A big vision for Sturgis just got a major boost.

The Greater Sturgis Foundation announced a $250,000 donation to Sturgis Trails during the Sturgis City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, a gift that will help complete nearly 19 additional miles of trail in the Black Hills near Sturgis.

For Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester, the moment was both personal and deeply meaningful.

“From its base, it was a tremendous gift - not just to the community, but to me personally after years of working on this,” Forrester said. “But more than anything, this is a gift that will keep giving to Sturgis for years to come.”

Forrester, who has worked on Sturgis Trails as a volunteer long before becoming mayor, called the donation a cornerstone for the entire project.

“It’s our biggest donation ever,” he said. “It really solidifies the work we’re doing, not just here in Sturgis, but throughout the Black Hills.”

The funding will serve as a catalyst to expand the trail system to nearly 70 miles overall, helping move the project from vision to reality.

Greater Sturgis Foundation President Brett Lynass said the decision to invest in Sturgis Trails was a natural fit for the Foundation’s mission.

“Kevin’s vision and leadership, along with the work of Sam Greear and hundreds of volunteers, have brought this initiative to life,” Lynass said. “Sturgis Trails hits all the elements we look for - economic impact, tourism, quality of life, and long-term benefit for the entire community.”

Lynass noted the trail system has already enhanced Sturgis’ tourism economy by attracting new types of visitors who support local businesses and contribute to the community’s tax base.

“We like projects where our investment can help finish something meaningful,” he said. “We believe this gift will leverage additional fundraising and federal support for a project that will ultimately exceed one million dollars.”

But most importantly, Lynass said, the Sturgis Trails improve the quality of life for everyone in the greater Sturgis area and all who visit.

Sturgis Trails board member Sam Greear said the donation is truly transformative.

“It would be hard to overestimate the value of this gift,” Greear said. “This is the key financing piece to complete the next 19 miles of trail. We’re excited, we’re grateful, and we’re ready to get to work.”

The funding will be provided in phases. An initial allocation will be released once final approvals and construction readiness are complete, including required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) work. Remaining funds will be distributed over multiple years based on agreed-upon milestones outlined in a forthcoming memorandum of understanding. Construction will impact the entire trail system, with priority areas including Deadman Canyon, Vanocker Canyon, and the Veteran Peak area.

“This are good additions to work into our stacked loop system,” Forrester said.

The Greater Sturgis Foundation has invested nearly $1 million in charitable grants across the Sturgis area, supporting projects such as the Downtown Sturgis Association, Sturgis Meade County Rodeo Grounds, Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry, Sturgis Senior Center, and Crisis Intervention Shelter Services.

The Greater Sturgis Foundation is a Community Savings Account of the South Dakota Community Foundation, a public nonprofit established in 1987 that supports communities across South Dakota.

Founded in 2013, Black Hills Trails is based in Sturgis and works to connect communities through trail development, fostering a strong trail culture throughout the Black Hills.