BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Prairie Hills Audubon Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T230000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240605T163456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T013452Z UID:13423-1718100000-1718146800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meade County Commission reconsiders the Meade County Comprehensive Plan DESCRIPTION:Meade County Commission will reconsider the Meade County Comprehensive Plan with a hearing before the County Commission at at 10 am  Tuesday June 11th. \nNancy Hilding for PHAS attended the 6/3/24 hearing before the Planning Commission and testified to failure to having goals and policies to protect historic and cultural properties\, in its’ land use Goals (Goal IV\, page 32)\, its’ rural character\, natural resources and open spaces Goals (Goal III\, page 22) and/or its’ infrastructure Goals (Goal II\, page 18). Nancy asked for new goals of protecting such to be added. However the Planning Commission did not want to make more changes at this point.  The County Commission however still could make changes. \nBear Butte is very important to Native American Tribes in the Great Plains\, and Meade County has other historic/cultural sites.  Meade County has seen a lot of controversy over development related to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally around Bear Butte. \nRecently SDGFP\, while developing a shooting range in Meade County\, decided to forego federal grants\, because the SDGFP wanted to avoid completing consultation with tribes\, that was required by USFWS service for federal funding. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) and others found 8 sites eligible for listing as National Register of Historic Places and FSST considers the entire landscape a Traditional Cultural Property\, a place for ceremony and historical remembrance.  Visit for more info: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/ \nCompleting such consultation would have delayed  their construction plans.  Earlier the Meade County Commission decided not to have a clause about protecting cultural and historic properties in its’ shooting range ordinance\, but expressed concern  to SDGFP for protection of cairns (the first eligible for listing site found). \nYou can write the whole Commission  collectively  ℅  Rhea Crane or individually at https://www.meadecounty.org/commission/ \nLink to download the June 3rd version of the draft plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/664b8e8c41cd9f6f0cdcf28d/1716227729433/Meade+County+Draft+06-03-2024.pdf \nWe are not sure how long the discussion will take\, but unless a lot of people show up to testify\, we don’t imagine it would last longer than an hour. \nGo back to Monday June 3rd\, 2024 hearing announcement for more details and links. https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-meade-county-draft-comprehensive-plan-by-meade-planning-commission/ \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-commission-reconsiders-the-meade-county-comprehensive-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240511T233218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023445Z UID:12624-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on BHNF Zeppelin Forest Health Project Draft Environmental Assesment DESCRIPTION:The Black Hills National Forest\, Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD)\, has announced the availability of the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Zeppelin Forest Health Project (Zeppelin Project)\, located west of Piedmont\, SD\, north of Dalton Lake\, east of Vanocker Canyon Highway\, and south of Elk Creek. You can view the draft EA on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845\n\nQuote from the BHNF:\n“The Zeppelin Project is being analyzed under the provisions of the Western Firesheds Emergency Action Determination (EAD)\, which is an authority provided by the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EAD authorities can be applied to projects that pre-emptively address the potential impacts of natural disturbances\, such as wildfire and insect infestation\, to nearby communities and National Forest System lands that have been identified as a high-risk fireshed. The Zeppelin project area is within a high-risk fireshed as identified by the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Implementation Plan. Projects with a goal of reducing hazardous fuels and increasing forest resiliency in high-risk firesheds can be authorized under the EAD to expedite implementation of the project by eliminating the pre-decisional objection process under 36 CFR 218. Implementation under the EAD requires approval from the Chief’s Office of the Forest Service. Use of the EAD for the Zeppelin project was approved by the deputy chief of the Forest Service on August 21\, 2023.\n\nComments on the draft EA will be accepted for 30 days beginning the first day after a legal notice is published in the Rapid City Journal. It is expected that the legal notice will be published on May 9th\, 2024. Assuming that date was met\, the comment period ends on a Saturday\, so comments will be accepted until the end of the next Federal working day (Monday). A timely submission will be determined as outlined in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(4). It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.\nAll written comments received\, including names and addresses of commenters\, will be placed in the project file\, and will become a matter of public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however\, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the commenter with subsequent environmental documents. Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action\, have a direct relationship to the proposed action\, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider.\n\nThe most efficient method of submitting comments on this draft EA is by visiting the project website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845) and clicking the “Comment/Object on Project” link. You may also submit comments to the project leader\, Chris Stores\, by mail\, email\, phone\, or fax to: Northern Hills Ranger District 2014 North Main Street Spearfish\, SD 57783 Telephone: (605) 642-4622 Fax: (605) 642-4156 chris.stores@usda.gov Office hours\, for those who wish to hand deliver their comments\, are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM\, Monday – Friday (except Federal holidays). Postal mail must be postmarked by deadline day (likely Monday\, June 1oth) Any questions regarding this project can be directed to Steve Kozel or  Chris Stores at the phone number listed above.”\n\nFor a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-bhnf-zeppelin-forest-health-project-draft-environmental-assesment/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Zeppelin_ScopingMap_ProposedAction_11x17_Color-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240511T231359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023742Z UID:12620-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BHNF Seeking Public Comments on Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project DESCRIPTION:Sundance\, WY\, May 10\, 2024 – The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to reduce fire hazard in the Moskee area of the Black Hills in Crook County\, WY. High fuel loading in this area poses a risk to surrounding lands and communities.\n \n\nThe Forest Service is proposing to treat up to 1\,304 acres of ponderosa pine\, grasslands and hardwoods. Pine forest varies from dense\, mature stands to open-canopy woodlands with an understory of grass or dense regeneration. Detailed maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020. \nOr for management projects generally:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n\n\n\n\nThe project would be implemented partly via Good Neighbor Authority agreements with the State of Wyoming\, as authorized by Title VIII of the 2018 USDA Farm Bill (Public Law 115–334). \n\n \nThe Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project\, including commenters’ names and contact information\, will become part of the public record Comments can be made using the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020 or through the U.S. Mail: Attn: Davis Project\, Bearlodge Ranger District\, P.O. Box 680 / 101 S. 21st St. Sundance\, WY 82729. The opportunity to comment extends through June 10\, 2024. Project status and discussions with collaborators and interested parties are available on the project web page.\n \nFor questions on the proposed project\, please contact Patrick Champa\, Bearlodge District Ranger\, or Ryan Tallmadge\, Bearlodge Ranger District assistant resource planner\, at (307) 283-1361\, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.\, mountain daylight time.\n \nFor more information on the Black Hills National Forest\, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or for a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-seeking-public-comments-on-davis-hazardous-fuels-reduction-project/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Davis-Project-Map-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T210000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T170044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T025622Z UID:12686-1718044200-1718053200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:June 10th\, PHAS meeting on the BLM's proposed amendments to their RMPs for greater sage grouse DESCRIPTION:Monday\, June 10th\, 6:30 pm MT by Zoom\, \nPHAS meeting on the BLM’s proposed amendments to their Resource Management Plans for the greater sage grouse. \n Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n—\n\n\n\n\nPHAS meetings are recorded and the link to the meeting recordings are posted to our recordings web page\, normally within a few days after the meeting & link is also provided below.\n\nTo listen to meeting recording: Zoom Cloud storage link for June 10th\, 2024\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kvl71QwPzr2KYCTavym9skTwXg65gdRWjVdRAMi9sdaiZv5rsvfFYMdBBSwudxnn.xxlb4ySuNgqE9_qK\nPasscode: 9s=&9guS\n\n=======================\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s June Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT \nLocation: by Zoom \nSpeaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project Topic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again” \nComments are due on  the Draft Environmental Impact Statement June 13th\, a Thursday.  For more information on DEISs:  https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ \nCome and learn how to comment and about the issues. \nPHAS has been in litigation over the BLM greater sage grouse management since 2016. For more information on our sage grouse campaign: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/ \nZOOM DETAILS \nTopic: PHAS monthly meetings\nTime: Recurring meeting codes – This time 6/10/24 at 6:30 pm MT – We always use these same Zoom codes for PHAS monthly  meetings.\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\n—\n\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n—\n\nDial by your location\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n\nExcerpt from our June Newsletter:\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s\nJune Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT\nLocation: by Zoom Speaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project\nTopic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again”\n\nThe Biden administration is joining previous administrations & once again offering amendments to the BLM Resource Management Plans for greater sage grouse in 10 western states\, including SD. The BLM had engaged in revising its’ greater sage grouse management in 2015 (under Obama) & in 2019 (under Trump)\, however sage grouse populations continue to drop\, losing nearly 80% of acreage between 1968 & 2023. Learn what the Biden Administration is doing or not doing to rectify the situation.\n\nTo protect the greater sage grouse Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians sued in 2016 in federal court to force better and more protective management on the BLM lands. The litigation is on hold\, waiting while Biden administrations rewrites its’ management plans. As a result of this litigation: 1) Trump amendments were enjoined\, 2) 10 million acres of critical sage grouse habitat temporarily protected from mining\, 3) the Biden Administration was forced to rewrite the previous administrations’ greater sage grouse management plans. Visit: https://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/\n\nBiden administration proposed new management rules are presented in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. There is an opportunity to comment ending Thursday June 13th\, 2024 & we hope you will comment.\nCome & learn about the issues from Erik and/or go to our web site’s page on sage ecosystem campaign or events/deadline calendar on June 13th to learn about issues & send an original or pre-fab form letter: https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ To join our Zoom Meetings for members\, we use this account: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233 Passcode: 534620\nOne tap mobile +16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620#\nUS Dial by phone: • +1 669 444 9171 US or +1 669 900 6833 US +1 253 205 0468 US URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/june-10th-phas-meeting-on-the-blms-proposed-amendments-to-their-rmps-for-greater-sage-grouse/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240607T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240608T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T020129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T021525Z UID:12675-1717750800-1717862400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Open House by the Great Plains Plant Society in Hermosa DESCRIPTION:Open House by the Great Plains Plant Society in Hermosa at their botanical garden \nFriday & Saturday – June 7 & 8\, 9:am–4:pm \nGreat Plains Botanic Garden is  a short distance east of Hwy 79 five miles south of Hermosa SD. The physical address is 14229 Windbreak Road\, Hermosa\, SD. From Hwy 79 go five miles south of Hermosa\, turn east on Windbreak Road\, just a bit north of mile-marker 55 on Hwy 79.\nCome see their Penstemon Display\, the new Cactus Garden\, the Grass Section being installed and stroll through more of the grounds on their Trail of Two Hills.\nThe bookstore/giftshop in the Log Cabin Visitor Center will be open and offering free coffee and snacks. \nFor more info: https://www.gpnps.org/events.php \n\nTrip leader: Cindy Reed and GPNPS volunteers\n605-890-0150\nfieldtrips@gpnps.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/open-house-by-the-great-plains-plant-society-in-hermosa/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240606T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240607T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20231213T070307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240607T191940Z UID:9871-1717675200-1717761600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission June Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s June Hybrid Meeting –  June 6th-7th 2024\, in Yankton\, at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center \nSDGFP Commission continued with its’ normal meeting policies\, — folks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page closer to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nJune 6th Livestream link \nZoom Meeting Link | To join via conference call\, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Meeting ID: 928 2777 2568 | Passcode: 421262 \nNotice of rule finalization hearings: \nhttps://rules.sd.gov/Uploads/824_PublicNotice.pdf \nAgenda: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_June_6-7\,_2024_Public_Copy_(1).pdf \nPublic Comments; \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/May_6_through_June_2\,_2024_Public_Comments_with_Attachments.pdf \nISSUES THAT WE ANTICIPATE \nRaccoon – We ask people to be opposing the proposal to allow out-of-state hound hunters to hunt raccoons with hounds in SD. One of the main reasons for this is to help hound hunting competitions\, where hunters compete over raccoon treeing/killing. We have a web page on raccoon issues  under “Events + Alerts” drop down menu under  “Action Alerts” side menu. https://phas-wsd.org/protect-sd-raccoons/ \n+++++++++++++++ \nOUTCOME OF THURSDAY’s COMMISSION MEETING  – The rule change to allow non-residents to hound hunt raccoons passed the Commission on 6/6/24. The Commission received 22 written comments against it & 1 in favor. Two people (Julie Anderson & Nancy Hilding (PHAS)) testified verbally against & one person testified for it. \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/May_6_through_June_2\,_2024_Public_Comments_with_Attachments.pdf \n=================== \nThe rule change finalizations for May are: \nFurbearer Seasons and Methods: Hunting Raccoons with Dogs\nElk Raffle License\nLandowner on Own Land Elk \nTo see the text of the  finalization proposals (until SDGFP publishes the Commission Book for June). Go to the Commission Book for May https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/meetings/may2024commissionbook_.pdf \nThere are 4 petitions for rule making on Lake Francis Case Paddlefish Season\, two petitions on PanFish Daily Limet & Motor Use on Lakes.  There are proposals on Air Gun Hunting\, Wild Turkey Seasons\, and Annual Park Entrance License Options. \nCougars – We expect\, but are not sure\, that SDGFP may be moving forward a plan to allow hound hunting within the Black Hills outside of Custer State Park. We  expect that to be proposed at the July meeting and finalized in Sept.  After June 2nd people could send in comments in opposition to hound hunting of mt. lions – but the deadline will be in early September. We have an alert on that on our Mt Lion page \, that explains this – https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/. \n\n\nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting .\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nYou are supposed to send Liz Kierl- Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us\,  an e-mail before 1 pm CT on the day of the hearing\, to notify her that you want to testify remotely (giving name\, who you represent and subject matter(s))\, but they normally are polite and ask if any one not registered either in the room or Zoom/phone wants to testify \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-june-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240603T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240603T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240521T041530Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T031857Z UID:12954-1717423200-1717430400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Review of Meade County Draft Comprehensive Plan by Meade Planning Commission DESCRIPTION:Review of Meade County Draft Comprehensive Plan by Planning Commission\, Monday June 3rd\, 2024\, – a public hearing at 2 pm at the  Meade County Office Building (Erskine Bldg) on 1300 Sherman St. \nIn the earlier spring (April 1st\, 2024) \, the Planning Commission moved forward a Draft Comprehensive Plan to the Meade County Commission (May 14th) \, who recommended amendments to the draft and approved it as amended and staff have written up those changes and the new draft Plan will go back to the Planning Commission for review – and maybe approval. \nIf you have not reviewed the draft plan\, your opportunity to review and comment may be ending on June 3rd 2024 hearing and/or at the later Meade Commission hearing. It is suggested the earlier you comment in the process the better. \nLink to download the June 3rd version of the draft plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/664b8e8c41cd9f6f0cdcf28d/1716227729433/Meade+County+Draft+06-03-2024.pdf \nLink to download an earlier  May 14th version  of the draft plan (this will be amended): \nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/D4TPKV642C7D/$file/Meade%20County%20Draft%2005-14-2024.pdf \nPlanning Commission 6/3/24  Agenda should be on this web page on Friday before Monday: \nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/Public \nList of Meade Committees: \nhttps://www.meadecounty.org/committees \nYou can send written comments to the Meade County Planning Dept\, but they wanted them several working days in advance of hearing. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-meade-county-draft-comprehensive-plan-by-meade-planning-commission/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-31-at-8.55.27-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T225900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240525T195836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T010857Z UID:13050-1717368600-1717369140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June 2024 Meeting - Act to Protect Raccoons DESCRIPTION:Midnight CT is the deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June 2024 Meeting – Act to Protect Raccoons \nSunday June 2nd at just before Midnight CT is the deadline to send written comments in to SDGFP for inclusion in the public record of the meeting. If comments are late they go into the public record for the next meeting (July). \nGo to June 6th–7th Commission meeting announcement for more more details and instructions on how to submit comments or testify (at hybrid Commission meetings). https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-june-meeting/ \nor \nWritten comments to SDGFP Commission can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting .\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, \n\n================= \nFor  the June meeting we ask people to write or testify against the rule proposal/finalization to allow for out-of-state hunters to use hounds to hunt raccoons.  You would be objecting to the rule proposal for raccoons.  This proposal came about\, due  to petition for rule making by hound hunter in fall 2023. \nThe two goals expressed by hound hunters were to allow hound hunting friends from out-of-state to hound hunt with locals and the other goal was to help facilitate large raccoon hound hunting events. We want people to testify against collective hound hunting of small animals as a recreational event or a form of recreational sport that hunters in SD have a right to expect the Commission to facilitate. \nHere is a link to the rule proposal (that you should oppose): https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Raccoons.Hound_HuntRule.June23Commission.pdf \nWe also ask for people to also write in opposition to hound hunting of mt. lions in the Black Hills\, which has been asked for by hound hunters and is currently being considered/thought about by the Commission/Staff\, but no formal proposal is before them yet.  We expect the changes to mountain lion hunting season (if any) and the new 2024 mt lion management Action Plan  to be offered at the July meeting\, with finalization (vote) in September.  We expect the staff to propose to expand hound hunting of cougars  in the Black Hills. \nSo we are also asking people to be writing against hound hunting of SD wildlife generally and getting your friend to do so also. \nIn SD\, all wildlife can be hound  hunted unless specifically prohibited.  Big game can’t be hunted with hounds \, with the exception that GFP allows mt. lions to be hunted by hounds\,  in Custer State Park and on the Prairie Unit.  Bobcats\, whose pelts are worth a lot of money\, can be hound hunted.  Currently raccoons can’t be hound hunted by out-of-staters. \nOglala Sioux Tribe allows hound hunting of lions within their jurisdiction by tribal and non-tribal members.  Rosebud Sioux Tribe might be allowing it in the future for their lions\, by tribal members. Nebraska allows hound hunting of lions\, but limits it to after the “boot hunt”if the “boot  hunt” fails to reach the harvest limit.. Wyoming allows hound hunting of lions and I think non-lethal pursuit (which means hound hunters can chase and tree lions without killing them).  Non-lethal pursuit has also been proposed by hound hunters for SD (but not approved) and people should write in opposition to that also. . \nAlso visit our web pages on protecting raccoons in SD\, \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/protect-sd-raccoons/ \nour mountain lion/cougar web page \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/. \nand our nest predator bounty program web page. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/ \n\n=============================== \n\nPHAS November 2023 meeting on Raccoons – watch this for inspiration! \n\nNovember 29th\, 2023\nThere are two recordings of this meeting (for two speakers).  Discussion of event’s topics/speakers can be found at this link: https://phas-wsd.org/event/likely-date-phass-november-members-meeting-topic-raccoons/\nThe first half of the meeting\, was about raccoons.  The initial recording was accidentally cut off towards the end of Q&A on the raccoon presentation. Recording of meeting starts again in the next recording  where the end of first speaker’s  presentation precedes the second speakers presentation.  Nancy Hilding’s presentation is on SD Game\, Fish and Park’s policy with respect to meso-carnivores – especially the Nest Predator Bounty Program and hound hunting of raccoons.\nLinks to part 1 and part 2\nPart 1 Katherine’s presentation on raccoons: https://vimeo.com/890441992/e8cdc3f64f\nPart 2 – The end of Katherine’s & all of Nancy’s presentation:  https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/890467767/5713cb96ae\n  \n=== \n\n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \neadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June Meeting URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-to-sdgfp-commission-june-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Raccon-image-Screen-Shot-2023-12-06-at-10.16.16-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T140000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240531T160258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T160258Z UID:13297-1717322400-1717336800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native Plant Road Show\, Courtesy of SDSU Native Plant Initiative - Rapid City DESCRIPTION:Native Plant Road Show\, Courtesy of SDSU Native Plant Initiative – Rapid City \nSunday\, June 2\, 10 am – 2 pm at Jolly Lane Greenhouse\, Rapid City\nNative plants will be sold. \nOn Saturday 6/1/24\, they will be in Spearfish URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-plant-road-show-courtesy-of-sdsu-native-plant-initiative-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T170000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T015255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T015255Z UID:12673-1717236000-1717261200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Plains Native Plant Society Field Trip Bear Butte/Ft. Meade Area DESCRIPTION:Great Plains Native Plant Society Field Trip Bear Butte/Ft. Meade Area \nParticipants will see most of the plants within the Bear Butte Historic Preserve\, which contains a part of the grounds of the historic Ft. Meade that is currently being archeologically documented.\nAfter an introductory presentation by Ross Lamphere of the BBCHP Association\, our member Dr. Mark Gabel\, an eminent botanist of the Black Hills and member of the Bear Butte Creek Historic Preserve Association\, will lead an easy hike to view the flora within this historic area. \nWe don’t know how long the field trip will last and just speculated end time of 5 pm. \n  \n\nRSVP by May 23\nTrip leader: Dr. Mark Gabel\, botanist\n605-745-3397\nfieldtrips@gpnps.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/great-plains-native-plant-society-field-trip-bear-butte-ft-meade-area/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240531T155854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T162233Z UID:13295-1717236000-1717254000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native Plant Road Show - by SDSU Native Plant Initiative - Spearfish DESCRIPTION:Plant sale event to be held Saturday\, June 1\, 10 am-3pm at The Snapper’s Club in Spearfish\, courtesy of Beautify Spearfish.\n\n\nNative plants will be sold.  (sales via cash or check only) URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-plant-road-show-by-sdsu-native-plant-initiative/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T210000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240531T163438Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T163820Z UID:13302-1717223400-1717275600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Trails Day - June 1st\, Saturday DESCRIPTION:National Trails Day – is June 1st\, Saturday\, Many NGOs or state and federal agencies are sponsoring hiking events nationwide. \nAt this web page you can search for an event near you: \nhttps://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/ \nIt finds 6  hikes within 50 miles and  7 hikes within 100 miles of Rapid City \nWe assume there may be some hikes you can’t find on this search engine\, so if an agency is near you\, you could check with them for their events (if any). \nTimes and location of hikes varies URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-trails-day-june-1st-saturday/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-31-at-10.32.21-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240531T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T130000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T051753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T022712Z UID:12679-1717174800-1717333200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union's Spring Meeting - Custer\, SD DESCRIPTION:SD Ornithologist Union’s Spring Meeting – Custer\, SD \nCuster SD May 31-June 2\, 2024\, All gatherings will be at the Custer County Annex Building*\, 447 Crook St. Custer SD\, in the Pine room. For more information: https://sdou.org/SDOU/NextMeeting.aspx \nFriday evening  5 pm- 7 pm registration/social  then: \n 7pm-8 pm Friday with a presentation ( by well known landscape photographer/author/and historian Paul Horstead\, as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Custer expedition. His recreation of historical photos taken during the 1874 survey of the Black Hills by the US Calvery\, show the history and the changes that have come to Western South Dakota in the past 150years.   \n 7 am- 6 pm on Saturday are Pplanned field trips that will head in all four directions – north to granite peaks\, south to the Whitney Preserve (SW of Hot Springs)\, east to Custer State Park\,  and west to Hell Canyon and Boles/Roby Canyon. These field trip options repeat on Sunday morning.\, except Saturday field trips last 7 am- 6 pm but Sunday’s are shorter. \n6-7 pm Saturday – Dinner/Banquete: Hillbilly BBQ will provide their locally famous BBQ Brisquit with sides of cowboy beans\, corn on the cob and chopped veggie salad known as “Grandma’s salad”. Non meat option will be stuffed grilled portabella mushroom and the same sides. A selection of pies for dessert\, provided by The Purple Pie Place.  \n7 pm-8pm MT\, Saturday – Evening’s keynote speaker: Maggie Engler\, life long birder and director of the Black Hills Raptor Center will bring some of her education birds for a chance to see these raptors very up close and personal . \n7 am – 12 am\, Sunday Field trips – with  same 4  trip options  as Saturday  \n12-1 pm –  a count off. \nRegistration is $30\, meals may be $24/@ for adult and $12/@ for child – to  get  meal please be register by 5/24/24. Link to on-line registration \nhttps://sdou.org/SDOU/Registration.aspx?mtg=19 \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-unions-spring-meeting-custer-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240521T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240521T210000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240516T023012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T024750Z UID:12693-1716318000-1716325200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Mt Lion Networking Meeting DESCRIPTION:This “Mt Lion Networking Meeting” is a limited attendance meeting.  If you are a volunteer of an environmental or animal welfare group\, or want to be such & want to be working to protect & recover mountain lions in SD – contact Nancy Hilding of Prairie Hills Audubon Society & ask for an invitation to it. Staff of national cougar groups will be meeting  with local volunteers over Zoom. \nSD GFP is getting ready to amend it’s mountain lion plan. \nNancy 605-787-6466 (landline)  phas.wsd@rapidnet.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/mt-lion-networking-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240518T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240518T163000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T014850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T014850Z UID:12671-1716035400-1716049800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Plains Native Plant Society Annual Meeting - Hermosa DESCRIPTION:Great Plains Native Plant Society Annual Meeting – Hermosa \nFor more information: https://www.gpnps.org/events.php \n  \n\nRSVP by May 13\nTrip leader: Cindy Reed\n605-890-0150\nc.reed@gpnps.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/great-plains-native-plant-society-annual-meeting-hermosa/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240517T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240517T210000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240410T230307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T201647Z UID:12301-1715968800-1715979600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Endangered Species Day Celebration - 2024 DESCRIPTION:Above photo is of Noreen\, who is one of three cloned black footed ferrets\,  photo taken by Kika Tuff \n\nEndangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s wildlife & wild places.  Started in 2006 by the US Congress\, Endangered Species Day (ESD) is the third Friday of May.  We have celebrated ESD in Rapid City with  a multi-group sponsored event for 16 years.\n\n        Our 2024  celebration for western SD will begin at 6 pm MT on 5/17/24\, by Zoom and end by 9 pm MT.  We will have several speakers\, who will talk about federal and state listed threatened and endangered species. Scroll down for Zoom details. \nAGENDA:\n\n\n6:00 pm –  Introduction by Sponsors\n\n6:05  pm – 7:00  pm MT –  Speaker:  Christopher Swanson\, Field Supervisor\, North and South Dakota Ecological Services\, US Fish and Wildlife Service – He will speak on – “Recovery of Endangered Species across South Dakota: latest updates on species conservation\, emerging challenges\, and ESA regulatory revisions.”\n.\n7:00  pm – 7:55  pm MT – Speaker:  Eileen Dowd Stukel\, Senior Wildlife Diversity Biologist\, SD Game\, Fish and Parks  – Eileen will discuss the 10 year review and revision of the State’s Wildlife Action Plan & the biennial review by GFP Commission of our state listed species. She will provide a brief update on status of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the US Congress.\n\n5 minute break\n\n8:00 pm- 8:55 pm  MT – Speaker: – Chalmer Combellick\, Wildlife Biologist\, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe – Chalmer will speak on tribal efforts to recover federally and state listed species and other species culturally significant to the tribes.\n\nRecordings of past ESD celebrations are on our recordings web site. https://phas-wsd.org/recorded-meetings/ \nCo-sponsors include: Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League\, Black Hills Chapter of Dakota Rural Action\,  Black Hills Clean Water Alliance\, The Norbeck Society\, Black Hills Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby\, \nZoom meeting details: \nTopic: Endangered Species Day Celebration\nTime: Friday\, May 17th\, 2024\, 6 pm MT \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620 \n— \nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose) \n— \nDial by your location (as far as we know all work in western SD – but you need meeting ID/Passcode to access meeting)\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620 \nFind your local number (mostly other countries) : https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV \n============================================= \n+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ \n========================================================= \nHELP SPREAD THE WORD! \nWe have this announcement on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3527418304178046/ \nWe have 5 posters for this event (ESDC) \, that feature photos of different animals\, with QR codes. If anyone wants to print the posters and put up on bulletin boards it would help spread the word.  Or you can download the PDF & forward a poster to friends.\n\n\nESDC Poster with Black Footed Ferret & Osprey Photos with QR Code\, legal size:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESD-2024.FP3_.QRCode.Legal_.Osprey.pdf\n\nESDC Poster with Black Footed Ferret  & Northern Long Eared Bat Photos with QR Code\, legal size:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESD-2024.FP3_.QRCode.Legal_.NorthernLEB.pdf\n\nESDC Poster with Osprey Photo with QR Code\, letter size:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESD24.Letter.Poster.osprey.QR_.FP_.pdf\n\nESDC Poster with Black Footed Ferret with QR Code\, letter size:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESD24.Letter.Poster.ferret.QR_.FP_.pdf\n\nESDC Poster with a Cluster of Tri-colored Bats with QR Code\, letter size:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESD24.Letter.Poster.QR_.custerTCB.FP_.pdf\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-day-celebration-2024/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-07-at-10.49.19-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240516T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240516T170000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240516T231621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T231621Z UID:12743-1715846400-1715878800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission December Hybrid Meeting DESCRIPTION:  \nSD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission December Hybrid Meeting\, likely in Pierre \nThere will be face-to-face and Zoom attendance. \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 1 pm MT in person or by Zoom or phone on rule finalizations and/or at the Open Forum . Visit this web page for more details when close to the date: \n: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nGo to our notice on November Commission meeting  for more details – as items may be continued. \nPublic Input at the meeting: \nTo provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible SDGFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. If you forget\, they are polite and normally ask if anyone who failed to register wants to testify. \nWritten comments can be submitted here. To be included in the public record of the Decemmber meeting \, comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). Late comments will end up in the  record of next meeting in  2025 . \n  \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them. \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us”   \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-december-hybrid-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240515T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240515T163000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240515T011314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T011430Z UID:12662-1715778000-1715790600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest - Forest Service Advisory Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest – Forest Service Advisory Board Meeting\, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – May 15\, 2024 \nLocation: Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 \n  \nAgenda – https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1175302.pdf \nCurrent NFAB members – https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1039321.pdf \n  \nMeetings: Meetings are open to the Public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less.  Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should make a request in writing by at least three days before the meeting to be scheduled on the agenda.  Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting.  Written comments and requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Scott Jacobson\, NFAB Committee Coordinator\, Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, South Dakota\, 57702; or by email to scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-forest-service-advisory-board-meeting-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240511T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240511T170000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240512T022153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T022153Z UID:12619-1715414400-1715446800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comments due on Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project\, BHNF DESCRIPTION:Comments due on Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project\, BHNF \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nA new project is proposed on the Black Hills National Forest in northeastern Wyoming.  The project is in the Moskee and Grand Canyon areas of the Bearlodge Ranger District. The Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction project includes pine thinning and mechanical and manual fuel reduction. Project information and request for comments may be found in the “Project Description and Comment Opportunity” documents at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020. Submission of comments is requested by June 10\, 2024. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-on-davis-hazardous-fuels-reduction-project-bhnf/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240511T060000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240519T235900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240425T195756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T171615Z UID:12356-1715407200-1716163140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Endangered Species Week Chalk drawing competition DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Week Chalk drawing competition \nThe competition will occur from Saturday\, May 11th\, 2024 to Sunday\, May 19th.\nFriday\, May 17th is Endangered Species Day\nIn honor of Endangered Species Day\, Endangered Species Coalition is holding a nationwide\, all-ages chalk art competition that anyone can participate in\, from wherever you live. This event will help raise awareness of the importance of endangered wildlife\, and the Endangered Species Coalition will be giving away a variety of prizes\, including a $250 Grand Prize for the best artwork and a number of small prizes just for participating! \nTo enter the contest\, you must post a photo of your chalk art on Instagram or FaceBook between 9:00am Pacific Time on Friday\, May 17th and 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday\, May 19th. \n—— \nTo be eligible for a prize\, your art must feature at least one threatened or endangered plant or animal species\, and it must be created with chalk. Artwork must be new (created within the previous week – no reusing photos of old chalk art). There are no other restrictions and we encourage you to be creative. \nTo enter the contest\, you must post a photo of your chalk art on Instagram or FaceBook between 9:00am Pacific Time on Friday\, May 17th and 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday\, May 19th. \nYou must use the hashtag #EndangeredSpeciesChalkArt and tag @endangeredspeciescoalition in your caption. This allows us to find your artwork! \nIf your account is private\, you will need to temporarily make it public\, for one week starting on May 17th\, so that we can find and see your post. If you do not have an Instagram or Facebook account currently\, we encourage you to create one to participate! If this is not possible for you for some reason\, please reach out to us. Parents\, guardians\, or teachers may post art for children or students who want to participate. \nPlease direct questions or concerns to Tara at tthornton@endangered.org. \nFor more details: \nhttps://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/?link_id=1&can_id=894d0cc0d439d8d2425a681aec9625bc&source=email-endangered-species-day-is-almost-here-2&email_referrer=email_2291315&email_subject=endangered-species-day-is-just-weeks-away-join-the-celebration-at-home-or-at-an-event \nPhoto of sidewalk with chalk drawings by USFWS URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-week-chalk-drawing-competition/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-12-at-11.07.30-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240511T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240511T235900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240511T014430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240511T015159Z UID:12597-1715385600-1715471940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Migratory Bird Day DESCRIPTION:Migratory Bird Day – May 11\, 2024 \nThis year Migratory Bird Day will be in both the spring and fall – see also October 12th\, 2024 \nThis year’s theme is “Protect Insects\, Protect Birds.” From the cornucopia of caterpillars that nourish young chicks in the spring to the droves of winged insects that supply valuable protein and energy for migrants\, bugs are vital to birds and our ecosystems. \nLink to learn more: \nhttps://www.migratorybirdday.org/?emci=ce1d2753-fd0e-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=2e39fe44-090f-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=403117 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/migratory-bird-day/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240509T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240509T204500 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240410T224920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240510T013134Z UID:12294-1715277600-1715287500@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Norbeck Society Zoom Meeting on American Goshawk in the Black Hills DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, May 9\, 6:00: Join Norbeck Society for a Public Zoom meeting. Norbeck Presents an evening with Patricia Kennedy\, Jason Bruggeman & David Anderson: “Declining American Goshawk nest site habitat suitability in the Black Hills National Forest.” Their peer-reviewed research was published recently in the Journal of Raptor Research. https://raptorresearchfoundation.org/publications/ \nYou may read the researchers’ biographies below.* \n*Goshawk Researcher Biographies: \nJason Bruggeman Ph.D.\, Endangered Species Monitoring Coordinator\, Headwaters Corporation \nJason is the Endangered Species Monitoring Coordinator for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program through Headwaters Corporation.  His work involves monitoring and research on Piping Plovers\, Interior Least Terns\, and migratory Whooping Cranes on the central Platte River.  Prior to joining Headwaters in 2022\, Jason worked as a wildlife research biologist and biometrician as a private consultant and at the University of Minnesota.  Jason led the retrospective analysis of Black Hills National Forest Goshawk data through his own consulting business\, Beartooth Wildlife Research.  Jason has led and designed studies involving American pikas\, grassland specialist birds\, and Goshawks.  Jason has also worked with existing data from Arctic Peregrine Falcons\, Bald Eagles\, black-tailed prairie dogs\, elk\, and wolves.  Jason obtained his Ph.D. at Montana State University in 2006 with dissertation research on bison spatial dynamics in Yellowstone National Park during winter. \n  \nPat Kennedy Ph.D.\, Professor Emeritus\, Oregon State University \nPat is Professor Emerita in the Department of Fisheries\, Wildlife\, and Conservation Biology at Oregon State University.  Please see this link for additional bio information on Pat:  https://raptorresearchfoundation.org/blog/#pat \n  \nDavid Andersen Ph.D.\, Unit Leader\, USGS Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit \nDavid Andersen is the Leader of the U.S. Geological Survey\, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (MN CFWRU) and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Fisheries\, Wildlife\, and Conservation Biology on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota.  Dr. Andersen received a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology (1988) and a Ph.D. in Zoology (1988) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison\, an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology (1984) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison\, and a B.S. from St. Olaf College (1981).  He has worked at the MN CFWRU since 1989\, having conducted research in avian ecology and conservation\, working with graduate students on projects involving raptors\, forest-nesting birds\, waterfowl\, shorebirds\, marshbirds\, cranes\, and swans.  Dr. Andersen has advised or co-advised over 35 M.S. students and Ph.D. students\, authored or co-authored over 100 scientific publications\, and has served as Principal Investigator on dozens of research projects focused on applied avian ecology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMay 9\, NS Public Zoom meeting\, 6pm: Norbeck Society Presents Patricia Kennedy\, Jason Bruggeman and David Anderson: “Declining Black Hills Goshawk Nest Site Habitat Suitability in a Timber Production Landscape: Effects of Abiotic\, Biotic and Forest Management Factors”.\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88173621695?pwd=eVlRZ3lSQ1BhUzVGUmN3akE0bTJ4QT09\n \nLaunch Meeting – Zoom URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/norbeck-society-zoom-meeting-on-american-goshawk-in-the-black-hills/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T203000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240503T192404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T192404Z UID:12512-1715191200-1715200200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Prairie Hills Audubon Society Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society Board Meetings are normally the second Wednesday of the month in the evening by Zoom.  They tend to start at 6 or 6:30 pm MT.  Exact start time will be chosen closer to the date. \nThey are open to Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s members and others by invitation.  Contact Nancy Hilding \nfor more information and Zoom details. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-audubon-society-board-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240426T012140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240426T043634Z UID:12392-1715157000-1715184000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Water Management Board May 2024 meeting DESCRIPTION:A meeting is scheduled for the SD Water Management Board on 5/8/2024 9:30:00 AM CT. To learn more about past and upcoming meetings please visit the Boards and Commissions Portal –  https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/ \nFor 5/8/24 meeting visit:   https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 \nAgenda – https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/202405Agenda1%20(1).pdf \nLive audio of the meeting is available at https://www.sd.net URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-water-management-board-may-2024-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240507T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240507T160000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240321T040035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240321T040403Z UID:12138-1715095800-1715097600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to submit Initiative and Constitutional Amendment petitions to SD SOS DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit Initiative and Constitutional Amendment petitions to SD SOS in Pierre\, on May 7th\, 5 pm CT. \nFor info: \nhttps://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-question-information/default.aspx \nPotential Ballot Questions 2024: \nhttps://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2024/2024-ballot-questions.aspx URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-initiative-and-constitutional-amendment-petitions-to-sd-sos/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240506T215000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240506T215900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240310T024456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240505T042429Z UID:12037-1715032200-1715032740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline extended on USFWS rule changes to ensure BIDEH on their Refuges DESCRIPTION:Comment deadline extended 60 days\, on USFWS proposed rule changes to ensure that the biological integrity\, diversity\, and environmental health (BIDEH) of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) are maintained\, and where appropriate\, restored and enhanced\, in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. \nFor more information: \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/05/2024-04583/national-wildlife-refuge-system-biological-integrity-diversity-and-environmental-health-extension-of \nBlog post explains this rule making: \nA Proposal to Leverage More Conservation Benefits from National Wildlife Refuges \n \nSign-on letter\, Still open 5/4/24: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1nfnaxJAVkAuW3RDALEPdp4FIzNi7l8rf3mGU9mjkZSCSIg/viewform \nSome examples of submitted comments \nGroup letter on predator control at refuges that PHAS signed on to : \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/137-NGOs-letter-1Mar2024.pdf \n\nOther letters: \n. \nhttps://elpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ELPC-NWRA-BIDEH-Comments-on-FWS-BIDEH-Proposed-Rule-02.19.24.pdf \nComment submission: You may submit comments on the proposed rule or the proposed revisions to 601 FW 3 by one of the following methods: \n• Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter FWS–HQ–NWRS–2022–0106\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting screen\, find the correct document and submit a comment by clicking on “Comment.” \n• By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand delivery to: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2022–0106; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike\, MS: PRB (JAO/3W); Falls Church\, VA 22041–3803. \n\nThey will not accept email or faxes. They  will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that they will post any personal information you provide them. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-extended-on-usfws-rule-changes-to-ensure-bideh-on-their-refuges/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240504T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240504T183000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240425T182822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T124026Z UID:12350-1714807800-1714847400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:La Creek National Wildlife Refuge Annual Fieldtrip DESCRIPTION:La Creek National Wildlife Refuge Annual Field trip \nEvery year we  jointly sponsor a field trip to the La Creek National Wildlife Refuge with the Sierra Club on either the first or second Saturday in May. \nFolks car pool in Rapid City in the early morning of Saturday May 4th from 7:30-8:00 am MT\, leaving Family Fare east side with the last car(s) leaving at 8:00 am and to also meet up with others at the Refuge Headquarters at  11 am.  Sometimes some folks camp at the Refugee on Friday night.  More  details will be posted\, when I have them. \nContact – 604-787-6466 home\, 787-2806 cell\, Nancy  for more information \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/la-creek-national-wildlife-refuge-annual-fieldtrip/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240502T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240503T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20231213T065935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240519T225641Z UID:9869-1714654800-1714737600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish and Parks May Commission meeting DESCRIPTION:At the SDGFP Commission meeting on May 2nd\, 2024. We submitted 3 petitions for rule making \, these were rejected.  Here is an Argus Leader Article about that: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/might-south-dakota-beavers-receive-some-protections/ar-AA1o43Yx \nWe will right more about what other thins  happened later. \n================================ \nSD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s May Meeting was in Custer State Park\, Thursday-Friday\,  May 2-3\, 2024\, at the Event Barn.  The agenda can be viewed here – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_May_2-3\,_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \nFolks could testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm MT in person or by Zoom or phone on rule finalizations and/or at the Open Forum . Visit this web page  for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nZoom link for the meeting\nhttps://state-sd.zoom.us/j/92827772568?pwd=cHByUFlQNi8rRXJ0dGlEazNRbjBqZz09#success\n To join via conference call\, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Meeting ID: 928 2777 2568 | Passcode: 421262\n \n\nPublic Input at the meeting: \nTo provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible GFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. \nWritten comments can be submitted here. To be included in the public record\, comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting).  \n====== \nTopics at the meeting: \n\nIt is normal\, traditional for SDGFP to present furbearer season rule change proposals in May. \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society has  created three new petitions for rule making that are an  attempt to change SD GFP hunting season for beaver to allow less beaver trapping/hunting. These will be presented at the May 2nd\, 2024 Commission hybrid meeting\, in Custer State Park at the Event Barn.  We seek groups and individuals to endorse & testify for the petitions. \n  The petitions seek a moratorium on beaver trapping/hunting on the Black Hills National Forest for 3 years\, includes some cleaning up of geographical descriptions\, asking for hunter/trapper to report back on number and location of beaver killed on some federal public lands and to change the season length outside the Black Hills Fire Protection District from 12 month to 5 months\, The 3 petitions are below. If you have limited time\, just read the longer petition: \nShorter sized petition with less (2) protections\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Beaver-rule-change-petition-Final2024.short1_-1.docx\nMedium sized petition with medium (3) protections\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/BeaverRuleChange-PetitionMedium1Final.docx\nLonter Petition with the maximum (4) protections\n\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Beaver-rule-change-petition_long1_-2024Final.docx \n\n\nCharts and Maps referenced in petitions:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Maps.ChartsBEAVER-December-2023.pdf\n\nThey are very similar to the 2023 petitions\n  \nThere will be finalization on proposed CSP coyote and bison hunting rule changes. \nThere will  also be finalizations on season rules for : \nSmall Game Hunting Seasons\na. Grouse Hunting Season\nb. Partridge Hunting Season\nc. Quail Hunting Season\nd. Cottontail Rabbit Hunting Season\ne. Tree Squirrel Hunting Season\nf. Snipe Hunting Season \nThey will be adopting “Action Plans” for pheasant\, deer & bobcat. \nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting .\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-may-commission-meeting-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240429T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240429T235900 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240409T170525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T173102Z UID:12280-1714434600-1714435140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Scoping comments on North Sand Vegetation Management Project (near Sand Creek Roadless area) DESCRIPTION:Opportunity for public comment would be due on April 27 but that is a Saturday so they are actually on due Monday the 29th: North Sand Vegetation Management: Black Hills National Forest – Projects (usda.gov) \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/246546688222 \nMap: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1474922331799 \nIt is in the Bearlodge Ranger District along Sand Creek and near Dugout Gulch. \nThis beautiful area is near the Ranch A National Historic Place and the Sand Creek the Country Club south of Beulah\, Wyoming. \nSteep slope removal may be necessary for part of this timber management. The project area embraces the north end of the Sand Creek Roadless area. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/scoping-comments-on-north-sand-vegetation-management-project-near-sand-creek-roadless-area/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240427T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240427T120000 DTSTAMP:20260415T011639 CREATED:20240410T225646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240410T230023Z UID:12298-1714206600-1714219200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Bear Butte Forum 2024 DESCRIPTION:Bear Butte Forum is an annual meeting between SDGFP staff from Bear Butte State Park and Native American folks to discuss the management of the state park. Bear Butte is a sacred site for many Native American Tribes. \nIt will be April 27th\, 2024.    Non-native people are welcome to come. \nIt is traditionally held at the Sturgis Community Center\, 1401 Lazelle St\, Sturgis\, SD 57785\, \nIt normally runs from 8:30 to noon\, but I have not seen the agenda for this year. \nCall Bear Butte State Park for an update and to verify times and place. https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/bear-butte-state-park/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bear-butte-forum-2024/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR