OUR STORY
From a Classroom to the Field
Sam Crittenden and Ethan Peterson first met in an explosives engineering class at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Both shared a common goal: to build something of their own. That shared ambition led to the founding of Black River Contracting in 2020.
The company’s earliest work centered on farm and ranch improvements across Western South Dakota. Recognizing an unmet need in the region, Black River acquired its first major piece of heavy equipment — a Caterpillar 324E long-reach excavator. With a 60-foot working reach, it unlocked access to silted-in stock ponds and drainages that conventional machines simply couldn’t touch.
What started with a single machine and a clear purpose has grown into a full-service civil operation — 30+ pieces of equipment, a dedicated in-house repair shop, and a complete office team capable of supporting projects of any size.
20+
YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
150+
PROJECTS COMPLETED
35+
VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
OUR SPECIALTY
Long Reach Excavation for Ranch & Agricultural Properties
Many ranchers across Western South Dakota face the same problem: stock ponds, drainages, and waterways that have silted in over decades and can’t be reached by conventional equipment. Black River’s long-reach excavators — with up to 60 feet of working reach — were purpose-built for exactly this challenge.
We work from the bank — no need to get into the water or soft ground. Whether it’s cleaning out an old dam, restoring drainage flow, or clearing a silted-in stock pond, we get to the work that other contractors simply can’t reach.
- Stock pond cleanout & restoration
- Drainage & waterway clearing
- Dam cleanout & repair
- Bank-side operation — no ground disturbance in soft areas
- Access to steep, wet, or confined terrain
- Farm & ranch site improvements
WHY BLACK RIVER
Mission-Driven. Locally Rooted. Built to Perform.
Veteran-Owned & Operated
Black River is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). The values forged through military service — discipline, accountability, and jobsite professionalism — define how we operate on every project.
Modern Equipment Fleet
With 35+ well-maintained vehicles and machines — including specialty long-reach excavators — and an in-house repair shop, we keep equipment running and projects moving without delays or surprises.
Built for This Region
We know Western South Dakota — the soils, the weather, the terrain, and what it takes to get work done out here. We’re not sending in outside crews. We live here, work here, and are invested in this community long-term.
Sam Crittenden
President
Sam began his career serving as an infantry rifleman in the Marines. Since his discharge in 2012, he has been involved in the mining and construction industries. In 2019, Sam graduated from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology with a B.S. in Mining Engineering. He co-founded Black River Contracting in 2020 and leads the company’s operations, business development, and strategic growth.
Ethan Peterson
Vice President
Ethan has over ten years of experience in mining, construction, and heavy equipment operation. In 2019, he graduated from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology with a B.S. in Mining Engineering. As Vice President, Ethan oversees field operations and equipment management, ensuring every project is executed with precision and efficiency.
SERVICE AREA
Proudly Serving Western South Dakota
Black River Contracting operates throughout the Black Hills region and surrounding areas. From commercial site development in Rapid City to long-reach pond and drainage work on remote ranch properties — if it’s in Western South Dakota, we can get there.
Call us for a free quote: (605) 600 6045
- Rapid City
- Spearfish
- Sturgis
- Deadwood
- Hot Springs
- Pine Ridge
- & Surrounding Areas