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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251229T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251229T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251216T033127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T033845Z
UID:20805-1767042000-1767045540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Federal rules about reporting on PFAS
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment on Federal rules about reporting on PFAS\nPerfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation\n\n\nhttps://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0549-0311\n\nDocket ID: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0549-0311 – Protect PFAS reporting requirements.\nComment Period Ends:Dec 29\, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST\n\nhttps://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0549-0311\n======================\nEnvironmental Defense Fund alert and pre-fab letter \nhttps://actnow.edf.org/a/report-pfas?ub_tg=26&ub_o=3&ub_cta=2&oa_utm_id=1765553337&ms=1765553337&contact_channel=email&utm_id=1765553337&utm_campaign=edf_adv-safechem_upd_mem&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EDF+action+network \nQuote from EDF alert: \n“Households across the country are already vulnerable to toxic chemicals. They can be found in our food\, water\, household cleaners and even furniture! It’s a big issue and\, for chemicals like PFAS\, it can be a lifelong threat to our health. \nNicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down\, PFAS can accumulate in our bodies and causes a wide range of serious health problems. \nWe count on EPA to enforce strict reporting requirements for manufacturers so states and regulators can design science-backed protections to keep us safe from toxic chemicals. \nBut now the Trump EPA is ready to gut these PFAS reporting requirements! It’s a reckless decision that will allow almost any company to leave us in the dark about harmful\, “forever chemicals.” That’s why we need your help to fight back.\n===\n\nI’m writing to urge EPA to maintain the PFAS reporting requirements for companies. I’m concerned that the proposed changes to these requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) will create blind spots and leave EPA and Americans in the dark about harmful “forever chemicals.”\n\nPFAS are highly toxic\, even at low levels\, and are associated with cancers\, liver and heart toxicity and health problems for kids\, babies and pregnant women. Section 8(a)(7) of TSCA requires EPA to collect comprehensive information on PFAS\, allowing EPA to better understand the sources of PFAS and develop more health-protective safeguards for workers and communities. Loosening these reporting requirements would create blind spots and put families like mine in harm’s way.\n\nIf finalized\, this rule will cost the public critical information about PFAS in products imported into the U.S. — like clothing and furniture — many of which end up in our homes. It will also mean the loss of important information about industrial uses that release significant amounts of PFAS into the environment and our communities.\n\nIncreased transparency around PFAS is essential to EPA developing science-backed protections for people and the environment. Please stand up to safeguard our health and safety by protecting the PFAS reporting requirements.”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-federal-rules-about-reporting-on-pfas/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251222T095000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251222T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251129T191653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T210401Z
UID:20529-1766397000-1766440740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) ROLLBACK PACKAGE – COMMENTS DUE DECEMBER 22\, 2025
DESCRIPTION:ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) ROLLBACK PACKAGE – COMMENTS DUE ON DECEMBER 22\, 2025 \nIssue: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued four proposed rules to roll back Endangered Species Act protections. These proposals would:• allow economic impacts to influence listing decisions;• narrow the meaning of “foreseeable future\,” limiting climate-related listings;• reduce critical habitat designations and make exclusions easier;• eliminate the blanket 4(d) rule so newly listed threatened species receive few or no automatic protections;• and weaken Section 7 consultation requirements.These rules could affect species such as the black-footed ferret\, northern long-eared bat\, piping plover\, whooping crane\, pallid sturgeon\, western bumble bee\,  and various grassland birds. \nFederal Register Notices (all published Nov 21\, 2025):Listing rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/21/2025-20549/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-listing-endangered-and-threatened-species-and \nCritical habitat rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/21/2025-20552/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-regulations-pertaining-to-endangered-and-threatenedSection 7 consultation rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/21/2025-20554/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-interagency-consultation4(d) rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/21/2025-20553/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-regulations-for-prohibitions-to-threatened-wildlife \nSubmit Comments:https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0155https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0156https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0157https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0158 \nBy postal mail \nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency\nEPA Docket Center\, Water Docket (Mail Code 28221T)\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\nWashington\, DC 20460 \nHow to format your letters: \n\n\nInclude the Docket ID: (there are 4) FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0029\, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0039\, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0044\, FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0048 \n\n\nComments must be received by the end of the day on Dec 22 in Washington DC. \,  Those sent on-line at the web portal need to be sent before midnight – i.e: 11:59 pm EST -on the 22nd\, . \nNGO Articles and Analyses: \nCenter for Biological Diversity – https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/trump-moves-to-dismantle-endangered-species-act-2025-11-19/ \nWestern Watersheds Project- \nhttps://www.westernwatersheds.org/2025/05/over-150000-americans-oppose-trump-administrations-unprecedented-effort-to-eliminate-habitat-protections-for-vulnerable-wildlife/ \nPre-Fab Online Letters:Earthjustice: https://earthjustice.org/action/the-law-that-saves-species-needs-saving?ms=web \nDefenders of Wildlife – https://act.defenders.org/page/91578/action/1 \nCenter for Biological Diversity – https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/nXrxsHJM-USwgTWVogrJjg2?sourceid=1010306&utm_source=eeo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eeo1327&utm_term=EndangeredSpecies&contactdata=+toDrYTq46LGmfEUjdGpi5iuDbAYKwIspYwezm8urFV8v9gnTvx8fVbQCg3xkYsobZM1QYa50B2qIDxCnRFgau2lqAE1cmc6RqKsOkB77M+5HX9zFtE0NsrfBYvAK+cAJptwJjmbNVPkB7x3A6RKN1j1xAO0RRip4WEJLOkTBxRFjSzzcGzXXRmEgrNiFPEkzDEjaWloa5i3Fo45exDwBSxJUuJ+JAFi5HfOWXQ5xKE%3d&emci=1e0a1cb9-11d5-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&emdi=4253627e-d5d6-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&ceid=586032 \nEndangered Species Coalition (breaks it into 4 comment letters) \n\nListing & Critical Habitat comment form. (Link)\nBlanket Rule public comment form. (Link)\nCritical Habitat Analysis comment form. (Link)\nInteragency Cooperation Regulations comment form. (Link\n\nPre-Fab Post Cards  (you have to print at home and mail so arrive by 12/22/25) \nEndangered Species Coalition has post cards you can down load and print with a simple comment for each rule proposal. \nhttps://www.endangered.org/send-postcards-to-defend-the-endangered-species-act-and-the-nature-it-protects/ \n======================= \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n+++++++++ \nTALKING POINTS FROM WESTERN WATERSHEDS PROJECT\, with links to comment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n1. Threatened Species Protections (the “Blanket 4(d) Rule”) \n\nThis proposal would eliminate the long-standing policy that automatically grants newly listed threatened species the same protections as endangered species unless a species-specific rule is written. While existing protections technically remain during the transition\, the goal is clear: phasing out the blanket safeguard\, and reducing protections that have kept countless species from sliding toward extinction. \n  \nRead the talking points and submit your comments on this rule. \n  \n2. ESA Section 7 Interagency Consultation Regulations \n\nSection 7 is the backbone of the ESA — the process that requires federal agencies to ensure their actions don’t jeopardize listed species or destroy critical habitat. This proposal would revoke the stronger 2024 rules and revive the weaker 2019 Trump-era framework. It also narrows how agencies can analyze impacts\, making it easier for damaging projects to move forward. \n  \nRead the talking points and submit your comments on this rule. \n  \n3. Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule (Section 4(b)(2)) \n\nThis rule reinstates the 2020 Trump-era exclusion policy\, which makes it far easier to carve out areas from critical habitat designations and leave these habitats unprotected. It pushes the agency toward exclusion — especially for industry\, energy development\, ranching\, and private landowners — and elevates economic considerations over science. In some cases\, it can even force exclusions when habitat protections are urgently needed. \n  \nRead the talking points and submit your comments on this rule. \n  \n4. Listing & Critical Habitat Rules (50 CFR Part 424) \n\nThis proposal rolls back the 2024 updates and restores the 2019 framework. It narrows the meaning of “foreseeable future” for threatened listings\, makes it harder to designate unoccupied critical habitat\, and revives provisions that complicate listing\, delisting\, and the consideration of climate impacts — all at a time when species face unprecedented threats. \n  \nRead the talking points and submit your comments on this rule. \n  \nWe know this is a lot to ask. But the future of some of our most imperiled species truly depends on public pressure and right now\, that means flooding the comment portals with informed opposition. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n============================================== \nHere are the ENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION’s  TALKING POINTS: \nRule Docket Number FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0029 \n\nIf the blanket rule is removed\, it will deprive newly listed threatened animal and plant species from automatically receiving protections from killing\, trapping\, and other forms of prohibited “take.” Species now proposed for listing\, like the Florida manatee\, California spotted owl\, Greater sage grouse\, and Monarch butterfly\, could be left unprotected for years even after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalizes the listings.\nI urge you to withdraw this proposal. Delaying protections for “threatened” species leaves them vulnerable to becoming endangered.\n\n\n\n\nRule Docket Number: FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0039 \n\nI urge you to withdraw this proposal. Endangered Species Act listings must be guided by science and prohibit economic considerations. Federal agencies should not be allowed to take actions that push listed species closer to extinction.\n\n\nI  urge you to withdraw this proposal. Industry should not get a “rubber stamp” for projects that put federally endangered species more at risk.\n\n\nThe narrowing of the definition of “critical habitat” to exclude currently unoccupied but historic habitat would be disastrous. Historic habitat is vital for the recovery of imperiled species\, especially as the areas where they currently live shrink due to the rapidly changing climate and the chain effects of ongoing biodiversity loss.\n\n\nI urge you to withdraw this proposal. Critical habitat protections should be strengthened\, but this proposal does the very opposite by making it harder to designate critical habitat and allowing destruction to designated critical habitat.\n\n\n\n\nRule Docket Number: FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0044 \n\nI urge you to maintain strong compliance measures for federal agencies. The proposed rule makes it easier to greenlight destructive activities\, such as logging or drilling. These actions will put protected species in harm’s way.\nESA Section 7 calls for interagency cooperation. When federal agencies coordinate\, share information\, and carefully evaluate the impacts of their actions\, they help prevent avoidable harm and promote long-term conservation.\nStrong interagency collaboration upholds the law and\, importantly\, strengthens transparency\, improves decision-making\, and reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.\n\n\n\n\nRule Docket Number: FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0048\n \n\nI urge you to keep the analysis method for determining critical habitat\, habitat that are essential to species recovery\nI am concerned this proposal will lead to extinctions. It will exclude too much area from critical habitat designations. Habitat loss is the top driver of species extinction.\nIn the United States\, species proposed for listing\, such as the Monarch butterfly and the Bethany Beach firefly\, will need critical habitat protections. Science-based critical habitat designations are essential to truly recover endangered species.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-act-esa-rollback-package-comments-due-december-22-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251217T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251219T180000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251213T234444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T234848Z
UID:20721-1765972800-1766167200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Environment and Water Gathering\, Mother Butler\, Rapid City 12/17-12/19
DESCRIPTION:Environment and Water Gathering\, December 17th\, 18th and 19th\, 12 pm-to 6 pm  Mother Butler Facility\, 231 Knollwood Drive\, Rapid City\, 57701 \nPurpose: to connect Environmental and Water Groups with Lakota Nation Invitational Communities. \nA Magpie Buffalo Organizing Event\, contact Tonia Stands <preservehumanity@gmail.com>for more info.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/environment-and-water-gathering/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-12-13-at-4.08.54-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251216T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251216T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251112T212428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T222400Z
UID:20349-1765875600-1765904400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County Commission  reading of amendments to Alternative Energy Ordinance
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday November 4th the Pennington County Commission continued the first reading of amendments to Alternative Energy Ordinance to December 16th\, 2025. \n\nNotes on Pennington County Alternative energy ordinance (amendments)\, \nThis is up for hearing on at Commission meeting on  Tuesday 16th of Dec.  It was continued till Jan 20th\, 2026 and got sent back for a new rewrite of the draft Ordinance.  Go to the calendar at that date for updates.  Written comments will be due before the weekend before the meeting –  for exact time and date check with Joan Martin.\n\nVolunteer(s) from DRA\, including Rick Berry\,  testified at this hearing\n\n\n\n\nThe written comment deadline was Wed 10th\, but it has been extended to Friday\, 12th at 2 pm\nI think the staff sends the meeting packet to the Commission before COB on Friday for a Tuesday\nmeeting (so Commission can read over the weekend)\, which is why they want to receive stuff on Friday afternoon.\n Send comments to pcboc@pennco.org\,\nFor more info – call Joan Martin is Commission staffer 605-394-2174 ext 1690\nHowever if you go to the meeting in person\, or know someone going\, written comments can be submitted\nat the Commission meeting.\n Also I assume you can e-mail the Commissioners directly over the weekend\, all provide an individual e-mail address  (scroll down)\n\n\n\nNEW LOCATION FOR MEETING\n\nPennington County has a new building out on 900 Concourse\, in Rapid Valley . This is a road off of Elk Vale in Rapid Valley.\nYou go toward Sturdevant paint/auto supply and Concourse is South of that business and you turn west on\nConcourse. https://pennco.org/new-cab\n\n\n\nTIME OF REVIEW\n\n\nDue to Alternative Energy Ordinance  place  on the Agenda of  the  – it won’t be reviewed before 10:30 am and given all the other stuff on the Agenda before it\,  likely later  after that. It is item 16 b on the agenda:\n\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/December_16_2025_BOC_Meeting_Agenda_Public_Notice.pdf\n\n\nHISTORY\n\n\nThis was first considered on Nov 4th and continued to Dec 16th\, so I don[’t know if this is still a first reading or if it is\na second readling. It is not listed as second reading on the agenda.  Brittney Hand\n\nbrittneyh@pennco.org in Planning Dept.  likely knows about Ordinance\, I have sent an e-mail asking if this is first or second reading\,\nshe did not answer that question\, but said the Commission could amend\, approve  or continue it on 16th..\n\n\nDRAFT ORDINANCE\n\nMeeting packet\, for Ordinance on Nov 4th Commission meeting–- see pages 269 to 327\, for draft Ordinance  Public comment at page 327\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/December_16_2025_BOC_Meeting_Agenda_Public_Notice.pdf\n\n\nMeeting packet\, for Ordinance on October 27th Planning Commisiion meeting– -see pages 149-203 for draft Ordinance\, public comment at page 203\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/10-27-25_PC_Packet.pdf\n\n\n\nExisting Pennington county Zoning Ordinance – see section 317 – that will be amended\nhttps://docs.pennco.org/docs/PZ/ZoneOrdinance.pdf\n\n\n\nPacket that was submitted for the Dec 16th meeting. You will find the draft ordinance and public comment in here in the 700 plus pages.\nhttps://pennco.community.highbond.com/document/22591/?lastModified=639015868409730000\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOTHER PHAS ALERTS ON THIS TOPIC\n\n\nOct 27th – Planning Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-to-review-amendment-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\n\n\nNovember 4th\,- Full Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/alternative-energy-amendment-to-ordinance-brfor-pennington-county-comission/\n\n\nDec 16th – Full Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-continues-first-reading-of-amendments-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\n\n\n\nPENNINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS\n\n\nRon Rossknecht\nCommission District 1\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-391-1162\nvalue@hills.net\npcboc@pennco.org \nRon Weifenbach\, Chair\nCommission District 2\nTerm expires: 2028\n605-209-2418\nron.weifenbach@pennco.org \nDeb Hadcock\, Vice Chair\nCommission District 3\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-389-0395\ndebdistrict3@midco.net \nJerry Derr\nCommission District 4\nTerm expires: 2028\n605-545-2505\njerry.derr@pennco.org \nGary Drewes\nCommission District 5\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-940-1120\ngary.drewes@gmail.com \n—
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-continues-first-reading-of-amendments-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251216T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251219T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251216T153447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T160847Z
UID:20811-1765864800-1766163600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Boebert's wolf de-listing bill - vote on house floor possible  12/15-19/25
DESCRIPTION:Rep. Boebert’s wolf de-listing bill may be voted on in the House Floor this week (Dec 11-19th\, 2025) \nRep. Boebert’s bill\, H.R. 845\,  would de-list gray wolves in the lower 48 states  The bill undermines the Endangered Species Act by not only circumventing sound science and legislatively delisting wolves but also undermines citizen enforcement by precluding judicial review. \nH.R. 845\, the “Pet and Livestock Protection Act\,” which aims to de-list the gray wolf\, was reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee in April 2025 and has been waiting on a floor vote since then.  To see floor schedule each day – https://docs.house.gov/floor/ \nPlease contact Dusty Johnson. ‭(202) 225-2801‬  or on-line connection: \nhttps://dustyjohnson.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact/email-me \n================ \nAction alerts\, some are pre-fab letters. \nESC Action Alert –https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-house-vote-next-week-to-strip-gray-wolves-of-esa-protections?source=direct_link&\n\nWolf Conservation Center Action Alert https://engage.nywolf.org/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&cmd=display&id=211\n\nProject Coyote Action Alert\nhttps://projectcoyote.org/stop-congresss-attack-on-wolves-and-the-endangered-species-act/ \n\nWildEarth Guardians Action Alert\nhttps://action.wildearthguardians.org/page/79474/action/1?locale=en-US
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/markup-of-boeberts-wolf-delisting-bill-in-committee-comment-deadline/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251215T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251213T205814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T205814Z
UID:20713-1765778400-1765818000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Sent comments to Congress to protect wolves from de-listing\, hearing on Monday 15th
DESCRIPTION:Rep. Boebert’s bill\, H.R. 845\, which would delist gray wolves in the lower 48 states may be on the House floor for a vote next week (Dec 14th-21st). The Pet and Livestock Protection Act (HR 845)\, introduced by Representatives Lauren Boebert (CO-03) and Tom Tiffany (WI-07)\, is scheduled for a critical House Rules Committee hearing on Monday\, December 15\, at 3:00 PM ET in H-313 of the U.S. Capitol\n\nThe bill undermines the Endangered Species Act by not only circumventing sound science and legislatively delisting wolves but also undermines citizen enforcement by precluding judicial review. \n\n\nESC Action Alert – at this time\, this is limited to 134 target House districts where we assessed the Reps most need to hear this weekendhttps://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-house-vote-next-week-to-strip-gray-wolves-of-esa-protections?source=direct_link&\n\nWolf Conservation Center Action Alert https://engage.nywolf.org/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&cmd=display&id=211\n\nProject Coyote Action Alert\nhttps://projectcoyote.org/stop-congresss-attack-on-wolves-and-the-endangered-species-act/ \n\nWildEarth Guardians Action Alert\nhttps://action.wildearthguardians.org/page/79474/action/1?locale=en-US
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sent-comments-to-congress-to-protect-wolves-from-de-listing-hearing-on-monday-15th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251212T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251212T140000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251212T200112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T200406Z
UID:20682-1765548000-1765548000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for written comments on amendments to Pennington County Alternative Energy Ordinance
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for written comments on amendments to Pennington County Alternative Energy Ordinance is 2 pm Friday 12/12/25 \n\nNotes on Pennington County Alternative energy ordinance (amendments)\, \nThis is up for hearing on at Commission meeting on  Tuesday 16th of Dec.\n\n\n\nThe written comment deadline was Wed 10th\, but it has been extended to Friday\, 12th at 2 pm\nI think the staff sends the meeting packet to the Commission before COB on Friday for a Tuesday\nmeeting (so Commission can read over the weekend)\, which is why they want to receive stuff on Friday afternoon.\n Send comments to pcboc@pennco.org\,\nFor more info – call Joan Martin is Commission staffer 605-394-2174 ext 1690\nHowever if you go to the meeting in person\, or know someone going\, written comments can be submitted\nat the Commission meeting.\n Also I assume you can e-mail the Commissioners directly over the weekend\, all provide an individual e-mail address  (scroll down)\n\n\n\nNEW LOCATION FOR MEETING\n\nPennington County has a new building out on 900 Concourse\, in Rapid Valley . This is a road off of Elk Vale in Rapid Valley.\nYou go toward Sturdevant paint/auto supply and Concourse is South of that business and you turn west on\nConcourse. https://pennco.org/new-cab\n\n\n\nTIME OF REVIEW\n\n\nDue to Alternative Energy Ordinance  place  on the Agenda of  the  – it won’t be reviewed before 10:30 am and given all the other stuff on the Agenda before it\,  likely later  after that. It is item 16 b on the agenda:\n\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/December_16_2025_BOC_Meeting_Agenda_Public_Notice.pdf\n\n\nHISTORY\n\n\nThis was first considered on Nov 4th and continued to Dec 16th\, so I don[’t know if this is still a first reading or if it is\na second readling. It is not listed as second reading on the agenda.  Brittney Hand\n\nbrittneyh@pennco.org in Planning Dept.  likely knows about Ordinance\, I have sent an e-mail asking if this is first or second reading\,\nshe did not answer that question\, but said the Commission could amend\, approve  or continue it on 16th..\n\n\n\nMeeting packet\, for Ordinance on Nov 4th Commission meeting– see pages 269 to 327\, Public comment at page 327\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/December_16_2025_BOC_Meeting_Agenda_Public_Notice.pdf\n\n\nMeeting packet\, for Ordinance on October 27th Planning Commisiion meeting– see pages 149-220\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/10-27-25_PC_Packet.pdf\n\n\nOTHER PHAS ALERTS\n\n\nOct 27th – Planning Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-to-review-amendment-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\n\n\nNovember 4th\,- Full Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/alternative-energy-amendment-to-ordinance-brfor-pennington-county-comission/\n\n\nDec 16th – Full Commission\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-continues-first-reading-of-amendments-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\n\n\n\n\nRon Rossknecht\nCommission District 1\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-391-1162\nvalue@hills.net\npcboc@pennco.org \nRon Weifenbach\, Chair\nCommission District 2\nTerm expires: 2028\n605-209-2418\nron.weifenbach@pennco.org \nDeb Hadcock\, Vice Chair\nCommission District 3\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-389-0395\ndebdistrict3@midco.net \nJerry Derr\nCommission District 4\nTerm expires: 2028\n605-545-2505\njerry.derr@pennco.org \nGary Drewes\nCommission District 5\nTerm expires: 2026\n605-940-1120\ngary.drewes@gmail.com \n—
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-on-amendments-to-pennington-county-alternative-energy-ordinance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251211T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251211T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251204T133507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T033815Z
UID:20579-1765474200-1765479600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Act Proposed Rules -- Webinar - Call to Action Against Rules
DESCRIPTION:Join the Endangered Species Coalition and partners as we come together to talk about the Trump administration’s wide-reaching set of proposed rules that would severely undermine implementation of Endangered Species Act (ESA). \nThe proposed ESA rule changes are now open for public comment until December 22\, 2025. In this Zoom webinar the Coalition explain ways you and your community can mobilize to express opposition to these proposed changes\, as well as ensure bedrock environmental protections are upheld. \n===== \nRegister for the Webinar \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XjO84UZ6Q16uDE0O1W-Dmw#/registration \nWe don’t know how long this webinar will last. ESC meetings are usually an hour long. \n———- \nWithin a few days after the meeting\, Nancy Hilding at 605-787-6466 or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com will get a link to a recording of the meeting\,. If you want to watch it after the fact\, contact her.  Nancy will also likely have some material they send to folks who attended the meeting by Zoom. \n==== \nYou can also go to PHAS Calendar entry for Dec 22nd. – we have more information on issue and how to comment there. \nThere are 4 rules and you are asked to comment on each. We have links to on-line pre-fab letters. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-act-esa-rollback-package-comments-due-december-22-2025/ \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-act-proposed-rules-call-to-action-against-rules-webinar/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251210T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251210T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251209T172857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T173157Z
UID:20606-1765391400-1765396800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Prairie Hills Audubon Society December Board meeting 12/10/25 by Zoom
DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society ‘s December Board meeting is 12/10/25 \nOur board meetings are normally on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm MT by Zoom. \nMembers are welcome at PHAS BoD  meetings\, others (non-members)  by invitation. \nTo get the Zoom codes ask Nancy at 605-787-6466\, 787-2806 or e-mail phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-audubon-society-december-board-meeting-12-10-25-by-zoom/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251209T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251209T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251209T175419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T175419Z
UID:20612-1765267200-1765299600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Rapid Creek Clean up Sat 12/13/2025
DESCRIPTION:Rapid Creek Clean Up 12/13/2025 \nSaturday at 10:00 AM at Founders Park. Volunteers are going to brave the elements and haul away the human leftovers from the creek and surrounding banks.  For more information – Jeffrey Anderson <jrbk4349@aol.com> or Bill Young -guinnessmarsh@gmail.com
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-creek-clean-up-sat-12-13-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251205T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251205T113000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251203T024512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T024907Z
UID:20564-1764930600-1764934200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Act Proposed Rules Briefing by the Endangered Species Coalition
DESCRIPTION:Hello! Please join the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC)   on Friday\, 12/5/25  to learn about the Endangered Species Act proposed rules (see comment deadline 12/22/25) and get tools helpful to engage in the public comment period. ESC will have time for questions and discussion. \nEndangered Species Act Proposed Rules Briefing\nFriday\, December 5 at 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST\nOn Zoom –  Register Here   https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Oy534Ab8RAyElFTT_H9yNQ#/registration \nPrairie Hills Members and volunteers can claim association with us. \nThe Trump administration has proposed a wide-reaching set of rules that would dismantle the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed ESA rule changes are now open for public comment until December 22\, 2025. \nIn this Zoom webinar on December 5\, 2025\, NGO community partners from across issue areas (animal welfare\, climate\, conservation\, environment\, water etc.) are invited to learn about the proposed administrative changes to the Endangered Species Act\, the species and habitats that will be impacted\, and the messages and tools to promote public comments. \nPresenters:\nDaniel Franz\, Staff Attorney at Defenders of Wildlife\nDeirdre Dlugoleski\, Staff Attorney at Defenders of Wildlife\nStephanie Kurose\, Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity\nHardy Kern\, Director of Government Relations at the American Bird Conservancy\nJewel Tomasula\, National Policy Director at the Endangered Species Coalition\nTara Thornton\, Director of Institutional Engagement at the Endangered Species Coalition \nJewel Tomasula\, PhD\nNational Policy Director\nEndangered Species Coalition\n(202) 930-3044\nshe\, her \nwww.endangered.org\nFacebook | X | Instagram
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-act-proposed-rules-briefing-by-the-endangered-species-coalition/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251204T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251204T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20250906T050938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T060257Z
UID:19811-1764849600-1764864000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:December 4th\, Hybrid meeting of SDGFP Commission in Pierre
DESCRIPTION:  \nDate and Time of Hybrid meeting: Thursday December 4\, 2025\, from 1-5 pm CST\nMeeting Location: Capitol Building\, Room 414\, 500 E Capitol Ave. Pierre\, SD 57501\n\n\nTo view agenda and Commission Book (packet given to the Commission) visit https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \n====== \nDecember Agenda (this has Zoom codes) : https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_Dec.pdf \nMeeting ID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: 970458\, Link: \nhttps://state-sd.zoom.us/j/91264176710?pwd=Vm00NEowdGV6N09Ib1hnVlJkMUF3Zz09#success \n==== \nCommission Book – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/December_2025_Commission_Book.pdf \nWritten Public Comments \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDoc/nav/December_2025_PublicCommissionComments.pdf \nPHAS’s letter: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Nancy_Hilding_Letter-_December_2025.pdf \nTo submit written public comment\, you need to submit in advance of the meeting – 3 days before the meeting visit their portal at – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/     The written comment deadline was before midnight CT on Sunday Nov 30th. \nOpen Forum is at 2 pm CT. \nSDGFP normally has a hearing and/or an “Open Forum” at 2 pm on Thursdays. A hearing considers comments on administrative rule proposals (all hunting seasons are admin.rules) and during the Open Forum you can comment on anything. Normally you get 3 minutes per each rule and 3 minutes during the Open Forum to talk.  You can testify remotely by Zoom or telephone or in person. They suggest you register with GFP in advance  (Gail.Buus@state.sd.us) if you wish to testify remotely\, but it is not required\, as they always ask if not-registered folks want to testify  before closing the testifying windows. \nSome Agenda  – Information Items:  Central Region Capital Development Projects\, Waterfowl Hunting Access Plan\, LWCF 2026 Apportionment and Project Selection \n==== \nWe are suggesting folks testify or send a written comment against the Nest Predator Bounty Program. The Commission in Jan 2023 approved funding for it (NPBP) up through 2026  – so one would asking them to rescind their funding approval for the program for 2026.  Visit our web site on the Nest Predator Bounty Program for more information –  https://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/ \n  \n=== \nImmediately below in italics is GFP instructions on how to participate remotely:\n==========================\nWebinar Info: GFP uses Zoom Webinar® for this meeting. As a participant\, you will not have audio or video capabilities by default.\nDuring the open forum and public hearing\, if you’d like to testify\, please ‘Raise Your Hand’ using the button at the bottom of the screen\, or by pressing *9 on your phone. To lower your hand via phone\, press *9 again. When it’s your turn to speak\, the meeting host will unmute you\, allowing you to have audio but no video. If your phone is muted when called upon\, press *6 to unmute. • *9 to ‘Raise Your Hand’ or ‘Lower Your Hand.’ • *6 to Unmute or Mute\nPlease inform Gail Buus at gail.buus@state.sd.us by 1 pm CST if you plan to speak during the meeting. This helps GFP  to accurately identify and call on speakers during the session. However\, they are polite and at the end of each commenting segment\, they ask if anyone who did not register in advance wants to speak.\nZoom Webinar: Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: 970458\nCall In: +16699009128\,\,91264176710# US Video Conference ID: 91264176710@zoomcrc.co\n=============================
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/december-4-5-hybrid-meeting-of-sdgfp-commission-in-pierre/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251201T095000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251201T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251118T195415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T195415Z
UID:20390-1764582600-1764626340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment on EPA proposal to weaken "Clean Air for Parks Rule"  12/11/25
DESCRIPTION:EPA SEEKS TO WEAKEN -“CLEAN AIR FOR PARKS”\nComment Deadline: December 1\, 2025\nTell EPA Not to Weaken the “Clean Air for Parks” / Regional Haze Rule\nEPA has released an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) titled:“Visibility Protection: Regional Haze State Plan Requirements Rule Revision.”This is the first step toward weakening the long-standing Regional Haze Rule\, also known as the “Clean Air for Parks” Rule\, which protects visibility and air quality in America’s national parks and wilderness areas. \nEPA has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) titled:“Visibility Protection: Regional Haze State Plan Requirements Rule Revision” (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-1477). Federal Register+1 \nEPA is taking public comment until December 1\, 2025. \nThis rule protects Class I wilderness areas\, national parks\, wildlife\, and nearby communities from visibility-impairing and health-damaging pollution—including particulate pollution from power plants\, industrial facilities\, oil and gas operations\, and transportation.Weakened protections would let major polluters off the hook and threaten the clean air\, scenic vistas\, and public health of millions of people who visit or live near these special places. \nWhy This Matters Locally\n\n\nSouth Dakota contains two Class I federal areas under the Regional Haze Rule: Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park. Ag and Natural Resources+1 \n\n\nThese designations mean that haze-causing pollutants—fine particulates\, nitrogen oxides\, sulfur dioxide—from far-away sources can degrade visibility\, harm wildlife\, and impact visitor experience locally. National Park Service \n\n\nIf the rule is weakened\, it could reduce the obligation of polluters and states to clean up emissions that impair our local scenic vistas and air quality. \n\n\n\nUseful Links & Sample Letters\n\n\nFederal Register notice for the ANPRM: Federal Register Vol. 90\, No. 19280\, Oct 2 2025 \n\n\nSample comment templates and NGO resources: \n\n\nLeague of Conservation Voters (LCV) overview of regional haze issue: LCV – Regional Haze Air Pollution \n\nNational Parks Conservation Association & other groups’ letters: see PDF resources like “Letter to EPA About the Regional Haze Rule\, July 11 2023” Moms Clean Air Force\n\n\n\nHow to Comment\nGo to the official Federal Register docket:https://www.regulations.gov/ \nHow to Submit Comments\nYou may comment via electronic submission or mail. Please act by December 1\, 2025. \nEnvironmental Protection Agency\nEPA Docket Center\nMail Code 28221T\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\nWashington\, DC 20460 \n(Make sure to reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-1477 on your envelope) \nOnline / Electronic submission: \n\n\nVisit: Submit a comment to docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-1477 \n  \nWe assume comments must be received by midnight on December 1st. We have not read the announcement to check on those details however. Sometimes postal mail needs to be received or postmarked (it can vary).
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-on-epa-proposal-to-weaken-clean-air-for-parks-rule-12-11-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251201T095000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251201T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251014T192104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T194527Z
UID:20103-1764582600-1764626340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for Chapters to submit grant applications to National Audubon Society
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for Chapters to submit grant applications to National Audubon Society – has been extended from Sunday Nov 23rd to Monday December 1st.. \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS)  is a chapter of the National Audubon Society (NAS). We share with them normally about 260 joint members and get an automatic grant award of $565 dollars each year. Other funds that PHAS has\, we get as donations from members/friends or for Chapter-only members dues share. \nNational Audubon allows us in the fall to apply for Collaborative Grants ( $1\,000)  and Actions Grants ($5\,000-15\,000). However applications must win in competition with other  chapter grant applications and must be consistent with the type of projects\, on the topics that NAS wants to give grant awards for. PHAS does a lot of work and has many conservation campaigns\, but these are not always on the topics NAS wants to award $$ for.  PHAS  workers are all volunteers and must \nhave the time to shoulder any additional grant duties. Grants can involve partner groups in addition to PHAS. \nThe deadline to submit grants is some time on Sunday\, November 23rd. We don’t know if that is midnight EST (where NAS is) or some other time-of-day\, such a midnight in applicant’s time zone or midnight in Hawaii.  \nFrequent Questions:\nhttps://nationalaudubon.app.box.com/s/6e3e6xu1asgjxsy14yk2dal9c4qldy4e?emci=398b71a1-07a6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=2c1ae9ee-0fa6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=4030932\n\nApplication for Audubon Action ($5\,000-$15\,000)\nhttps://form.asana.com/?k=c7i32-91Atgg2L_m1tOSKw&d=12789545499361&emci=398b71a1-07a6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=2c1ae9ee-0fa6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=4030932\n\nCollaborative Grants ( $1\,000)\nhttps://form.asana.com/?k=fkEJyQbIZ8uespLaEJEk3g&d=12789545499361&emci=398b71a1-07a6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=2c1ae9ee-0fa6-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=4030932\n\n=========\nSAME INFO but different links\, in case you need Audubon accounts to access above links\n\nfrequent questions/overview\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Overview-and-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf \n\nlarge $ grants\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Audubon-in-Action-Grant-Application2026-20251103193146.pdf\n\nsmall $ grants\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Collaborative-Grant-Application2026-.docx
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-chapters-to-submit-grant-applications-to-national-audubon-society/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251130T225000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251130T225900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251118T012903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T040706Z
UID:20375-1764543000-1764543540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to submit comments to the SDGFP Commission for December Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit comments to the SDGFP Commission for their review before  the December Meeting is – just before midnight CT on Sunday night. You must use the GFP public comment portal – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \nThe December Commission Meeting will be held on December 4-5\, 2025\, starting at 1 pm CST at the Capitol Building\, Room\n414\, in Pierre\, SD. \nGo to this web page when close to the meeting time to see agenda for the December meeting\, however it is  not  published before the comment deadline.  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nHere is the notice of the meeting\, this has location and Zoom codes  – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/december_notice_signed.pdf \nFolks can submit comments against the Nest Predator Bounty Season.  In January of 2023 they approved a resolution to fund it for 4 more years – 2023\, 2024\,2025\, 2026.  If it is to not happen again they would need to revoke that resolution at the January or December meeting\, as there is normally no meeting in February.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-comments-to-the-sdgfp-commission-for-december-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251124T105000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251124T225900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251121T064459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T064540Z
UID:20450-1763981400-1764025140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on proposal to  increase water impoundment on dam  on French Creek\, west of Custer
DESCRIPTION:  \nQuote from DANR public notice: \n“Notice is given that the City of Custer\, 622 Crook Street\, Custer SD 57730\, has filed an application for a water permit to impound an additional 22.5 acre-feet of water\, in Custer West Dam\, located on French Creek\, to what is currently authorized by Water Right No. 298-2 & Water Permit No. 2878-2. Water Right No. 298-2 authorizes the impoundment of 30 acre-feet of water by the dam\, and Water Permit No. 2878-2 authorizes the impoundment of 47.5 additional acre-feet of water and authorized reconstruction of the dam\, located in the NE 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 27\, with water to be impounded in the N 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 27; all in T3S-R4E. If approved\, this application\, Water Right No. 298-2\, and Permit No. 2878-2\, would authorize the impoundment of sufficient water annually to maintain water to the primary outlet elevation of 5\,348.0 feet mean sea level. The normal pool storage capacity at the primary spillway elevation will be 100 acre-feet of water\, with water to be used for recreation\, fish & wildlife propagation\, and public safety purposes. This site is located in the southwest part of the City of Custer\, SD.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n+++++++++++\n\nDiscussion:\n\n        We are concerned about appropriation of French Creek waters\, as it will likely lessen flows downstream\, which is already considerably lower in the location of sewage wastewater discharge  than what was indicated in Custer’s 2020 Permit application’s justification.  This would mean pollution is not as diluted as projected.\n         We are also concerned about flows down in Custer State Park\, where French Creek flows through rocky area\, that used to support American dippers but doesn’t any more. Did we lose dippers due to up-stream dams and thus reduced flows and/or upstream sewage discharge (water pollution)?\n\nMore quotes from DANR\n“Any person interested in opposing this application or recommendation shall allege that the application\, upon approval\, will cause injury to the person that is unique from any injury suffered by the public in general. The injury must concern a matter either within the regulatory authority found in SDCL 46-2A-9 for approval or denial of the application\, or other matter concerning the application within the regulatory authority of the board to act upon as defined by SDCL 46-2-9 and 46-2-11\, or both. Any person meeting the petitioner requirements and wishing to be a party of record in a contested case hearing shall file a written petition to oppose the application with BOTH the applicant and Acting Chief Engineer. A petition opposing the application shall be filed on a form provided by the Acting Chief Engineer. The petition form is available online at https://danr.sd.gov/public or by contacting the Acting Chief Engineer. The Acting Chief Engineer’s address is “Water Rights Program\, Foss Building\, 523 E Capitol\, Pierre SD 57501” or call (605) 773-3352. The applicant’s mailing address is given above. If contesting the Acting Chief Engineer’s recommendation\, the applicant shall also file a petition. A petition filed by either an interested person or the applicant must be filed by November 24\, 2025. The petition shall include a statement describing the unique injury upon approval of the application on the petitioner\, the petitioner’s reasons for opposing the application\, and the name and mailing address of the petitioner or the petitioner’s legal counsel\, if legal counsel is obtained.\n\nAny interested person may file a comment on the application with the Acting Chief Engineer. The comment shall be filed on a form provided by the Acting Chief Engineer and is available online at https://danr.sd.gov/public or by calling (605) 773-3352 or writing the Acting Chief Engineer at the address provided above. Filing a comment does not make the commenter a party of record or a participant in any hearing that may be held. Any comment must be filed by November 24\, 2025.\n\nIf the applicant does not contest the recommendation of the Acting Chief Engineer and no petition to oppose the application is received\, the Acting Chief Engineer shall act on the application pursuant to the recommendation with no hearing held before the Water Management Board. If a petition opposing the application or contesting the recommendation is filed\, then a hearing will be scheduled\, and the Water Management Board will consider this application. Notice of the hearing will be given to the applicant and any person filing a petition”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-proposal-to-increase-water-impoundment-on-dam-on-french-creek-west-of-custer/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251122T013000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251122T015900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251026T162421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T193820Z
UID:20197-1763775000-1763776740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment to Dept of Interior on Oil/Gas Leasing in Western Arctic
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to Comment to Dept of Interior on Oil/Gas Leasing in Western Arctic is Nov 21st\, but midnight in Alaska occurs very early on the next day in SD (Nov 22nd) \n\n\n\nThe Nov 21\, 2025 deadline is for the NPR-A (Western Arctic) Call for Nominations & Comments. This is the western Arctic not just ANWR specifically. See the Federal Register notice (Oct 22\, 2025) with the submission methods and address/email. GovInfo \n\n\nBLM’s Alaska lease-sales hub also lists the Nov 21 close date and provides how-to instructions and maps/forms. Bureau of Land Management \n\nPLEASE NOTICE IF DEADLINES ARE MIDNIGHT ALASKA TIME\, THEY ARE 2 HOURS LATER THAN MOUNTAIN TIME\, SO FOR LOWER 48 THE DEADLINE MAY BE VERY EARLY ON 22ND.\n\nDirect “how to comment” (copy-ready for your calendar)\nMail: State Director\, BLM Alaska State Office\, 222 West 7th Ave #13\, Anchorage\, AK 99513-7504Email: BLM_AKSO_AK932_AKLeasesales@blm.gov \nWe are not sure of the exact “cut-off” time for comments.  We are assuming it is just before midnight Alaska time\, rather than before midnight EST. That Alaska time zone deadline\, would translate to just before 2 am in  Mountain Time Zone on the 22nd.. \nThe plan by the current (second) Trump administration is to permit/advance drilling in the ANWR coastal plain. It’s already built on a prior legislative foundation and previous administration actions. The key steps ahead will involve lease sales\, environmental reviews\, possible litigation\, and then if development goes forward\, monitoring of wildlife/hunting impacts. \n\n\nThe Coastal Plain area (approx. 1.56 million acres) of ANWR is being reopened for oil & gas leasing under the current administration’s directive. Earthjustice+1 \n\n\nThe comment period gives stakeholders—conservation groups\, indigenous communities\, hunters\, wildlife researchers\, and the public—the opportunity to influence which tracts are offered and how mitigating conditions may be structured. \n\n\nEASY COMMENTING:\n== \n\n\nEarthjustice: They issued an alert titled “The Trump Administration Opens the Entire Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to Oil and Gas Leasing” (Oct 23 2025). Earthjustice+2Earthjustice+2 \n\n\n Specific Earthjustice Alert with pre-fab comment letter :     https://earthjustice.org/action/the-western-arctic-is-under-threat-protect-one-of-the-most-important-ecosystems-on-earth?ms=web \n\nThe National Audubon Society  article:  https://www.audubon.org/conservation/arctic-ocean-future-peril#:~:text=Given%20the%20difficulty%20of%20accessing\,policy%20work%20in%20the%20Arctic.\nProtect the Arctic – “Take Action to Protect America’s Arctic”Link: https://www.protectthearctic.org/i-can-help\nEnvironment America – “Chevron: Don’t drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge”Link: https://environmentamerica.org/articles/chevron-dont-drill-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/\nEnviros Against War – Alert regarding the Arctic lease salesLink: https://www.envirosagainstwar.org/act/alerts.php\n\nWhat is happening\nThe plan by the current (second) Trump administration is to permit/advance drilling in the ANWR coastal plain. It’s already built on a prior legislative foundation and previous administration actions. The key steps ahead will involve lease sales\, environmental reviews\, possible litigation\, and then if development goes forward\, monitoring of wildlife/hunting impacts. \n\n\nThe 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97) included a provision that required at least two oil and gas lease sales in the “coastal plain” (also called the “1002 area”) of ANWR (about 1.57 million acres). The Wilderness Society+3Congress.gov+3Congress.gov+3 \n\n\nThe Donald Trump (first) administration in August 2020 issued final approval to open the ANWR coastal plain to drilling. The Washington Post+2The Wilderness Society+2 \n\n\nA lease sale was held in January 2021 (near the end of the first Trump term)\, which resulted in nine leases—but industry participation was weak\, and none has yet progressed to full development. Congress.gov+1 \n\n\nUnder the (then) Joe Biden administration\, these leases were suspended (June 2021) and cancelled (September 2023) based on legal and environmental review concerns. Wikipedia+1 \n\n\nIn the more recent (second) Trump-era policy shift (starting January 2025)\, the administration via Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary announced that the entire 1.56-million-acre coastal plain would be reopened to leasing. Alaska Beacon+2U.S. Department of the Interior+2 \n\n\nAccording to a Congressional Research Service summary\, a district court decision in March 2025 vacated the earlier lease cancellations\, giving a legal basis to restart the program. Congress.gov \n\n\n\nWhy this matters (for wildlife)\n\n\nThe ANWR coastal plain is biologically rich: it supports the Porcupine Caribou Herd migration\, denning polar bears\, and important bird-migratory habitat. Congress.gov+1 \n\n\nOpening the area to drilling affects not just industrial footprint\, but access\, infrastructure (roads\, pipelines)\, and potential disturbance of habitat. This ties directly to hunting\, harvest data\, and wildlife monitoring . \n\n\nCurrent status & next steps\n\n\nThe entire 1.56 million acre coastal plain is again open to leasing. Alaska Beacon \n\n\nAs of now\, it’s a leasing program; actual drilling/exploration would still require further approvals (environmental analysis\, infrastructure permits\, etc.). \n\n\nLegal challenges are likely\, since conservation groups and Indigenous groups continue to oppose. The Washington Post+1 \n\n\nIndustry still shows some caution: high costs in remote Arctic environment\, uncertain oil price outlook\, infrastructure challenges. Wikipedia+1
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-to-dept-of-interior-on-oil-gas-leasing-in-western-arctic/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T225000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T225900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251104T194851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T195349Z
UID:20307-1763765400-1763765940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Homestake Mining Co. application for surface water discharge
DESCRIPTION: The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has received a request for the modification of a Surface Water Discharge (SWD) permit from the following applicant:  \nAPPLICANT NAME: Homestake Mining Company  \nPERMIT NUMBER: SDP000119  \nFACILITY LOCATION: Blacktail Water Treatment Facility: Located in Central City at 11457 Bobtail Gulch Street\, in the Northeast ¼ of Section 28\, Township 5 North\, Range 3\, East\, in Lawrence County\, South Dakota.  \nYates Water Treatment Facility: Located along Kirk Road near Lead in the Southwest ¼ of Section 34\, Township 5 North\, Range 3 East\, in Lawrence County\, South Dakota  \n Comments may also be provided within the specified thirty (30) day comment period using the online comment form [11/21/25]\, accessible via the “Comment Deadline” links provided at http://danr.sd.gov/public.  \nWe are not sure of time of day of deadline but assume it is before midnight CT
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-homestake-mining-co-application-for-surface-water-discharge/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251115T194606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T200832Z
UID:20363-1763661600-1763668800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Protect Piedmont Valley from Sand/Gravel Mine meeting eve of 11/20/25
DESCRIPTION:Here is a link to Protect Piedmont’s Future Facebook Page: \nhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61582808211903 \nJust below  are excerpts from NewsCenter 1 article found at this link: \nhttps://www.newscenter1.tv/news/local/protect-piedmonts-future-to-hold-special-q-a-meeting-on-new-proposed-limestone-mine \n  \n“Protect Piedmont’s Future\, a group opposing a new proposed limestone mine\, will be holding an open forum Q-and-A for concerned residents. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday\, Nov. 20\, at the Elk Creek Lodge in Piedmont. \nAccording to the group\, State Senator John Carley is set to moderate the discussion\, and an attorney will be present to answer questions free of charge. The Q-and-A meeting will cover homeowners’ rights and what residents should do prior to the mine’s arrival.” \n“The proposed 300-acre limestone mine will be operated by Simon Construction of South Dakota. The mine has already received license approval from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and is slated to begin operations in August 2026.” \n“Protect Piedmont’s Future has been working behind the scenes and is currently trying to get 501(c)3 status. Greenberg says the community is already mobilizing in response to the plan.” \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last\, but have guessed at 2 hours \n============== \nPHAS Calendar has more information on this issue on the date of Nov 3rd meeting  Meade County Planning Commission. Our substantive alerts usually happen on the calendar page identifying comment opportunity. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-planning-commission-meeting/ \nBut here is an excerpt from that page: \nNancy Hilding’s statement on Sand/Gravel regulation in SD and Piedmont\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Nancy-Hilding.SandGraveldocx-20251102132226.pdf\nFor ordinance templates one can look at Pennington Counties Sand/Gravel Mining ordinance sub-set found in their zoning ordinance and Lawrence Counties Extractive Industries ordinance sub-set found in their zoning ordinance. \nLawrence County‘s Extractive Industry subset of Zoning Ordinancehttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/EXTRACT.INDUSTRYawrencecounty-sd-ZONING2025.pdf \n\nPennington County’s  Sand/Garvel subset of Zoning Ordinance\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PennCounty.Sand-Gravel_ZoneOrdinance2025PC.pdf\n========\nCHAT GTP discussion of rewrite of State Law for Sand/Gravel\n\nSD’s statewide laws & regulations that govern sand/gravel mines are woefully inadequate and need to be changed with lobbying effort in Pierre. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/CHAT_SDCL_45-6_Revision_Public_Comment_Contested_Case.docx \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/protect-piedmont-valley-from-sand-gravel-mine-meeting-eve-of-11-20-25/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-11-15-at-12.57.54-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251111T025506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T025826Z
UID:20326-1763629200-1763654400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Board of Minerals and Environment Telephone Conference Meeting 11/20/25
DESCRIPTION:Board of Minerals and Environment Telephone Conference Meeting 11/20/25 \n Board of Minerals and Environment \, Telephone Conference Meeting  DANR Large Conference Room  \n523 East Capitol Avenue \, Pierre\, SD  \nNovember 20\, 2025  \n10:00 a.m. Central Time  \n The public may participate in-person or via telephone by dialing 1-605-679-7263 and entering Conference ID 424 209 532#  \n The full board packet and the link for live streaming are available on the South Dakota Boards and Commissions Portal at https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67.  \nWe have no idea how long the meeting will last and have guessed at 5 pm CT as the end point. \n================ \nAgenda \n Approve agenda  \nApprove minutes from September 17\, 2025\, meeting  \nMining issues consent calendar – Tom Cline  \nChristine Hamilton site 849001 and Oacoma Township site 1033001 Release of Liability – Bret Graves  \nRelease of reclamation liability and surety for American Colloid Mine Permit 475 – Eric Holm  \nRequest to extend period of final reclamation after completion of mining for James Dean\, Small Scale Mine Permit 453 – Eric Holm  \nTransfer of Exploration Notice of Intent 447 from SDO Services\, LLC to Longview Minerals LLC – Roberta Hudson  \nPublic comment period in accordance with SDCL 1-25-1  \nUpcoming board meetings 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/board-of-minerals-and-environment-telephone-conference-meeting-11-20-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251119T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251119T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251014T162223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251123T190956Z
UID:20073-1763577000-1763586000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS Zoom member's  meeting on the Nest Predator Bounty Program Wed. Nov. 19th
DESCRIPTION:PHAS had a  Zoom member’s meeting on the Nest Predator Bounty Program (NPBP) on Wed. Nov. 19th. \nIt started at 6:30 pm MT. \nTo join PHAS membership Wednesday Zoom meeting November 19th on the Nest Predator Bounty Program visit link (this will be  a repeated link for our future meetings) : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9y RmVON3VPU0dRZz09  \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233 \nPasscode: 534620 \nTelephone connection: Dial by your location (as far as we know all work in western SD) • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233 Passcode: 534620 \nOne tap mobile +16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US \n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose) \nFind your local number (provides more phone #s):: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV  \nJoin instructions (provides more phone #s): https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85433920233/ invitations?signature=WaTNRD8gS_tcx HjEpVswc7OMy2LkzSlWFoMil28gkoo  \n========================== \nRECORDING OF MEETING \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s 11/18/25 presentation on the SDGFP’s Nest Predator Bounty Program (NPBP)  –\n \nFIRST HALF – Link to the recording stored on Vimeo.: \nhttps://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1138972611 \nAlexey Egorov gives a presentation on SD Game Fish & Park’s Nest Predator Bounty Program. Prairie Hills Audubon Society opposes SDGFP’s Nest Predator Bounty Program (NPBP) as an ineffective program that does not work to protect ground nesting birds and has been a waste of likely 4.9-5 million dollars over a history of 7 years. GFP offers $10 bounties for tails of the 5 target mesopredators/omnivores\, that are presented to them. \nThis money could be spent to benefit ground nesting birds by investing in habitat\, which would actually work to protect and increase ground nesting birds. Matching federal funds are available for habitat protection/improvements. \nTrapping of wildlife during their breeding and child rearing seasons\, increases the cruelty impacts\, as dependent young also die. SD has trap check times of 3 and a partial day west River and 2 and a partial day east River. Alexey Egorov is the Author of the Powerpoint. \n====t \nSECOND HALF -here is a second part to this meeting where attendees discuss strategies to get the NPBP terminated. Links to recordings of our working meetings (where strategies are discussed) are not posted to the internet. If you want such a copy\, contact Nancy directly – 605-787-6466 or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com.  We limit sharing of links to strategy meeting recordings to people who support our objectives/platforms. \n============================= \nDISCUSSION \nKristie Noem promised to have a predator bounty program to benefit pheasants during her 2018 campaign. The SD NPBP (begun in 2019) exemplifies waste\, fraud & abuse – an example of an appropriate DOGE target if this program was run by the federal government. \nStatewide killing of nest predators by bounties doesn’t work for the benefit of ground nesting birds\, It is uncertain if predator killing even works at very intense\, expensive levels in small focused areas. Thus far SD has wasted about 5 million dollars during 2019-2025\, on this useless & cruel program. A bounty of $10 is offered for tails of raccoons\, stripped skunks\, red foxes\, oppossum & badgers. This money would have actually been effective\, to benefit ground nesting birds\, if spent on habitat improvement – money spent multiples with federal matching funds. \nThe killing happens in the spring when animals are breeding & have dependent young. SD has a 3 & a partial day trap check time west river & 2 & a partial day trap check time east river. Dependent young of target & non-target species will suffer & die. This pointless cruelty is justified in the name of BIRDS! \nIn 2025 PHAS was instrumental in getting HB1262 introduced. This was a bill that would have stopped the NPBP. It was killed in House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Odenbach & Sen. Howard were prime sponsors. We will get another bill into the 2026 legislature. At our meeting we will teach you about the NPBP. We need members to contact legislators to ask them to kill the NPBP. Members of the House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees are key as they must pass bill on to the floors. We have a web page devoted to this issue: https://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/ Zoom link to our meeting is on an inside flap of the newsletter. On one of our legislative web pages\, (https://phas-wsd.org/sd-legislature/)  list House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources committee members. \nThose shown in italics are in the Black Hills area or western SD. – To study them visit SDLRC web page: https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Listing/70 \nSenate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee \ncurt.voight@sdleglislature.gov\, helene.duhamel@sdlegislature.gov\, kevin.jensen@sdlegislature.gov\, michael.rohl@sdlegislature.gov\, sam.marty@sdlegislature.gov\, sydney.davis@sdlegislature.gov\, tom.pischke@sdlegislature.gov \nHouse Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee \nMarty.Overweg@sdlegislature.gov\, Spencer.Gosch@sdlegislature.gov\, Julie.Auch@sdlegislature.gov\, Tim.Goodwin@sdlegislature.gov\, Jana.Hunt@sdlegislature.gov\, Travis.Ismay@sdlegislature.gov\, Trish.Ladner@sdlegislature.gov\, Kaley.Nolz@sdlegislature.gov\, Drew.Peterson@sdlegislature.gov\, Kathy.Rice@sdlegislature.gov\, Kevin.VanDiepen@sdlegislature.gov\, Richard.Vasgaard@sdlegislature.gov\, Kadyn.Wittman@sdlegislature.gov \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-zoom-members-meeting-on-the-nest-predator-bounty-program-wed-nov-19th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251119T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251119T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20250726T005010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250726T005010Z
UID:19396-1763557200-1763571600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:BHNF Forest Service Advisory Board meeting might happen
DESCRIPTION:BHNF Forest Service Advisory Board meeting might happen \nPlease verify when close to the date
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-forest-service-advisory-board-meeting-might-happen/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251118T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251118T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251119T011408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T011408Z
UID:20407-1763490600-1763497800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Piedmont Board of Trustees Meeting\, 11/18/25- Comment on pending Sand/Gravel mine
DESCRIPTION:Piedmont Board of Trustees  meets  on Tuesday\, 11/18/25 at 6:30 pm MT \n Piedmont City Hall\, 102 Walnut St. \n– Opportunity to Comment on pending Sand/Gravel mine. \nPublic will be given 3 minutes each \nThere is a point near the start of the meeting  —- at Item #4  for public comment on pending mine \nand Item #13 – Is “Old business” &  it is to discuss the pending mine and \nItem # 15 is another public comment period \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last but have guessed at 2 hours. \nFor more information on this issue go to Calendar post for  Thursday\, Nov 20th for a Protect Piedmont’s Future sponsored meeting on the mine at 6:00 pm MT at Elk Creek Steak House
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/piedmont-board-of-trustees-meeting-11-18-25-comment-on-pending-sand-gravel-mine/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251117T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251117T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251117T172657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T174006Z
UID:20370-1763400600-1763406000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:BH Clean Water Alliance meeting and dinner on "Sacred Sites" Rapid City 5:30 pm 11/17/25
DESCRIPTION:Black Hills Clean Water Alliance  dinner & meeting\, with presentation on  “Sacred Sites”. In  Rapid City at  5:30 – 7:00 pm 11/17/25 at the Minneluzahan Senior Citizen Center\, 315 N. 4th St.  We think the meal is free (but we are not sure) . It is suggested people bring dinner ware so as to minimize waste from single use dinner ware.  This is part of “Save the Black Hills” series and more upcoming dinner meetings on Dec 1st and 8th.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bh-clean-water-alliance-meeting-and-dinner-on-sacred-sites-rapid-city-530-pm-11-17-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251014T183859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T051858Z
UID:20098-1763193600-1763208000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS  Birding Field Trip - on Saturday Nov 15th 8 am - Canyon Lake Park
DESCRIPTION:PHAS Mid November Birding Field Trip  Saturday Nov 15th  – contingent on weather (which looks good 5 days out). \nJedediah will lead a birding trip at Canyon Lake Park in Rapid City. Birders are to meet at 8 am\, at the bridge that leads to the gazebo. Canyon Lake Park is off Jackson Blvd in western Rapid City. \nContact Nancy at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466 (landline)  or Jedediah at  jedediahbeadle@gmail.com\, (605) 863-4967‬ (cell)\, for more information \nI do not know how long field trip will last
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-mid-november-1-day-birding-field-trip-on-either-nov-15th-or-16th/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-11-10-at-8.37.27-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251014T180200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T212512Z
UID:20089-1763110800-1763121600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Forestry Basics Field Trip with Dave Mertz - Fri.\, November 14th\,  Black Hills
DESCRIPTION:FORESTRY BASICS FIELD TRIP WITH DAVE MERTZ – Fri.\, November 14th (contingent on weather)\,- meeting at 9 am at Sugar Shack on Hwy 385. \nEvery fall Dave  Mertz\, a forester\, retired from the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF)\, leads us on a field trip in the Black Hills to learn about forestry basics and the BHNF logging program. Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, the Norbeck Society and sometimes the Black Hills Group of Sierra Club co-sponsor this annual field trip. \nThe field trip will involve some areas not previously seen on previous field trips. It may involve a timber sale/s where the logging has not yet begun. With the Trump Administration\, there have been many changes to how the Forest Service manages its timber sales\, and these will be discussed. Contact Dave Mertz at mertzdave1@gmail.com or (605) 440-3244 for details\, Also Nancy at 605-787-6466\, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com \n===\n \nFriday\, November 14\, 9:00 a.m. – noon.\n\nForestry Field Trip with retired BHNF Natural Resource Staff Officer\, Dave Mertz \, Black Hills National Forest. Don’t miss this great opportunity to understand terminology and concepts that guide forest\nmanagement.\n\nDave retired from the Black Hills National Forest in 2017 as the\nForest’s natural resource staff officer. Over the course of his\ncareer\, he was a forester\, silviculturist\, forest fire management\nofficer and a fire staff officer.\n\nForests live beyond the confines of our own lifetimes!\nMeet at 9:00 at the parking from the Sugar Shack on Hwy 385.\nWe will caravan/carpool from there with about 4 or 5 stops along\nthe way\nDress appropriately and bring water and snacks and maybe enjoy a burger afterwards!\nPlease RSVP: info@norbecksociety.com\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/forestry-basics-field-trip-with-dave-mertz-fri-november-14th-black-hills/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251112T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251103T205033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T205033Z
UID:20293-1762972200-1762979400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS November board meeting
DESCRIPTION:PHAS November board meeting should be by Zoom on second Wednesday of November. The meetings are normally at 6 or 6:30 pm MT. They can run 1-2 hours. Contact Nancy at  605-787-6466 (land line) or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com for details such as Zoom codes or agenda. These meetings are open to PHAS members.  Non-members must specifically be granted  an invite.  Towards the end of meetings we may go into executive session to discuss our  2 litigations.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-november-board-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251110T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251110T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251006T175922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T225954Z
UID:20027-1762818600-1762819140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on - BLM wipe-out of it's Biden Era - Conservation & Landscape Health Rule
DESCRIPTION:Federal Register Notice & Comment Submission\n\n\nTitle: Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule \n\n\nPublished: September 11\, 2025 Federal Register \n\n\nDocket / RIN: RIN 1004-AF03 Federal Register \n\n\nAffected CFR parts: 43 CFR parts 1600 and 6100 Federal Register \n\n\nComment deadline: November 10\, 2025 Federal Register \n\n\nAddresses for submitting comments: \n\n• Mail / Personal / Messenger: U.S. Department of the Interior\, Director (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St. NW\, Room 5646\, Washington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004-AF03 Federal Register• Federal eRulemaking Portal: via Regulations.gov\, search “BLM-2025-0001” Federal Register+1 \n\n\n\nLink to the official FR notice page: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/11/2025-17537/rescission-of-conservation-and-landscape-health-rule \n\nLink to a sign-on group letter\, signing on due at 11 am Monday Nov 10th https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgYQArRYoiT8fbjVwtS8lVYpUgcF-Wt3QRBv4s4TKGOSfG5A/viewform\nAt the bottom are links to alerts from NGOs and some pre-fab comment letters\n=====\n\nWhat BLM Proposes to Rescind / Remove\nIn the rescission proposal\, BLM wants to wipe out the Conservation & Landscape Health Rule in full. Here’s what would change or disappear: \n\n\nRescind the rule’s codified provisions \n\n\nAll regulations in 43 CFR parts 1600 and 6100 tied to the 2024 rule would be removed. Federal Register \n\n\nBLM would abandon the leasing tools specific to restoration leases and mitigation leases. Federal Register+2Inside Climate News+2 \n\n\n\n\nReturn to prior multiple-use emphasis \n\n\nBLM argues the 2024 rule went beyond statutory authority by elevating conservation (i.e. non-use) into a use. The rescission argues that “conservation is not a ‘use’” under FLPMA\, and that the rule constrained flexibility. Federal Register+2The Wilderness Society+2 \n\n\nThey assert that BLM already has adequate tools under FLPMA and that the additional provisions are unnecessary or legally questionable. Inside Climate News+3Federal Register+3The Wilderness Society+3 \n\n\n\n\nRemove the balancing / prioritization shifts \n\n\nThe rule’s mandate that conservation / restoration receive equal consideration would be nullified. \n\n\nMany of the constraints or decision criteria added to prioritize ecological health / intact landscapes would no longer bind BLM. \n\n\nBLM would not be obligated to integrate restoration and mitigation leases or invest in restoration as a formal tool across planning. \n\n\n\n\nImpacts on stakeholder influence \n\n\nThe rescission could reduce formal role for conservation entities in land restoration and mitigation roles. \n\n\nIt may shift decision power more back toward development and resource-use interests\, with less formal checks for ecological health. \n\n\nEnvironmental / recreational interest voices might need to rely more on plan-level challenges\, litigation\, or NEPA processes rather than the rule’s scaffolding. \n\n\n\n\nWhat’s at Stake / Why It Matters\n\n\nRolling back the rule weakens the institutional backing for conservation and restoration on BLM lands. \n\n\nIt reduces the regulatory guarantee that conservation goals must be weighed seriously in multiple-use decisions. \n\n\nRestoration and mitigation leasing tools would be lost\, removing a mechanism NGOs\, tribes or others could use to advance ecosystem repair. \n\n\nMany areas without robust protections would face increased pressure from resource extraction\, grazing\, mining\, or energy development with fewer institutional constraints. \n\n\nCritics argue the rescission undermines the BLM’s capacity to respond to climate change\, biodiversity loss\, landscape connectivity\, wildfire resilience\, and ecological degradation. \n\n\n\n\nHere are some articles\, action alerts\, or press releases about this rollback move: \n\n\n\nAmerica the Beautiful Coalition:\n\n“The Public Lands Rule modernizes how the Bureau of Land Management manages nearly 250 million acres of public land — ensuring conservation\, Indigenous knowledge\, and community well-being are considered alongside development…….On November 4th\, we convened a Community Briefing with leaders from Conservation Lands Foundation\, New Mexico Wild\, Native Land Institute\, and The Conservation Alliance. View the webinar and clips on our blog. Panelists explain what’s at stake and how you can take action before it’s too late.\n \nThe Public Lands Rule Comment Period closes on Monday\, November 10. \n\n\n🧰Use our Advocacy Toolkit to Act! Use this toolkit to submit comments and organize your friends and community by November 10.\n\n\n📝Sign-on to ATB4A’s Coalition letter here.\n\n\n🌲Follow Act Now for Public Lands to stay up to speed and learn more about the Public Lands Rule. You can also submit a public comment through this link.\n\n\nThis is our moment to mobilize. Please join us—and share widely to ensure communities across the country raise their voices.”\n\n\nWilderness Society— “BLM Public Lands Rule rollback proposal announced; 60-day comment period to follow” (Sept 10\, 2025) — press release. The Wilderness Society \n\n\nNational Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)— “BLM Moves to Roll Back Public Lands Rule\, Threatening National Parks and Public Access” — an alert / article about the rescission. National Parks Conservation Association \n\n\nInterior / Department of the Interior— Official press: “Interior Proposes to Rescind Public Lands Rule\, Restoring Balanced Multiple-Use” (Sept 30\, 2025) — BLM/Interior’s own announcement. U.S. Department of the Interior— BLM press: “Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule” — with comment solicitation. Bureau of Land Management \n\n\nAction Alert — New Mexico Wilderness (NMWild)— “Action Alert: Save the Public Lands Rule” — includes a comment prompt and tells people to “comment below by November 10!” New Mexico Wilderness Alliance \n\n\nWorks for Nature— A tracker & action guide: “Action Alert: Comment to save the Public Lands Rule” (updated Sept 30\, 2025) with background and a “call to comment.” worksfornature.org \n\n\nInside Climate News— “Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Conservation as an Essential Use of Public Lands” — analysis of the rollback move and how the public comment period works. Inside Climate News \n\n\nWestern Priorities— “Interior announces intent to revoke Public Lands Rule” — blog post / commentary. Center for Western Priorities \n\n\n=========================================== \n\nWe are not sure of the time-of-day end point for the comment period\, but assume it is just before Midnight Eastern Time\, on Nov 10th
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blm-wipe-out-of-its-biden-era-conservation-landscape-health-rule/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251110T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251110T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251014T182830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T182826Z
UID:20093-1762811400-1762811940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Trump's Rescission of BLM's Conservation and Landscape Health Rule
DESCRIPTION:Proposed rescission (“Public Lands Rule” rollback)\n\n\nDocument: Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (BLM proposed rule)Citation: 90 FR 43990 (Document No. 2025-17537)CFR parts affected: 43 CFR parts 1600 & 6100RIN: 1004-AF03Publication date: September 11\, 2025. Federal Register \n\n\nComment deadline: November 10\, 2025 (“Comments must be received by November 10\, 2025.”). Regulations.gov also lists the close as Nov 10\, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Federal Register+1 \n\n\nHow to comment (from FR notice):• Online: via the Federal eRulemaking Portal—search for Docket ID BLM-2025-0001 and follow the instructions.• Mail/hand delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior\, Director (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St. NW\, Room 5646\, Washington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004-AF03. Federal Register \n\n\nPoint of contact (from FR notice): Kyle Moorman\, Chief\, Division of Regulatory Affairs and Directives\, 202-527-2433\, kmoorman@blm.gov \n\n\nWhat this proposal would do (BLM’s stated rationale in FR):• Rescind the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule in full.• Argues the 2024 rule is “unnecessary\,” conflicts with FLPMA’s multiple-use and sustained-yield mandate\, and improperly treats conservation leasing as a “use.”• Proposes to repeal provisions on restoration/mitigation leases (43 CFR 6102.4 & 6102.4.1)\, land health subpart (43 CFR 6103)\, and other parts of 43 CFR part 6100; questions the 2024 rule’s expansion/handling of ACECs (Areas of Critical Environmental Concern) ; and invites comment on economic impacts and legal authority. Federal Register \n\n\n\n\nThe Biden-era final rule being targeted\n\n\nDocument: Conservation and Landscape Health (often called the “Public Lands Rule”) — final ruleCitation: 89 FR 40308 (Document No. 2024-08821)Publication date: May 9\, 2024Effective date: June 10\, 2024. GovInfo \n\n\nKey wildlife/biodiversity-forward features (as described in the rule’s preamble text):• Establishes BLM policy to protect intact\, functioning landscapes\, restore degraded habitat and ecosystems\, and use science/data to guide decisions.• Requires an inventory and tracking of “intactness\,” disturbance\, connectivity\, and migration corridor datato inform planning and project decisions.• Provides tools including restoration and mitigation leases and emphasizes identification/management of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) during land-use planning. Federal Register \n\n===========\n\nCONSERVATION ORGs ACTION ALERTS:\n\n\n\nCalWild — “Submit An Official Public Lands Rule Comment”Link: https://www.calwild.org/publiclandsrule_comments/\nWorks for Nature — “Action Alert: Comment to Save the Public Lands Rule”Link: https://worksfornature.org/article/action-alert-comment-to-save-the-public-lands-rule\nOutdoor Alliance — Support the BLM’s Public Lands RuleLink: https://action.outdooralliance.org/a/blm-public-lands-rule-final\nTuleyome — “Action Alert – Public Lands Rule”Link: https://www.tuleyome.org/action-alert—public-lands-rule\n\nWilderness Society— “BLM Public Lands Rule rollback proposal announced; 60-day comment period to follow” (Sept 10\, 2025) — press release. The Wilderness Society \n\n\nNational Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)— “BLM Moves to Roll Back Public Lands Rule\, Threatening National Parks and Public Access” — an alert / article about the rescission. National Parks Conservation Association \n\n\nAction Alert — New Mexico Wilderness (NMWild)— “Action Alert: Save the Public Lands Rule” — includes a comment prompt and tells people to “comment below by November 10!” New Mexico Wilderness Alliance \n\n\nWorks for Nature— A tracker & action guide: “Action Alert: Comment to save the Public Lands Rule” (updated Sept 30\, 2025) with background and a “call to comment.” worksfornature.org \n\n\nInside Climate News— “Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Conservation as an Essential Use of Public Lands” — analysis of the rollback move and how the public comment period works. Inside Climate News \n\n\nWestern Priorities— “Interior announces intent to revoke Public Lands Rule” — blog post / commentary. Center for Western Priorities
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-trumps-rescission-of-blms-conservation-and-landscape-health-rule/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T235810
CREATED:20251104T150137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T215125Z
UID:20299-1762592400-1762621200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Clean Up of Rapid Creek - every Second Saturday
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, 11/08/2025\, starting at 9:00 AM\, location of Steele Avenue Park\, 260 E Main Street N. – The  Monthly Rapid Creek Clean Up. \nEvery second Saturday morning there is a clean up of Rapid Creek\, an event largely sponsored/organized by Black Hills Fly Fishers (BHFF)\, however other groups may help. Volunteers with Rapid City Chapter of Isaak Walton League (Ikes) \,  will also be doing their monthly salt watch and Nitrate watch –  part of their surface water quality testing volunteer effort. \nFor more information contact Bill Young of BHFF at guinnessmarsh@gmail.com or (605) 391-1002‬ or Jeffery Anderson of Rapid Ciy Ikes – jrbk4349@aol.com \nThe weather may be a little cool and wet\, dress accordingly.\n We don’t know at what time the clean up will end so have guessed at dark\, i.e .5 pm
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/monthly-clean-up-of-rapid-creek/
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