Forests recover from over-harvesting, devastating fires, and little replanting. Margaret March- Mount, “Ambassador of Trees,” envisioned a nation of healthy trees and was credited with inspiring the National Society DAR to plant five million seedlings in 36 states and the District of Columbia.
This marker is a replacement of the original marker dedicated on November 3, 1940.
“Erected 2017 by Black Hills Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Location
Lawrence County, intersection of Highway 85 and Polo Loop Road (north)