Storm Brewing in the Black Elk Wilderness Poster

"Storm Brewing in the Black Elk Wilderness, South Dakota" by Catherine Sherman Storm clouds brew over a rocky ridge in the Black Elk Wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. The ridge is part of the geologic formation of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), which at 7,242 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the United States east of the Rockies. Dead ponderosa pines stand in the foreground. Black Elk Wilderness area was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1980. The area is named for the Oglala Sioux spiritual leader Black Elk and is sacred to many American Indians. It is the only Wilderness at Black Hills National Forest and currently spans over 13,426 acres. A trail leading to the peak can be found at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Black Elk experienced a vision when he was nine years old. As he evolved into a respected elder and medicine man, he would recount his vision.