South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking that he intervene and allow a Fourth of July fireworks display at Mount Rushmore. The National Park Service has denied a permit for the fireworks this year, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, tribal opposition and the environment.
Fireworks returned to Mount Rushmore last July 4th after concerns about wildfires cancelled similar displays since 2009. Noem’s request comes after the national memorial was recently closed for several days because of a large wildfire at its doorstep.
