SOUTH DAKOTA — An independent review confirms a report calling for reduced timber sales in the Black Hills National Forest. …The 2021 General Technical Report (GTR) from forest service researchers says based on existing timber inventory, current harvest levels are too high. The USDA recently released its response to a challenge to the report, which sought some clarification, but not enough to withdraw its recommendation. …Ben Wudke, with the Black Hills Forest Resource Association… and others in the timber industry worry continued timber sale reductions will force more Black Hills mills to close. Decades of disturbances—from mountain pine beetle infestations to wildfires—have decreased the available timber suitable for lumber. …Dave Mertz, retired Black Hills National Forest resource officer said the response did not change the substance of the report, which suggests reducing timber sale volumes.