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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250613T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250613T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250523T165917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T170150Z
UID:18909-1749858600-1749859140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment deadline 6/13/25 on Nelson Hazardous Fuels Reduction Bearlodge Ranger District
DESCRIPTION:Comment deadline 6/13/25 on Nelson Hazardous Fuels Reduction Bearlodge Ranger District \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/file/1864467479126 \nQuote from the Forest Service notice: \n“The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to reduce fire hazard on seven isolated parcels of National Forest\nlands adjacent to the Bear Lodge Mountains in Crook County\, Wyoming. High fuel loading on these\nlands poses a risk to surrounding lands and communities.\nThe proposed activity area (map below) consists of 852 acres accessible only from non-National Forest\nlands. Detailed maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/67815. There is no\nlegal public or Forest Service access to these parcels. For this reason\, the project would be implemented\nprimarily via Good Neighbor Authority agreements with the State of Wyoming\, as authorized by Title\nVIII of the 2018 USDA Farm Bill (Public Law 115–334).\nThese lands include approximately 568 acres of ponderosa pine forest with the remainder consisting of\ngrasslands and bur oak woodland. Pine forest varies from dense\, mature stands to open-canopy woodlands\nwith oak or grass understory.\nAdjacent communities include the town of Alva plus numerous scattered ranches and residences.\nApproximately 24 residences and other developments lie within 1.5 miles of the Forest Service parcels.\nParcel boundaries form 15 miles of interface with non-Forest Service lands.\nProposed activity areas are in wildland urban interface according to the Crook County Community\nWildfire Protection Plan (2005; currently in revision) and/or are in Condition Class 2 or 3 (moderate to\nhigh departure from reference conditions) and Fire Regime Group I or II (short fire return interval) with\nvery high fire hazard according to local and LANDFIRE data (USDI and Geological Survey\, (1)\, (2)).” \nCOMMENTING\nQuote from FS: \n“Opportunity to Collaborate and Comment\nWe welcome your ideas and comments regarding this proposal. Contact Patrick Champa\, Bearlodge\nDistrict Ranger\, or Elizabeth Krueger\, Bearlodge Ranger District resource planner\, at (307) 283-1361\, via\nemail at BearlodgeComments@usda.gov\, or through the U.S mail:\nAttn: Nelson Project\nBearlodge Ranger District\nP.O. Box 680 / 101 S. 21 st St.\nSundance\, WY 82729\nThis opportunity extends through June 13\, 2025. Project status and discussions with collaborators and\ninterested parties will be available on the project web page or on “
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-6-13-25-on-nelson-hazardous-fuels-reduction-bearlodge-ranger-district/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250612T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250613T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250528T164355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T133135Z
UID:18963-1749733200-1749834000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:NE Game and Parks Commission June 12-13th\, 2025 Meeting
DESCRIPTION:NE Game and Parks Commission June 12-13th\, 2025 Meeting \nNEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION\, County Inn and Suites Chimney Rock Room 664\,  Chase Blvd.\,  Sidney\, NE Friday\, June 13\, 2025 \nSidney is presently located at the junction of U.S. Route 385 with I-80\, and its location approximately halfway between Cheyenne\, Wyoming\, and North Platte\, Nebraska\, \nMountain lions are on the agenda for 8:15 am on 13th.  We don’t know the time zone for Sidney\, but it might be MT \nJune 12-13\, 2025\n\nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6-13-25-Public-Hearing-notice.pdf\nAgenda:\nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-JUNE-General-Meeting-Agenda.docx.pdf\n\nIn accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. 84-907\, a public hearing will be conducted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on June 13\, 2025\, in the meeting room at the County Inn and Suites 664 Chase Blvd. Sidney\, NE prior to consideration and/or enactment of the following: Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 37-301\, 37-304\, 37-308\, 37-308.01\, 37-314\, 37-228\, 37-404\, 37-405\, 37-411\, 37-426\, 37-452\, 37-473\, 37-613\, a public hearing will be held at 8:15 AM to consider amendments to Title 166 Chapter 20 (formerly Title 163 Chapter 4\, Wildlife Regulations\, Section 037)\, Mountain Lions to clarify unit boundaries and adjust harvest limits in the Niobrara and Wildcat Hills Management Units. \n\nCopies of the proposed regulations and the Fiscal Impact Statement shall be available for public inspection at the Game and Parks Commission office and on-line at the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. All interested persons may attend and testify orally or by written submission at the public hearing. Interested persons or organizations may submit written comments prior to the hearing\, which will be entered into the hearing record if they: 1) include a request to be included as part of the hearing record; 2) include the name and address of the person or organization submitting the comments; and 3) are received by 1:00 p.m. CT June 11\, 2024 by Sheri Henderson at the Lincoln office\, 2200 North 33rd Street\, Lincoln\, NE 68503-0370. Tim McCoy\, Director\n\n\nProposed rule: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/rules-orders-regulations/ \nSee note regarding NE G&P regs at the top of the page\, then scroll to Game and Parks on the list.  Get to the Game and Parks section and scroll down towards the bottom of their section and look for line item that was posted in 05-09-2025\, ”  – 166 – 20 -New Chapter 20 June 2025″  Click on that and end up at https://rules.nebraska.gov/docket \n\nThey are adjusting boundaries at Niobrara and Wildcat Hills and \n\nincreasing the harvest limit at Niobrara – cougars both sex harvest limit changes from 4 to 6\, & for  females  harvest increase from 2 to 3 and\n\n2. reducing it at Wildcat Hills > cougars both sex harvest limit changes from 3 to 2 either sex and 2 to one for females. \nHere is NE G&P Explanation of Mt Lion season proposed changes and population info. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mountain-Lion-Booklet-June-2025-1.pdf \nLink to PHAS 2025 comments on this season – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/nebraska-Mt-lion-comments2025.final_.pdf \nWe are asking for no season in 2025 at Wildcat Hills and smaller harvest caps at Pine Ridge and Niobrara units. \nWe have been told of a big threat to Mt lions living  near Scottsbluff in the “Wildcat Hills” – the population has been tanking ( 21 mortalities in just 17 months) with perhaps only 6 cougars left and NE G&P proposes a 2025 hunting season of 3 lions – half the remaining population\,   Folks from NE should be objecting to the 2025 season at Wild Cat Hills (Scottsbluff)\n  \nWe also want SD and NE lion populations to be sources of emigrating lions for natural recolonization of lion populations in the east and Canada.   We suspect no state will formally reintroduce them\, so they have to recolonized by natural emigration.  While much of eastern North America is too developed with human housing to support lions\, there are some areas rural and wild enough to support them with less conflicts with humans. \n\n  \nComments are due on June 11th at 1 pm CT. I normally send them to Sheri  >  Ask Sheri  for details – \n\n“Henderson\, Sheri” <sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov>\n\n\n\n\nSheri Henderson\nAdministrative Programs Officer II\nAgency Safety Program Manager\nNebraska Game and Parks Commission\n2200 North 33rd St.\nLincoln\, NE 68503\nPhone: 402-471-5539
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/ne-game-and-parks-commission-june-12-13th-meeting/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/NE.lions-Shot-2025-05-30-at-12.35.49-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250611T115000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250611T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250528T172333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T132858Z
UID:18979-1749642600-1749686340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments due to NE Game and Parks on changes to Mt Lion Season
DESCRIPTION:Comments due to NE Game and Parks on changes to Mt Lion Season \nComments are due at 1 pm CT to NE Game and Parks on changes to their mt lion hunting season. They are sent to Sheri Henderson. – <sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov> of NE G&Ps \nGo to our June 12-13th events/deadline calendar posting for all the details and how to comment: https://phas-wsd.org/event/ne-game-and-parks-commission-june-12-13th-meeting/ \nHere is NE G&P info. booklet on mt lions for 2025 https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mountain-Lion-Booklet-June-2025-1.pdf \nThey want to increase the harvest limit a Niobrara unit and reduce it at Wild Cat Hills. They are making boundary changes to both areas. \nSeems there is a big threat to mt. lions living  near Scottsbluff in the Wildcat Hills – the population has been tanking \, losing 21 cougars in 17 months – with perhaps only 6 cougars left\, with various causes of deaths.  NE G&P proposes a 2025 hunting season of 3 lions – half the remaining population\,   Folks from NE should be objecting to the 2025 season at Wild Cat Hills (Near Scottsbluff). It should be closed to hunting in 2025.\n\nLink to PHAS comments on this season – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/nebraska-Mt-lion-comments2025.final_.pdf \nWe are asking for no season in 2025 at Wildcat Hills and smaller harvest caps at Pine Ridge and Niobrara units. \nCommission meeting with public hearing is on 13th in Sidney
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-to-ne-game-and-parks-on-changes-to-mt-lion-season/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/NE.lions-Shot-2025-05-30-at-12.35.49-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250610T165000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250610T165900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250520T140720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T193151Z
UID:18887-1749574200-1749574740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment deadlines June 10th Wyoming Game & Fish changes to Mt Lion and Wolf hunting seasons
DESCRIPTION:CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has opened a comment period to gather public input on the following regulations: \nLIST OF REGULATIONS BEING CHANGED/REVIEWED AT JULY COMMISSION MEETING \n\n\n    Chapter 22\, Watercraft Regulation. \n\n\n    Chapter 42\, Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons. \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/32271/download?inline \nhttps://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \n\n\n\n    Chapter 44\, Regulation for Issuance of Licenses\, Permits\, Stamps\, Tags\, Preference Points and Competitive Raffle Chances. \n\n\n    Chapter 46\, Fishing Regulations. \n\n\n\nChapter 47\, Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons. \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/32274/download?inline \nhttps://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \n\nFor more information visit: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved/public-meetings \nHOW TO COMMENT\nTo Comment on-line by COB on Tuesday June 10th\n1. Follow this link to the WGFD Public Input Page https://wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved/public-input \n2. Scroll to Chapter 42: Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons and/or Chapter 47 Grey Wolf\n\n3. Click “Comment”\n\n4. Submit comment\n\n\n\n  \nGREY WOLVES TROPHY SEASON \n              We (PHAS) have yet to fully study the proposed changes to wolf regulations to have our own opinion on them – we instead give you Wyoming’s Untrapped talking points that reviews the issue. What we want with respect to wolves in Wyoming requires legislative change\, which is outside the Commission’s purview. We want rules and objectives in the predator area – which area abuts SD – changed. \n         However they are proposing an increased harvest limit of 38 to 44 wolves\, because population estimate is 3 wolves above WGF Departments stable population’s  objective (160 wolves). In some subsets the harvest limit is raised & in other subsets reduced\, but cumulatively 6 extra wolves can be killed in the trophy game areas. We are not sure when wolf season will be revisited by Commission.. Here is a newspaper article on increases to wolf & cougar harvests:  https://mountainjournal.org/wyoming-looks-to-increase-wolf-and-mountain-lion-kills \n              The wolf habitat in Wyoming is divided into an area with basically unlimited hunting and areas with limited hunting. The only sections that come up for review by the Commission are in the subsets that have limited hunting.  The unlimited hunting is set by the legislature and can only be changed there (most of Wyoming – including the Black Hills – is in this section).  Here is a link to map of Wyomings wolf hunting areas https://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/31129/download?inline  or \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/large-carnivore/wolves-wyoming \nHere is a link to Wyoming Untrapped’s talking points for use in commenting on the wolf and mt lion hunting proposals \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Wyoming-Untrapped-on-WolvesMt-Lion25.pdf \n==== \nCOUGARS SEASON – TRIENNIAL REVIEW \n\nWyoming only changes its’ mountain lion hunting season every 3 years. \nHere is a link to Wyoming Game and Fish Mortality report on cougars for 2022-2024 (Black Hills in in the NE section- units 1\, 30 & 32 –  and the Pine Ridge Ecosystem in the SE section – unit 25) \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/32512/download?inline \n\nPHAS comment letter on Wyoming Mt lion triennial review : https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Wyomings-mt-lion-comments.pdf \n\nALERTS: \nHere attached is Penny Maldonado of Cougar Fund’s review of what is happening with Mt Lion management summer 2025 in Wyoming: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Wyomings-Cougars-need-your-May-2025.pdf \nA link to a  Cougar Fund PDF of their alert (new\, corrected version): \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-Cougar-Fund-WY-comment-ask-public-1.pdf \nHere is a link to Wyoming Untrapped’s talking points for use in commenting on the wolf and mt lion hunting proposals \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Wyoming-Untrapped-on-WolvesMt-Lion25.pdf \nDISCUSSION BY PHAS: \n          We focus on the hunting season in NE Wyoming near the Black Hills and western SD.  Three fifths of the Black Hills habitat is in SD and two fifths in Wyoming.  Harvest limits for both states are very similar\, SD’s being 60 lions either sex and Wyoming’s 60  lions either sex.   Thus if you care about cougars in the Black Hills\, you  need to watch both States seasons. \n\nWyoming proposes no changes to harvest limits for the 3 areas that overlap the Black Hills (60 cougars is the cumulative limit). It proposes  no changes to limits to prairie area to the west of the Black Hills (unlimited Sept-May 31st).  It does propose changes in the prairie area to the SW of the Black Hills\, down by Lusk\, Hartville\, Guernsey.   This is the area that continues the Pine Ridge Ecosystem into Wyoming. That ecosystem exists in 3 states (SD\, NE & WYO. and across Tribal/non-tribal boundaries). They would be changing a harvest limit from 12 cougars to unlimited from Sept 1st to March 31st. This is thus relevant to 3 states and 2 tribes. \n\nNorth East Wyoming lions killed last year were mostly subadults\, hunters had a hard time finding them. Few adults killed!\nNo emigration from Wyo. to SD. Only immigration coming from SD keeps the population going.\nBlack Hills functionally managed as a sink\, but the Mt. Lion Management Plan (MLMP) objective is source-stable. MLMP was commission approved\nPressure on mt. lions needs to be reduced\, not increased.  Advances in science show positive results\, being replicated across multiple studies\, supporting the important role of lions in prey’s disease management.\nArea 25\, abutting Nebraska is proposed to become unlimited harvest (unlimited harvest replaces a 12 lions harvest cap)- very few lions are killed there\,  so no reason for the new designation\, please object to it.\nAreas 30\, 32 and 1. Object to harvest limits as too high and needing to be reduced so this area is managed as a stable population\,\,not a sink.\n=========\nThus >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.OBJECT TO THE HARVEST LIMIT CAP IN AREAS 1\, 30 and 32 and the UNLIMITED HARVEST CAP in AREA 24 & 25.  Express a desire for more mountain lions in the Black Hills (exists in 2 states) and the Pine Ridge Ecosystem (which exists in 3 states\, 2 reservations)\n\nVarious states further\, to the west of us are having some more extreme cougar seasons – changes such as unlimited statewide killing or  increases to harvest limits are recent occurrences. \n=============== \nPROCESS \n Wyo. Game and Fish will host public meetings throughout the state to present and discuss these regulation proposals. Online comments for the regulations are also being accepted through 5 p.m. June 10\, you can submit on-line. \n\n\nGame and Fish biologists and game wardens will be available to answer questions and discuss the regulation proposals during these meetings. Link to meetings schedule :  https://wgfd.wyo.gov/media/32280/download?inline \n\n\nThere was a virtual meeting on May 19th at 3 pm. The Sheridan meeting was at  5 p.m. May 19 at Sheridan Game and Fish Regional Office\, located at 700 Valley View Drive in Sheridan\, and cover Chapters 42\, 44 and 47.  There is also meetings in Wheatland\, May 28th  and Casper June 3rd\, These are meetings likely closest to SD \n\n\nThe Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will hold a final discussion and make a decision on approval during its July 15-16 meeting in Evanston.  Go to that date on calendar for more info on that meeting.  You can testify by Zoom if you ask for permission about a week in advance. There is an approximate time slot for discussion of each item\, offered on the agenda. \nSome of the links that were operating earlier in the month have changed on June 10th \nTo Comment on-line\n1. Follow this link to the WGFD Public Input Page https://wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved/public-input \n2. Scroll to Chapter 42: Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons and/or Chapter 47 Grey Wolf\n\n3. Click “Comment”\n\n4. Submit comment\n\n\nMAPS/Aerial photos\nAerial photo showing bi-state habitat area north of Gillette\n\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-admin/upload.php?item=19145\nAerial photo showing the Pine Ridge 3 state and tribal/non-tribal ecosystem\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-admin/upload.php?item=19141\nWyoming’s map of hunted areas imposed on a topographical map\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-admin/upload.php?item=19140\nWyoming’s map of hunted areas imposed on a street map\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-05-30-at-11.26.06-AM-3.png\nNebraska’s map of its’ hunted areas:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-admin/upload.php?item=19001
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadlines-june-10th-wyoming-game-fish-changes-to-mt-lion-and-wolf-hunting-seasons/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-05-30-at-11.26.06-AM-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250608T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250608T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250503T030240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T030344Z
UID:18572-1749380400-1749394800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SDSU Native Plant sale\, Rapid City
DESCRIPTION:SDSU Native Plant sale\, Gardens behind Canyon Lake Activity Center\, \nRapid City\, June 8th\, 2025 \n  \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/canyon-lake-activity-center/rapid-city-garden-club-hosting-sdsu-native-plant-sale/563122586809562/ \n  \nNative Plant’s Sale and Free Gardening Seminar— 11am Pollinator Habitat— 1pm Planting for Birds—2pm Germinating Native Seeds
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sdsu-native-plant-sale-rapid-city/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250607T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250607T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250607T144639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250607T145312Z
UID:19117-1749286800-1749308400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SDSU Native Plant Sale Spearfish\, SD
DESCRIPTION:June 7\, 10 am – 3 pm:  The SDSU Native Plant Initiative will be selling native plants in Spearfish at the Snapper’s Club\,
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sdsu-native-plant-sale-spearfish-sd/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250607T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250727T153602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250727T173401Z
UID:19405-1749200400-1749312000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Open House at the Great Plains Botanic Garden in Hermosa\, SD 6/6-6/7 2025
DESCRIPTION:Friday & Saturday – June 6 & 7\, 9:am-4:pm Open House at the Great Plains Botanic Garden. This event will be cancelled in case of serious rain making the grounds muddy.\nFind Garden 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 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 expansion project for the Cactus Garden\, the Grass Section being installed and stroll through more of the grounds on our Trail of Two Hills. Volunteer members will be on hand to show you around.\nThe bookstore in the Log Cabin Visitor Center will be open and offering free coffee and snacks.\nBring your human friends\, but not your pets. Sorry\, no pets are allowed at the Botanic Garden. Bring your camera\, sunscreen\, hat and so on. They will have non-refrigerated bottled water available. \nhttp://gpnps.org/events.php?d=1 \nfieldtrips@gpnps.org\, 605-673-3159 or GPNPS Fieldtrips\, PO Box 321\, Hermosa\, SD 57744 USA.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/open-house-at-the-great-plains-botanic-garden-in-hermosa-sd-6-6-6-7-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250605T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250203T233923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T152415Z
UID:17117-1749124800-1749207600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game Fish & Park's June hybrid Commission meeting Aberdeen and Zoom
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks June Commission hybrid meeting\, in Aberdeen and Zoom\,  Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. \nThe Dakota Event Center is located at 720 Lamont St. S in Aberdeen. \nThis meeting will be held via Zoom/conference call and livestream. The meeting will begin Thursday\, June 5 beginning at 1 pm CDT the public hearing and open forum will begin at 2 p.m. CDT. . The livestream can be found at https://www.sd.net. \nWhen close to the date visit- the agenda\, public comments and “Commission book” will eventually be up here: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nCommission book Link (you find the agenda\,  proposals\, action plans and public comments in this document): \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Book_June_2025_.pdf \nAgenda link: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_June_2025_.pdf \nYou can testify in person or remotely by Zoom at 2 pm MT. It is requested  (but not required) that you register in advance for remote testimony w/ Gail Buus \, gail.buus@state.sd.us . Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. \nClick on the link below to join the Zoom Webinar. Depending on the application you use\, you may be required to enter the meeting ID and password. \nThe agenda for this meeting can be found here. \nZoom Webinar Link: \nTo join via conference call: \n\ndial 1.669.900.9128\nWebinar ID: 912 6417 6710\nPasscode: 970458\n\nWritten Comments are due  the Sunday before the Thursday\, before midnight MT: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \nTo comment in writing\, do so ideally by  June 1st\, 2025 midnight CT at their public comments web page. Late comments end up in the July Commission book\, so they see them after they make some immediate decisions.\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/\n\nThey will be voting on the beaver  & otter trapping/hunting seasons rewrite. \nBeaver hunting season change proposed to beaver is a BHs moratorium  but no change to seasons for 5 species which are hunted under Nest Predator Bounty Program.\n1. Support the moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills Fire Protection District.\n2. Ask for 5 month beaver trapping/hunting season in the prairie outside of the Black Hills\, to allow for recovery of beaver state wide and avoid trapping beaver moms when raising children (starts in May)  and incidental take of otter  and especially otter moms when raising pups (starts in April).\nLink to look at season proposal\n https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Beaver-and-NPBP-species-rule.pdf\n\nThe rule change proposed otter hunting/trapping season – propose increase harvest cap from 20 to 30 otters.\nWe suggest you oppose such because\n1.  population monitoring results show contradictory information  and\n2. we need extra otters for west River reintroduction.\nLink to look at season proposal.\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Otter.Proposal.-May_2025_Commission_Book_.pdf\n\nMink/weasel/muskrat hunting/trapping season rule change\nThe proposed change is a correction to the description of the Black Hills Fire Protection District\, which was inaccurate\, thus this is a  “clean up” & also a  positive sort of change.  They are not changing season lengths (except to decrease season length in the in south part of BHFPD) or harvest limits\, thus no large  substantive changes are proposed.\n\n========== \nACTION PLANS \nOTTER\nThey will be voting on a Draft Northern River Otter Action Plan. https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/River_Otter_Action_Plan_2025_2029_Comm.pdf \nWe are asking folks to testify on the  Northern River Otter Action Plan and ask it to plan to reintroduce river otters to western SD and to improve riparian and aquatic habitat along the major tributaries leading from the Missouri River to western SD.  We have river otter in eastern SD\, but if river otter exist in western SD\, they are anecdotal reports on occassional isolated individuals\,  not known to be breeding.  We also need for the corridors along the rivers to be more hospitable to otter by improving the riparian habitat along their edges or creating beaver habitat in side tributaries.   The proposed plan does not provide for these objectives. Please ask for them to be added. Please ask for the Eastern SD population to be managed to be robust enough to send migrating individuals to western SD or support capture of some otters to translocate to western SD. \n2025 River Otter Action Plan\, comment deadline was May 23rd (go to that date on calendar)\, however they will review and approve it at the June 5th-6th Commission meeting\, so you can still comment on it (for Commission vs. Staff reading)\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/RiverOtterd.-ActionPlan.April_2025_Commission_Book_FIN_s.pdf\n========== \nBEAVER \nThey may be reviewing or discussing  a draft Beaver Action Plan\, however the official comment deadline is after the June  (July 2nd) Commission meeting so voting on it will be at a later Commission meeting (July 10th-11th) .   https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/beaverActionPLan-May_2025_Commission_Book_-2.pdf \nList of commissioners\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-june-hybrid-commission-meeting-aberdeen-and-zoom/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250601T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250601T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250411T204016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T224316Z
UID:18300-1748821800-1748822340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for written comments to the SDGFP Commission June meeting
DESCRIPTION:The written comment deadline for SDGFP Commission meetings is 72 hours before the day of the meeting\, which normally are on Thursdays\, \nSunday\, June 1st just before midnight CT is the June Written comment deadline. \nYou go to SDGFP web site\, under Commission drop down menu https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/ to the submit public comment portal https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/and submit comments there. \n  \nPlease go to the notice posted for June 5-6th Commission meeting for more details on subjects to comment on. I do not have time yet\,  to re-enter the information here also \nWe are asking folks to at least support \n\na moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills and\nto comment on the  Northern River Otter Action Plan and ask it to plan to reintroduce river otters to western SD and to improve riparian and aquatic habitat along the major tributaries leading from the Missouri River to western SD.  We have river otter in eastern SD\, but if river otter exist in western SD\, they are anecdotal reports on occassional isolated individuals\,  not known to be breeding.\nWe also need for the corridors along the rivers to be more hospitable to otter by improving the riparian habitat along their edges or creating beaver habitat in side tributaries.   The proposed plan does not provide for these objectives. Please ask for them to be added.\nPlease ask for the eastern SD population to be managed to be robust enough to send migrating individuals to western SD or support capture of some otters to translocate to western SD\nAcknowledge that “wildlife watching” of beavers & otters is an important use of both species\, and certainly not less important than commercial activity of trapping/hunting for furs to sell\n\nThere is also the comment deadline of May 23rd to comment to the staff’s version of the Norther River Otter Action Plan DRAFT. As the Commission approves the staff’s version at it’s June meeting\, you can also still comment to the Commission on the Draft Plan. \nThere is also a  July 2nd deadline to comment on the Staff’s version of a Beaver Action Plan DRAFT\, which is the deadline for submitting forstaff review\, with July 10th and July 6th as written deadlines for the Commission review of Staff’s decisions. https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-on-sdgfp-beaver-action-plan-july-2nd-2025/ \nGo to those deadline dates on the event calendar or to our web page on –  Beaver Alert for all the relevant guides\, talking points and links.  Basically GFP is willing to have a moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills for a while and work to rebuild the population and its’ distribution (which is good)\, but is not addressing the issues with beaver in the rest of SD and the associated northern river otter issues (trapping beaver results in incidental take of otters\, as otter are strongly associated with the habitat that beavers provide).
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-to-the-sdgfp-commission-june-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250515T235027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T235027Z
UID:18852-1748649000-1748649540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Cherry Stem Parking Project Comment Deadline- near agate beds at BGNG\,NNF
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for scoping comments on proposed parking lots near agate beds BGNG\,NNF is May 30th \n\nBuffalo Gap National Grassland’s Cherry Stem Parking Project Scoping\n\n  \nUse of a categorical exclusion is planned. \nForest Service writes: \n“The purpose of this project is to designate parking areas near high-use recreation sites. The need that is driving this project is to reduce resource damage due to off-road vehicle use and improve the safety of recreational users.” \n“The Fall River Ranger District is proposing to install structural guides or boundaries to designate two parking areas along Forest Service Road 7055 (Figure 1). Structural guides could include\, but are not limited to\, buck and rail fences\, wire fences\, boulders\, gravel pads\, signage\, or other means deemed necessary to delineate the parking areas. The preferred method includes the installation of buck and rail fences to reduce ground disturbance. Gaps left in the fencing would allow ease of access for visitors. Two separate locations are included in the proposed action. These locations already exhibit user-created parking areas. The southern parking area is located along Forest Service Road 7055 as it meets the boundary between the Sheep Camp Pasture and French Creek Campground exclosure. The second is located at the end of FSR 7055. “ \n  \n“Comments may be submitted by email to SM.FS.NNFG_Comment@usda.gov (preferred method). Written comments may also be submitted to the Fall River Ranger District\, Attn: Cherry Stem Parking Project Lead\, Fall River Ranger District\, 1801 Highway 18 Bypass\, Hot Springs SD 57747. Thank you for your interest in the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands\, Buffalo Gap National Grassland. To be most helpful\, please respond with comments specific to this proposal by May 30th\, 2025. “
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/cherry-stem-parking-project-comment-deadline-near-agate-beds-at-bgngnnf/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T210000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250421T163847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T175219Z
UID:18396-1748563200-1748638800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Black Hills Photo  Club  Contest deadline - "For the Birds"
DESCRIPTION:Black Hills Photo Club Contest deadline  – For the Birds\n  \n\nFriday\, May 30\, 2025\n12:00 AM 9:00 PM\n\nJune – The summer will be “For the Birds” \nFor info \nhttps://www.blackhillsphotographyclub.com/events/winter-wonderland-p286k-tctac \nCompetitions are for club members only\,   but guests are welcome to check out BHPC themes and attend meetings where submissions are shown! The club meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday beginning at 6:30 PM with a short business meeting followed by a presentation or a photo contest.  Meets at Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City.  To join  – (https://www.blackhillsphotographyclub.com/join)
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-photo-club-contest-deadline-for-the-birds/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250524T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250524T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250429T212116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T224207Z
UID:18451-1748130600-1748131140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to file against Wharf Ground Water Discharge Plan Renewal
DESCRIPTION:This is a direct quote from the DANR’s Notice: \nNotice of Recommendation on an\nApplication for a Groundwater Discharge Plan Renewal \n“Notice is hereby given that the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources(Department) has received a renewal application for an existing Groundwater Discharge Plan from Wharf Resources’ (USA)\, Inc. for the American Eagle Spent Ore Depository at their mining facility in Lawrence County\, South Dakota. The legal location of the depository is portions of Sections 25\, 26\, 35 and 36 of T5N-R2E\, and portions of Sections 1 and 2 of T4N- R2E; approximately 3 miles west of Lead\, SD. The Groundwater Discharge Plan renewal consists of a Groundwater Discharge Permit and a Water Quality Variance. \nThe Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is recommending conditional approval of the Groundwater Discharge Plan renewal. Conditions of the Groundwater Discharge Plan consist of neutralization compliance monitoring\, monitoring parameters\, groundwater monitoring requirements\, reporting requirements\, monitor well permitted allowable limits\, offload approval procedures\, offload limits\, nitrate loading limits\, and technical revision authorization. The detailed conditions of the Groundwater Discharge Plan may be viewed on the Department’s public notice webpage at: https://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx \nAny interested person may file a petition to initiate a contested case and request a hearing on the Groundwater Discharge Plan renewal and the Department’s recommendation pursuant to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota Chapter 74:50:02 within 30 days of publication of this notice. If no petition to initiate a contested case is filed during the 30-day public notice period\, the Department’s recommendations on the Groundwater Discharge Plan renewal will become final at the close of this 30-day period. \nAny person desiring further information may contact Matt Hicks at the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources\, Water Quality Program\, 523 East Capitol Avenue\, Joe Foss Building\, Pierre\, South Dakota 57501\, Phone: 605-773-3351; or visit the Department public notices website at: https://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx \nIn the event a hearing is scheduled\, notice is given to individuals with disabilities that the hearing will be held in a physically accessible place. Please notify the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at least 48 hours before the public hearing if you have a disability for which special arrangements must be made at the hearing.” \n=========================================== \nWARNING \nDANR had the wrong deadline published on their web site at first. It was originally stated to be May 27th\, but it is May 24th. If a petition is received on the closing day\, the time it is received does not matter. However\,  DANR advises that it is best to file it at least a day or two early to ensure it is received on time.  We need to find out if you can e-mail the petition to Matt Hicks.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-file-against-wharf-ground-water-discharge-plan-renewal/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250523T105000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250523T225900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250411T184556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T165346Z
UID:18290-1747997400-1748041140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on the draft “North American River Otter Action Plan\, 2025-2029."
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeadline May 23 @ 10:59 pm MT\, 11:59 CT\n\n\nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on the draft “North American River Otter Action Plan\, 2025-2029.”\n\n\nThe River Otter Action Plan\, 2025-2029\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide river otter management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and strategies to meet those management objectives.\n\n\nThe draft river otter action plan can be found here. https://gfp.sd.gov/…/River_Otter_Action_Plan_2025_2029…\n\n\nIndividuals interested in river otter management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the revised action plan by May 23\, 2025. Written comments must be received by the deadline and include your full name and city of residence. Comments can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted online.\n\n\nNormally SDGFP sets the deadline as midnight CT.\n\n\nYou will also be able to comment to the Commission for the June 5th Commission meeting. See our notice of June 5th-6th meeting at our web site’s events/deadlines calendar. https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/\nThe Commission will adopt the Plan at their June meeting.\n\n\nThe Commission meetings are hybrid and you can comment remotely by Zoom or in person for 3 minutes at the Open Forum \, at about 2 pm in the time zone of the meeting on Thursday afternoons. You can send written comments by Sunday June 1st before midnight CT see our events calendar https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/\nHere is a link to the letter that PHAS submitted on this topic:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/River-Otter-Management-Planf1.pdf\n\n\nTALKING POINTS\nOtters occur in SD East River and at mouths of tributaries to the Missouri River on the west side of the River. However the otters don’t make it to the far west perennial streams/rivers of SD\, as there is a dearth of riparian habitat in good condition and during dry times\, a lack of dependable water in rivers between the Missouri and further west streams.\n\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society supports the reintroduction of river otters to western SD\, which was not planned in earlier river otter management plans and is still not planned with this Action Plan\n.\nBetween the Missouri River and the Black Hills the SDGFP must have a habitat protection/enhancement program to create healthy riparian habitat along the Cheyenne\, Belle Fourche & Little White Rivers. It should have a program to encourage beaver dam analogs being built along tributaries to those rivers\, to improve habitat for otters. River otters are strongly associated with beaver — the beaver dams create habitat and beaver dam analogs are imitation beaver dams.\n\n\n\nThe GFP would need to have a plan to reduce beaver trapping season from 12 months per year to 5 months per year in the counties that host a river otter reintroduction effort –that would be Nov 1st to March 31st\, as river otters have babies in April.\nGFP is likely to adopt a moratorium on beaver trapping in the Black Hills at their June Commission meeting\, so also write in support of the moratorium for beaver hunting/trapping for the Black Hills area.\n\n\n\nPlease explain that watching otters is fun and SDGFP should provide for recreation of  otters for wildlife watching\, not just recreation of hunting/trapping.\n\n\nSubmit written comments here – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-the-draft-north-american-river-otter-action-plan-2025-2029/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250521T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250521T163000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250311T193529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T193943Z
UID:17832-1747832400-1747845000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest\, National Forest Advisory Board May Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest\, National Forest Advisory Board\, Wednesday\, May 21st Meeting \nTimes: Begin at 1 p.m. and end no later than 4:30 p.m. \nLocation: Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 \nThe public can attend\, but can’t speak unless ask to speak 3 days in advance \nWritten 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. \nAgendas are posted here: \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=STELPRDB5114550
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-national-forest-advisory-board-may-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250519T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250519T215900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250508T060835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T163404Z
UID:18661-1747691400-1747691940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Corrected Deadline to comment on definition of "harm"
DESCRIPTION:We had posted that the deadline to comment on rescinding  the definition of “harm” for ESA was May 17th\, that was a mistake\, — it is really Monday\, May 19th. \nThis is the link to the sign on letter that the National Audubon Society offers.\n(You go on-line and submit a pre-fab letter)\n\nhttps://act.audubon.org/a/protect-esa-2025\n\nThis is the link to the federal register where people can submit individual comments.\n\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act\n\nNancy Hilding can e-mail details of a sign on letter for groups (not individuals). The deadline to sign on is sometime on Monday the 19th. This is only for groups\, not individuals. Contact Nancy – phas.wsd@rapidnet.com 605-7872806 cell for more informationl\n\nThe link below has the definition of harm.  By getting rid of the definition\, that destruction of the species’ habitat will cease to be “take” prohibited by the\nESA. This will have terrible impact on our at-risk species.\n\nhttps://www.fws.gov/media/section-7-consultation-technical-assistance-glossary-terms\n\n\n\n\nThe proposed rule would rescind the regulatory definition of ‘harm\,’ defined as any significant habitat modification or degradation that kills or injures wildlife\, effectively rescinding widespread habitat protections for species protected under the ESA. This proposal would be absolutely devastating. \n\n\n\nFor more than 40 years\, the harm definition has protected endangered species by prohibiting acts that result in significant habitat modification or degradation that results in actual death or injury to a species. This prohibition has been absolutely critical to saving species from extinction. It has prevented cutting of old-growth forests where spotted owls nest\, stopped development in Florida panther habitat\, and so much more because the largest driver of extinction — both in the United States and around the world — continues to be human-caused habitat destruction and degradation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nGo to our post on May 17th for details\, just use  May 19th as deadline date – A link to that post: \nDeadline (5/17/25) to comment on USFWS rule change on Endangered Species \n \nRescinding the Definition of “Harm” under the Endangered Species Act AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, Interior; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\, Commerce \nFor Federal Register Notice \nhttps://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06746.pdf \nThis is the link to the federal register where people can submit individual comments.\n\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act\nThis is the link to an Audubon Society sign on letter.\n\nhttps://act.audubon.org/a/protect-esa-2025\n\nThe link below has the definition of harm. Kristal Stoner will  go over this in the ESDC presentation on May 16th eve\n\nhttps://www.fws.gov/media/section-7-consultation-technical-assistance-glossary-terms
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/corrected-deadline-to-comment-on-definition-of-harm/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250519T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250519T215900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250403T150613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T115629Z
UID:18169-1747691400-1747691940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for extended comment period on Monarch Butterfly's ESA listing proposal
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for an extended comment period on Monarch Butterfly’s ESA listing proposal \n  \nDeadline of new comment period on monarch butterfly proposed listing\, is May 19th\, \nOn March 18th\, the USFWS extended the previous comment period for another  60 days. \nOfficials say the proposed rule includes species-specific protections and flexibilities to encourage conservation of the butterfly under section 4(d) of the ESA. \nGo back to our post on the previous March  12th\, 2025 deadline this spring for more details \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/2025-03-12/ \nThe proposed rule\, was published on December 12\, 2024. \nComments that were previously submitted do not need to be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final listing determination. \nThreats include use of herbicides\, use of pesticides\, climate change and logging in the overwintering sites. \nFish and Wildlife Society quote \n“The reopening of the public comment period for the monarch butterfly will publish in the Federal Register Reading Room today [3/18/25]. A reopened 60-day comment period will open on March 19\, 2025\, and will close on May 19\, 2025. Information about how to submit comments can be found on regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137. \nEveryone can play a role in saving the monarch butterfly. Because of the species’ general habitat use and wide distribution\, all sectors of society have an opportunity to participate in a broad range of conservation efforts throughout the butterfly’s range. Learn more about the monarch butterfly\, the monarch listing proposal\, and how to help conserve monarch butterflies.”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-extended-comment-period-on-monarch-butterflys-esa-listing-proposal/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T215900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250416T211834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T063439Z
UID:18374-1747518600-1747519140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline (5/17/25) to comment on USFWS rule change on Endangered Species
DESCRIPTION:Our statement that the deadline   to comment on USFWS rule change on Endangered species \nis 5/17/25 was wrong – it is really May 19th\, 2025. We were off by 2 days. \nThis is an extremely bad rule proposal & must be opposed. \n\n\n\nFor more than 40 years\, the harm definition has protected endangered species by prohibiting acts that result in significant habitat modification or degradation that results in actual death or injury to a species. This prohibition has been absolutely critical to saving species from extinction. It has prevented cutting of old-growth forests where spotted owls nest\, stopped development in Florida panther habitat\, and so much more because the largest driver of extinction — both in the United States and around the world — continues to be human-caused habitat destruction and degradation.\n\n\n\nRescinding the Definition of “Harm” under the Endangered Species Act – PROPOSING AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, Interior; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\, Commerce \nFor Federal Register Notice \nhttps://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06746.pdf \nQuote from the Agencies: \n“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the Services or we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of “harm\,” which includes habitat modification\, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term “take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single\, best meaning of the ESA.” \nQuote on how to submit comments \nYou may submit comments by one of the following methods: \n(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 04/17/2025 and available online at https://federalregister.gov/d/2025-06746\, and on https://govinfo.gov https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0034\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting page\, in the panel on the left side of the screen\, under the Document Type heading\, check the Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on “Comment.” \n(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS– HQ–ES–2025–0034\, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, MS: PRB/3W\, 5275 Leesburg Pike\, Falls Church\, VA 22041–3803. \nWe [Agencies]  request that you send comments only by the methods described above.” \n======== \nWe are not sure of the time-of-day deadline but assume it is midnight EST on the 17th.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-5-17-25-to-comment-on-usfws-rule-change-on-endangered-species/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T095000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T215900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250508T055419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250517T195253Z
UID:18651-1747475400-1747519140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Grizzly Bear ESA listing Rule - USFWS
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to Comment on Grizzly Bear ESA listing Rule\, Sat May 17th\, 2025 \nFor info. visit \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/15/2025-00329/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-grizzly-bear-listing-on-the-list-of-endangered-and \nThe USFWS writes \n“After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available\, we affirm that the currently listed grizzly bear population meets our requirements for consideration as a distinct population segment (DPS) under the Act and that the population remains likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future. However\, we find that clarification of the geographic areas included within the DPS is warranted. Therefore\, we propose to revise the listing by defining the boundaries of the contiguous U.S. grizzly bear DPS. The revised entity would include all geographic portions of the currently listed lower-48 entity that contain suitable habitat and where grizzly bears are currently found or are likely to be found in the future as populations recover. This area includes all of Washington and portions of Idaho\, Montana\, and Wyoming. The contiguous U.S. grizzly bear DPS would retain threatened species status. This proposed rule would promote conservation of the grizzly bear by ensuring that the listing under the Act explicitly reflects the areas where grizzly bears currently occur and are likely to occur in the future. Clarifying that the listing does not include areas outside of the grizzly bear’s historical range will assist as recovery proceeds. We are also proposing to revise protective regulations for the grizzly bear issued under section 4(d) of the Act.” \nThe Federal Register Notice says: \n “Written comments:FWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before March 17\, 2025. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES \, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on the closing date.” \nDespite what it says in the Federal Register\, they closed the comment period on the 16th\, as I tried to submit comments on 17th and it would not allow such. This must be a violation of law. Before writing test the portal to see if they fixed the glitch. \n=========================== \nHere is link to an on-line\, petition by WildEarth Guardians – you must sign it by the 16th.  https://action.wildearthguardians.org/page/66070/petition/1?ea.url.id=3578617 \nHere is a quote from WildEarth Guardians: \n“After rejecting delisting petitions from Wyoming and Montana\, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is now proposing a rule that would narrow and weaken current protections for grizzlies. Now is the time to speak up and support grizzly bear recovery! \nThe agency is proposing to increase bear killings\, reduce protected areas\, and weaken restrictions to appease commercial livestock operators. Instead\, we should prioritize coexistence and non-lethal conflict prevention. \nWe need to keep all safeguards in place until the science shows grizzly bears are fully recovered\, and until the states have adequate rules in place to ensure grizzly bears will thrive for future generations.” \nTell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Protect grizzly bears under the ESA! \n  \nHere is a link to Western Watersheds Projects article that criticizes the rule proposal: \nhttps://www.westernwatersheds.org/2025/01/u-s-fish-wildlife-service-maintains-federal-protection-for-grizzlies-but-new-rule-raises-questions-on-long-term-recovery/ \nRead both of these & you can create a comment letter \n=================================== \nADDRESSES:\nComment submission: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: \n(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: \nhttps://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter FWS-R6-ES-2024-0186\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting page\, in the panel on the left side of the screen\, under the Document Type heading\, check the Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on “Comment.” \n(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS-R6-ES-2024-0186\, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, MS: PRB/3W\, 5275 Leesburg Pike\, Falls Church\, VA 22041-3803. \nFWS request that you send comments only by the methods described above. FWS will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that FWS will post any personal information you provide them (see Information Requested \, below\, for more information). \nAvailability of supporting materials: Supporting materials\, such as the species status assessment report\, are available at https://www.fws.gov/​species/​grizzly-bear-ursus-arctos-horribilis or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R6-ES-2024-0186.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-grizzly-bear-esa-listing-rule/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250503T025514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T025514Z
UID:18567-1747468800-1747501200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County Master Gardener's Annual Plant share
DESCRIPTION:5/17/25 Pennington County Master Gardener’s Annual Plant share\, at 8am\, Walter Taylor building – Central States Fairground \nWe are not sure how long it runs have guessed at 8 am- 5 pm
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-master-gardeners-annual-plant-share/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250312T183841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T185123Z
UID:17890-1747468800-1747494000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:International Bird Day Celebration for Western SD - Bird Bash at Bear Butte
DESCRIPTION:International Bird Day Event Celebration for Western SD \nThis event is at Bear Butte State Park – Bear Butte State Park Education Center\, Sturgis\, SD\, 8 am – 3 pm MT \nIt is organized/sponsored by Audubon Great Plains\, American Bird Conservancy\, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies\, Black Hills Raptor Center\, The Nature Conservancy\, SDGFP\, NRCS\, The Wildlife Society\, Northern Great Plains Joint Venture  and other organizations. \nCelebrate South Dakota’s migratory birds with us. All ages andexperience levels are welcome! Follow the signs and meet us for a fun filled day!  Learn about bird ID & mindful birding\, view bird crafts\,  participate in  bird activities and watch live bird presentation. \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/international-bird-day-celebration-for-western-sd-bird-bash-at-bear-butte/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T235000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250510T171144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T185621Z
UID:18736-1747439400-1747439400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Extended Deadline to Comment on Exploration for Graphite Mine BHNF
DESCRIPTION:May 9th  electronically sent before midnight or postmarked \, is the deadline for scoping comments on. THIS DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED A WEEK to Friday the 16th \nPete Lien and Sons Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project. https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67838 \n\nThe scoping comment period for this project is April 9\, 2025 – May 9\, 2025.\nProject web page and project documents can be found at – https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/67838\nElectronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=67838. An automated response should confirm your electronic comment has been received. Comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Mystic Ranger District Office\, Attn: Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project\, 8221 S. Mount Rushmore Rd.\, Rapid City\, SD\, 57702 or by fax at 605-343-7134. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the date of this Scoping Letter. Comments submitted\, including names and addresses of commenters\, are public information.\nIf you have questions or need additional information\, please contact Jonathan Manning\, Project Leader at 605-673-9200\, Thawney Stottler\, District Resource Planner\, or James Gubbels at the Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City\, SD at 605-343-1567\, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.\n\n\nHere is a slide show that has been sent to us\, on how to comment on both this proposed uranium exploration and exploration for graphite near Pe Sla (Reynolds Prairie).  It has talking points and sample letter text. Both of theses projects threaten areas sacred to Lakota. \nhttps://www.canva.com/design/DAGmDCLr5oc/4f0GEt4oTl6E2UamY84P3w/edit \n  \n===================== \nThis mine is near Pe Sla and could have impacts to the sacred site. Pe Sla is also called Reynolds Prairie in Caucasian terms.  It is a large meadow west of Sliver City.   Quote from Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Instagram post: \n“Proposed by Pete Lien & Sons\, this drilling project puts one of the most sacred sites of the Lakota people\, Pe’ Sla\, at risk. The project seeks to extract graphite for electric vehicle batteries\, but the true cost? The desecration of a spiritual and cultural landmark. \nPe’ Sla is a place of deep spiritual significance\, used for ongoing ceremonies by the Lakota people. Would we allow mining RIGHT BESIDE a church or mosque? Of course not. \nALSO\, this project is located in the Rapid Creek Watershed\, which supplies water for all of Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. \nPe’ Sla is a culturally protected area; any drilling or mining near this site is a desecration. This is environmental injustice in its purest form. Tell Pete Lien & Sons you stand with the Lakota to protect Pe’ Sla.\nGo to www.bhcleanwateralliance.org to learn how to send a comment to the Forest Service TODAY” \nWe assume BHCWA has some sections of it’s web page devoted to this issue \nhttps://bhcleanwateralliance.org/2025/05/07/attention-forest-service-extends-comment-period-to-friday-may-16/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/extended-deadline-to-comment-on-exploration-for-graphite-mine-bhnf/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T210000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250312T140328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T190727Z
UID:17870-1747418400-1747429200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Day Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 16th\, 2025 \nEvery year we have an Endangered Species Day Celebration\, where multiple groups sponsor presentations on federal and state listed endangered or threatened (T & E) species. In recent years it has been a Zoom meeting.   It is normally from 6 pm to 9 pm on the eve of Endangered Species Day\, the third Friday in May. \nFriday\, May 16th\, 2025\nEndangered Species Day Celebration\n\nBy Zoom at 6:00 pm MT – Scroll down for Zoom hyperlink and codes.\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 18 years.\n\n6:00-6:15 pm –  Introduction by Sponsors\n\n6:15  pm – 7:05  pm –  Speaker:  Dr. Ray Moranz\, Pollinator Conservation Specialist for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. – Ray will speak on – “The Biology and Conservation of Two Awesome (but Very Different!) South Dakota Butterflies: the Monarch and the Regal Fritillary”\nDr. Moranz will enliven his presentation with many high-quality photos showing the most intriguing aspects of the biology of these large\, beautiful butterflies. Then he will provide useful tips for how you can help these species in South Dakota.\n\n7:05  pm – 7:55  pm – Speaker:  Jessica Speiser\, Wildlife Diversity Biologist\, SD Game\, Fish and Parks  – Jessica will speak on American dipper and osprey and also give some updates on  GFP’s non-game program.\nThe American dipper and the osprey are listed as threatened under SD’s state Endangered Species Act\n\n5 minute break\n\n8:00  pm- 8:50  pm – Speakers:   Kristal Stoner – Vice President National Audubon Society and Executive Director Audubon Great Plains\,  She will speak on “Challenges and Action Opportunities for Endangered Species Conservation in Federal Policy”\nThe Endangered Species Act is over 50 years old\, but the broad scope of this legislation that prioritizes animals and plants creates conflict with economic interests. Once again\, ESA needs support from the conservation community.  Learn more about what you can do to support policies that support endangered species conservation. \n\n\nCo sponsors – \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society\, the Norbeck Society\, Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America\,   Western Watersheds Project & Black Hills Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby\, Tanka Fund\, are confirmed as co-sponsors\, we will be adding others as it gets closer to the date.\n\n──────────\nYou are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\nJoin Zoom Meeting at 6 pm MT to 9 pm MT on Friday May 16th\,\nLink>\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09Meeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620—One tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)—Dial 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 USMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\nFor questions contact Nancy at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, land line 605-787-6466\, & cell 787-2806
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-day-celebration/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250518T140000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250329T220939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T221002Z
UID:18084-1747414800-1747576800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union Biennial Spring Meeting
DESCRIPTION:SD Ornithologist Union Biennial Spring Meeting \nThis will be a tri-state joint meeting with our fellow birders from Iowa and Nebraska\, hosted the weekend of May 16-18 at the Salvation Army Western Plains Camp in South Sioux City\, NE. \n  \nThere is a fantastic array of field trips scheduled in all three states\, a Friday night poster session\, and a Saturday keynote by Nebraska’s Michael Forsberg (https://www.michaelforsberg.com/). Michael is a celebrated photographer\, author\, and conservationist who has dedicated over three decades to capturing and telling the story of wildlife and conservation in the Great Plains through his work. He has very recently published a new book\, Into Whooperland\, that tells the story of the endangered Whooping Crane. Copies of the book will be available during the meeting.\n\nFull details and online registration are available on the IOU website; the purple button to register is in the upper right. We are also pointing to this page from SDOU’s Next Meeting site. For those wishing to submit an abstract for the poster session\, there is information on the site about that as well.\n\n\n\n\nFriday\, May 16\, 2025\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n5:00 pm – 8:00 pm\nPoster Session\, Field Trip Signup and Social Hour\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:00 pm – 7:00 pm\nFriday Dinner: Taco Bar\n\n\nSaturday\, May 17\, 2025\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:00 am – 6:45 am\nBreakfast: Coffee and Donuts\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:45 am – 2:00 pm\nField Trips\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n2:00 pm – 3:00 pm\nAfternoon Programming\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n3:00 pm – 4:00 pm\nAfternoon Programming\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n4:00 pm – 5:00 pm\nBusiness/Membership Meetings\nAll Organizations\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:00 pm – 7:00 pm\nBanquet Dinner\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n7:00 pm – 8:00 pm\nKeynote Address\nMichael Forsberg\n\n\nSunday\, May 18\, 2025\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:00 am – 6:45 am\nBreakfast: Coffee and Donuts\n\n\nWestern Plains Camp Dining Hall\n6:45 am – 2:00 pm\nField Trips
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-union-biennial-spring-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250516T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250518T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250515T142941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T162833Z
UID:18843-1747353600-1747612740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD GFP Parks Free Weekend: Free Entry & No Fishing License Required (May 16–18)
DESCRIPTION:SD GFP Parks Free Weekend: Free Entry & No Fishing License Required (May 16–18) \n  \n\n\n\n\n\nThis Friday through Sunday (May 16–18\, 2025)\, you can visit any South Dakota State Park for free. No entrance license needed! You can also fish without a license all weekend long throughout South Dakota! That’s right: it’s the perfect time to pack up\, head out\, and make the most of spring with a last-minute camping trip\, lakeside picnic\, or trail adventure. Lodges are open\, campsites are available\, and events are happening across the state. (Camping fees\, limits\, and regulations still apply.) \nFriendly reminder that the 2024 Annual Park Entrance License expires after Open House Weekend. Be sure to renew for unlimited visits all year long. \n\nCLARIFICATION – We have indicated weekend starts at 12:01 am and ends at 11:59 pm MT\, but we assume that each Park may have\, for security issues\,  it’s own unique rules about when its’ gates are open or closed on each day of the week.  If you are wanting to enter at odd hours\, check with the Park for its’ security rules.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-gfp-parks-free-weekend-free-entry-no-fishing-license-required-may-16-18/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250514T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250514T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250512T223021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T223048Z
UID:18784-1747247400-1747252800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS May 2025 Board meeting
DESCRIPTION:PHAS May 2025 Board meeting\, 6:30 pm Wed. 5/14/25 \nContact Nancy for info. 605-787-2806\, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, \nOpen to members –  others by invitation
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-may-2025-board-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250514T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250421T224924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T041427Z
UID:18411-1747238400-1747242000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Intervene in Project to explore for uranium above Craven Canyon
DESCRIPTION:DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMENT OR INTERVENE IS MAY 14. \n  \nDeadline to submit letters to South Dakota DANR’s “Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund Program” to intervene\, comment\, and/or push for a change of venue to Fall River County are due in Pierre no later than Wednesday\, May 14th\, 5:00 PM CST or post marked on that date. It is suggested if you postal mail on the 14th\, to use registered or certified mail just so you have proof of post mark/sending (not required). Scroll down for instructions on intervening. \nClean Nuclear Energy Corp (CNEC) notice of intent to explore for uranium on state lands adjacent to Craven Canyon has been published.  They may also eventually apply to do so on Forest Service lands in the area. \nDeadline to submit letters to South Dakota DANR’s “Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund Program” to intervene\, comment\, and/or push for a change of venue to Fall River County are due no later than Wednesday\, May 14th. \nGo to the Chord Project for more information and how to submit your comment and/or intervene. \n  \n\nChord Project\n\n\nThe Chord project\, which is composed of 3\,677 acres east of the Dewey-Burdock project in the Craven Canyon area.  This area had a lot of exploration drilling in the 1970s and is a world-class cultural resources site.  Now\, folks must move fast to protect this sacred landscape. \nThe project lies in close proximity to Craven Canyon\, a critical historic and cultural site of importance to Indigenous and ranching communities. Portions of Craven Canyon are on the National Register of Historic Places.  A federal mineral claims withdrawal protects portions of the canyon from mining\, as does a state designation\, but CNEC wants to explore there anyway. An archaeologist who studied the site has said that the Basin/CNEC project drilling would be heard and in a sight line from those cultural and historic sites\, potentially disturbing those studying or praying there. \n=============== \nHere is a slide show that has been sent to us\, on how to comment on both this proposed uranium exploration and exploration for graphite near Pe Sla (Reynolds Prairie).  It has talking points and sample letter text. Both of theses projects threaten areas sacred to Lakota. \nhttps://www.canva.com/design/DAGmDCLr5oc/4f0GEt4oTl6E2UamY84P3w/edit \nHere is DRA’s web site’s discussion on this mining proposal\, with issues explained: \nhttps://www.dakotarural.org/our-work/uranium-mining/?emci=333a83e1-332f-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&emdi=8a0b4873-442f-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&ceid=8014869 \n\nFor more information\, visit BHCWA web page — https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/chord-project/ \nHOW TO INTERVENE- \nPublic comments and letters of intervention for the state hearing on this proposed intervention are now being accepted. \nYou can submit at Filing a Comment linked here. \nFollowing are important documents you can review: Notice of Intent from the state\, a fact sheet on the state land piece of this project\, and the state law that describes on what grounds uranium exploration permits may be denied. \n\n\nClick to access cc-notice-of-intent.pdf \n\n\n\n\nClick to access cc-area-exni-state-lands-fact-sheet.pdf \n\n\n\n\nClick to access 45-6d-29-grounds-for-denial-uranium-exploration.pdf \n\n\nDocuments filed on the CNEC exploration project are linked to here:  https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewEXNIS.aspx
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-intervene-in-project-to-explore-for-uranium-above-craven-canyon/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250513T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250513T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250513T170121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T170121Z
UID:18809-1747123200-1747155600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP proposed Beaver Action Plan
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment on SDGFP proposed Beaver Action Plan. \nThis plan provides for direction on beaver management in the Black Hills\, allowing for a beaver trapping/hunting moratorium until various population and distribution goals are reached\, at which point hunting season on private land will be reintroduced and then later with even more  increased distribution and population\, a hunting season on public land. \nWe will provide more information later.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfp-proposed-beaver-action-plan/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250512T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250515T213000
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250425T002617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250425T002824Z
UID:18431-1747040400-1747344600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Native American Fish and Wildlife Society 2025 Annual National Conference in Wyoming
DESCRIPTION:The 2025 Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Annual National Conference\, hosted by the Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River Reservation\, will be held from May 12 to 15\, 2025 at the Wind River Hotel and Casino in Riverton\, WY. \nAgenda: https://www.nafws.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2025-National-Conference-Agenda.-DRAFT-4.24.25.pdf \n\nEarly Bird Registration Fees (Until March 28\, 2025): \n\nNon-member – $450 (includes membership)\nNAFWS Member or Member Tribe Employee – $350\nStudent – $150 MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF ENROLLMENT HERE\nOne day registration (Wednesday only) – $150\n\n\nRegular Registration Fees (After March 28\, 2025):\n\nNon-member – $600 (includes membership)\nNAFWS Member or Member Tribe Employee – $500\nStudent – $150 MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF ENROLLMENT HERE\nOne day registration (Wednesday only) – $150
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-american-fish-and-wildlife-society-2025-annual-national-conference-in-wyoming/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250510T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250510T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250312T174708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T191206Z
UID:17872-1746835200-1746921540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:International Migratory Bird Day
DESCRIPTION:International Migratory Bird Day is the second Saturday in May. May 10th \nA local event is planned to celebrate IMBD\, but will likely be on the third weekend\, at Bear Butte State Park. \nPHAS has a field trip to La Creek NWR every May\, it is usually on the first or second Saturday in May.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/international-migratory-bird-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250509T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250509T235900
DTSTAMP:20260417T121850
CREATED:20250409T172058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T170709Z
UID:18259-1746834600-1746835140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for scoping comments on Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project
DESCRIPTION:May 9th  was the former deadline to send comments. . THIS DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED A WEEK to Friday the 16th \nPete Lien and Sons Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project. https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67838 \n\nThe scoping comment period for this project is April 9\, 2025 – May 9\, 2025.\nElectronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=67838. An automated response should confirm your electronic comment has been received. Comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Mystic Ranger District Office\, Attn: Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project\, 8221 S. Mount Rushmore Rd.\, Rapid City\, SD\, 57702 or by fax at 605-343-7134. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the date of this Scoping Letter. Comments submitted\, including names and addresses of commenters\, are public information.\nIf you have questions or need additional information\, please contact Jonathan Manning\, Project Leader at 605-673-9200\, Thawney Stottler\, District Resource Planner\, or James Gubbels at the Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City\, SD at 605-343-1567\, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-scoping-comments-on-rochford-mineral-exploratory-drilling-project/
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