BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Montana businessman has begun mining gravel near Theodore Roosevelt's historic western North Dakota ranch, after an eight-year battle with U.S. regulators and environmentalists.
Roger Lothspeich (LOTH'-speech) tells The Associated Press that excavation began Tuesday at the 25-acre site located one mile from Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch cabin.
Lothspeich says the U.S. Forest Service on Monday issued a permit for the mine site and for an access road to it. The agency in January says it found no significant impact with the project.
An environmental group later sued in federal court. The National Parks Conservation Association wants a more thorough analysis of how the gravel pit affects the historic ranch.
A spokesman for the group says the lawsuit is still pending.
Lothspeich says the gravel pit is a "done deal."