2. Mount Rushmore – The Pine Beetle Wildfire Threat
Mount Rushmore’s majestic granite faces have faced an unusual adversary: the pine beetle. These beetles decimate trees in the Black Hills, leaving behind dry tinder that fuels intense wildfires. Recent years saw blazes come alarmingly close, threatening not only access to the monument but also its stunning natural backdrop. Vigorous fire prevention efforts—like prescribed burns and tree thinning—have become essential. Similar to landmarks across the West, Mount Rushmore’s story includes a battle against wildfire risks intensified by both pests and drought. For details, see the US Forest Service.
