BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Prairie Hills Audubon Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20270314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20271107T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260218T200706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T205602Z UID:22031-1771368600-1771369140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP Draft Elk Plan DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment on SDGFP Draft Elk Plan – midnight CT on Tuesday Feb 17th\, 2026. \ndraft Elk plan URL to download\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/ElkActionPlan_2026_JanuaryDRAFT.pdf\n\nComments can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted at gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions.” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfp-draft-elk-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T223000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260203T094358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T094358Z UID:21561-1771367400-1771369140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY: DESCRIPTION:The draft Elk Management Action Plan can be found online here. \nIndividuals may provide suggestions and comments to be considered in the Elk Management Action Plan by February 17. Written comments must include your full name and city of residence. Comments can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted here. \n\nIf you miss the comment deadline the Plan will likely be approved at the next Commission meeting\, so you can write to the Commission before the next meeting in March or testify at the hybrid meeting. \nElk\nDuring the January South Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission meeting\, the department provided information on updating the Elk Management Plan through the drafting of an Elk Management Action Plan. \nIn those discussions the Commission posed the question whether more opportunity could be provided to those desiring to draw an elk license by adjusting the elk population objective within the Black Hills. The current population objective for the Black Hills is between 6\,000-8\,000. \nPer that dialogue\, the department will be seeking input from stakeholders and interested parties to obtain opinions of increasing the upper end of the population objective to 9\,000 when habitat and range conditions allow. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/21561/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260214T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260214T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260210T011713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T023400Z UID:21832-1771075800-1771084800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Piedmont (Foothills Area) Legislative Cracker Barrel Feb 14th\, 1:30-4:00 DESCRIPTION:Piedmont (Foothills Area) Legislative Cracker Barrel Feb 14th\, 1:30-4:00 pm\, Piedmont Valley American Legion Post 311\, 101 Pine St. Piedmont\,  Legislators from District 33 and 29 are invited.  Prairie Hills Audubon Society and the American Legion Post 311\, are joint sponsors of this event. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/piedmont-foothills-area-legislative-cracker-barrel-feb-14th-130-400/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260214T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260214T120000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260210T011017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T011017Z UID:21826-1771063200-1771070400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Rapid Creek weekend clean up DESCRIPTION:An opportunity to get out into nature and bond with other nature lovers\, on Valentines Day.\nThe Izaak Walton League of American\, Rapid City Chapter will be testing for nitrates and salt.\nClean Up Rapid Creek is this Saturday 2/14/2026 at 10:00 AM.\nSteele Avenue Park\, 200 E Main Street Rapid City.\n\nThe weather is supposed to be fair High of 47\, so put on your work clothes and spend a couple hours helping your creek.  All who attend get to go to Lost Cabin Beer Co. and the first beer is free\, from the lost Cabin.\n\nHope to see you there\nJeff Anderson\, \n\nJeffrey Anderson URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-creek-weekend-clean-up/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260213T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260216T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260209T200311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T202531Z UID:21804-1770940800-1771286340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Back Yard Bird Count 2/13/26-2/16/26 DESCRIPTION:February 13-16\, 2026  “Great Back Yard Bird Count” \nVisit web site of  “Great Back Yard Bird Count”  for details – https://www.birdcount.org/. \nBirders bird at home or local place during a time period that occurs within  the 4 days and put birding data up on one of several  web sites. \n  \nHere is a quote from that page \n“Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them\, count them\, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin\, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.” \n  \n\n“How to Participate\n\n\nPhotos clockwise from top left: Pipope Panitchpakdi in Thailand\, Golden Eagle Audubon Society in United States\, Nicole Adriana Avalos Saavedra in Bolivia\, Ramde Bhatiya in India.\nParticipating is easy\, fun to do alone or with others\, and can be done anywhere you find birds. \nStep 1: Decide where you will watch birds. \nStep 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more\, at least once over the four days\, February 13–16\, 2026. \nStep 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings: \n\nIf you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification\, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.\nIf you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds\, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/great-back-yard-bird-count/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260201T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260201T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260203T091107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T091448Z UID:21552-1769941800-1769986740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:2/1/26 deadline to comment on general air quality permit for concrete plants across SD DESCRIPTION:Concrete Plant General Permit D\nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is proposing to issue a general air quality permit for concrete plants throughout the State of South Dakota.\nStatewide\n02/01/2026.\nPublic Notice\nDraft permit\nApplication Review\n\n\nConcrete Plant General Permit A\nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is proposing to issue a general air quality permit for concrete plants throughout the State of South Dakota.\nStatewide\n02/01/2026.\nPublic Notice\nDraft Permit\nApplication Review\n\n\nConcrete Plant General Permit B\nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is proposing to issue a general air quality permit for concrete plants throughout the State of South Dakota.\nStatewide\n02/01/2026.\nPublic Notice\nDraft Permit\nApplication Review\n\n\nConcrete Plant General Permit C\nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is proposing to issue a general air quality permit for concrete plants throughout the State of South Dakota.\nStatewide\n02/01/2026.\nPublic Notice\nDraft Permit\nApplication Review\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNOTICE OF GENERAL AIR QUALITY OPERATING PERMIT\nFOR\nCONCRETE PLANTS OPERATING IN SOUTH DAKOTA\n\nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is proposing to renew four\ngeneral air quality permits for concrete plants operating throughout the State of South Dakota. The\npermits will cover both stationary and portable concrete plants with potential emissions less than 100 tons\nper year. These permits will replace the previous general permits for concrete plants DANR issued on\nFebruary 8\, 2021.\n\nThe proposed general permits identify who may seek coverage under the permit\, the general permit\nrequirements\, air pollution limits\, compliance responsibilities\, record keeping and reporting requirements\,\nas well as performance test procedures. Issuing these general permits for concrete plants is another\nattempt by DANR to streamline environmental permitting in South Dakota and to provide better service\nto all our customers. These general permits will be effective for five years.\n\nPrior to obtaining coverage under the general air quality permit\, the applicant must submit a Notice of\nIntent form to the department. The Notice of Intent form requires the applicant to describe the operations\,\nequipment\, and location that will be covered under this permit. The department will review the\ninformation contained in the Notice of Intent to determine if the applicant qualifies for coverage under the\ngeneral permit and is capable of complying with the general permit. If the applicant qualifies and can\nmeet the requirements\, coverage under the general air quality permit will be authorized to the applicant.\nIn accordance with the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 74:36:04:12\, any person desiring\nto comment on DANR’s draft permit must submit written comments to the address below within thirty\ndays of this public notice.\nComments may be directed to the following mailing address: Teresa Williams;\nPMB 2020; Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources; 523 East Capitol; Pierre\, South Dakota\n57501. DANR will consider and address all comments submitted and issue a final permit decision\npursuant to ARSD 74:36:04:12.01. DANR will notify the applicant and each person that submitted\nwritten comments or requested notice of DANR’s final permit decision\, including notification of any\nchanges to the permit based on the comments.\n\nAny person desiring to contest the issuance of this permit and have a contested case hearing must file a\npetition\, which complies with ARSD 74:09:20:14. This petition must be filed either within thirty days of\nthis public notice or\, if that person submits comments on DANR’s draft permit pursuant to the paragraph\nabove\, within thirty days of receiving notice of DANR’s final permit decision. Upon receipt of a petition\,\nDANR will schedule this matter for a contested case hearing before the Board of Minerals and\nEnvironment.\n\nIf no comments or objections are received within thirty days of this public notice\, the draft permit\nbecomes the final permit decision and the proposed permit will be issued.\nCopies of DANR’s draft permit conditions and other information may be obtained from Teresa Williams\,\nat the above address or telephone at (605) 773-3151 or from DANR’s website at:\nhttp://danr.sd.gov/public/\n\nHunter Roberts\, Secretary\nDepartment of Agriculture and Natural Resources\nPublished once at the total approximate cost of _____________. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2-1-26-deadline-to-comment-on-general-air-quality-permit-for-concrete-plants-across-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260123T215000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260123T215900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251204T080723Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T080723Z UID:20572-1769205000-1769205540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment on President Trump’s new offshore drilling lease plan\, comment by Jan 23\, 2026 DESCRIPTION:On November 20\, the Department of the Interior released President Trump’s new offshore drilling lease plan\, the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. The proposal includes as many as 34 potential offshore lease sales across 1.27 billion acres. It includes 21 areas off the coast of Alaska\, seven in the Gulf of Mexico including portions of the Eastern gulf\, and six off of California.  Despite local opposition\, the Trump administration is offering areas spanning California’s entire coastline and encroaching closer to Florida’s coast. \nThe Department of Interior’s 60-day public comment period begins today November 24\, 2025 through the Federal Register. Following a public Request for Information and Comment published in April 2025\, the Department received more than 86\,000 submissions from stakeholders\, state officials\, industry participants\, and the general public. To make our pro-environmental  voices heard nationwide\, the goal is to surpass that level of participation in the upcoming comment period. \nLearn more about the proposed plan and use the messaging resources included in this toolkit to plan your response and submit public comments through the Federal Register link here. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-on-president-trumps-new-offshore-drilling-lease-plan-comment-by-jan-23-2026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T215000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T215900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251219T023913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T024235Z UID:21059-1768945800-1768946340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment deadline on Federal rule to extend the phase-in period for compliance with the Oil and Gas Rule’s bonding requirement DESCRIPTION: Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Statewide Bonds; Extension of Phase-In Deadline \nComment deadline on Federal rule to extend the phase-in period for compliance with the Oil and Gas Rule’s bonding requirement – deadline Jan 20th\, 2026 \n  \nFederal Register Notice \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/18/2025-23228/federal-onshore-oil-and-gas-statewide-bonds-extension-of-phase-in-deadline \n  \nDepartment of the Interior\nBureau of Land Management\n\n43 CFR Part 3100\, A2407-014-004-065516\, #O2509-014-004-125222\, RIN 1004-AF52\n\nQuotes from Federal Register: \n“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this direct final rule (DFR) to amend BLM regulations to extend the phase-in date for compliance with the minimum bond amount for Statewide oil and gas bonds. The current regulation requires operators to increase or replace existing Statewide bonds to meet the $500\,000 minimum bond amount by June 22\, 2026. This rule extends that deadline to June 22\, 2027\, aligning it with the phase-in date for individual lease bonds.” \n“The final rule is effective on February 17\, 2026\, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 20\, 2026. If significant adverse comments are received\, notice will be published in the Federal Register before the effective date either withdrawing the rule or issuing a new final rule that responds to any significant adverse comments.” \n  \n=== \nYou may submit comments by one of the following methods: \n\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter the Docket Number “BLM-2025-0269” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website.\n\n\nMail\, personal\, or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior\, Director (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St. NW\, Room 5646\, Washington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004-AF52.\n===\n\nWe have not yet seen alerts or articles by NGOs on this issue. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-federal-rule-to-extend-the-phase-in-period-for-compliance-with-the-oil-and-gas-rules-bonding-requirement/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251218T184536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T195628Z UID:20977-1768905000-1768928400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Pennington County's continued review of draft Alternative Energy ordinance DESCRIPTION:The Commission has taken the Alternative Energy ordinance back for revisions\, and a first reading of the updated version is scheduled for the January 20th meeting. \nRick Bell at the Dec 16th\, review\, offered recommendations on behalf of DRA\, in his role as a board member\, regarding some of the problematic language in the ordinance related to distributed solar. \nGo to our Dec 16th alert for details on this issue: Link to alert on our Calendar for Dec 16th:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-continues-first-reading-of-amendments-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\n\nWe are not sure how long the discussion will last.  Planning Dept. items usually start at 10:30 am and Ordinance rewrites are usually lower down on the agenda after 10:30…Pennington County has moved many of its offices to Rapid Valley building on Concourse St. .\nGo to Pennington County web page to see agenda\,- when closer to the date. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-countys-continued-review-of-draft-alternative-energy-ordinance/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260120T190000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251229T175947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T013819Z UID:21077-1768892400-1768935600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Rapid City Special Election - VOTE to determine fate of Libertyland TIF DESCRIPTION:Vote on Destination Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District\, also known as Libertyland. 1/20/26\nRapid City residents please remember to vote in this special election. We are concerned about allowing tax breaks and the use of taxpayer money for this private enterprise\, and the environmental impacts (energy consumption\, water)\, not to mention the patriotic hubris. \nhttps://www.kotatv.com/2025/10/07/special-election-determine-libertylands-fate-will-be-held-january-20/ \nVoter registration deadline is Jan. 5th.  You can request an absentee ballot after Jan. 1st 2026\, see bottom of this webpage for more information: https://pennco.org/vote. \nHere is the web site of the ballot question committee opposing the TIFF:  https://nofreerides.org/ \nTheir donation page:  https://secure.anedot.com/no-free-rides-committee/donate URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-city-special-election-vote-to-determine-fate-of-libertyland-tif/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260115T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260115T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260102T201242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T201641Z UID:21095-1768467600-1768492800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Board of Minerals and Environment's January 2026 meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Board of Minerals and Environment’s January 2026 meeting \nThe public may participate in-person or via telephone by dialing 1-605-679-7263 and entering Conference ID 972399244#. 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. \nBoard of Minerals and Environment\nTelephone Conference Meeting\nDANR Large Conference Room\n523 East Capitol Avenue\nPierre\, SD\nJanuary 15\, 2026\n10:00 CT \n=== \nCall to order and roll call\nApprove agenda\nApprove minutes from November 20\, 2025\, meeting\nMining issues consent calendar – Tom Cline\nDakota Stone letter of credit exchange for its three mine permits – Eric Holm\nRelease of reclamation liability and surety release for SDO Services LLC EXNI 448 – Roberta Hudson\nAnnual Update on South Dakota’s Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan – Barb Regynski\nPublic comment period in accordance with SDCL 1-25-1\nUpcoming board meetings\nAdjourn \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last\, but put down 10 am -5 pm URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-board-of-minerals-and-environments-january-2026-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260115T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260215T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260209T203407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T203919Z UID:21811-1768435200-1771199940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Audubon Society's Climate Watch Winter Season DESCRIPTION:National Audubon Society’s Climate Watch Winter Season- \nHelp collect data to show how birds are responding to ‘Climate Change.  You need to adopt a 10 mile by 10 mile square and bird within it using a certain protocol between Jan 15th and Feb 15th. \nVisit the National Audubon Society’s (NAS) Climate Watch web page for details \nhttps://www.audubon.org/community-science/climate-watch \nSince 2016\, Climate Watch volunteers have collected data which Audubon scientists are able to use to document in peer reviewed research to show that birds are responding to climate change and shifting their ranges. You can join NAS in this mission by observing birds in your area\, using NAS’s specific protocol\, and helping NAS learn about how birds are responding to the changing climate. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-audubon-societys-climate-watch-winter-season/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260114T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260114T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260114T145209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T162822Z UID:21313-1768417200-1768424400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Lecture - Native America Story Teller on Beaver\, Journey Museum DESCRIPTION:Lecture – Native America Story Teller on Beaver\, Journey Museum\, Wednesday\,  7 pm\, 1/14/26 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/lecture-native-america-story-teller-on-beaver-journey-museum/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/beavers.14th.Facebook-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260114T154000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260114T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260114T213211Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T215628Z UID:21321-1768405200-1768406400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for Written comments for Pennington County review of draft revision Alternative Energy Ordinance DESCRIPTION:Deadline for Written comments for Pennington County review of draft revision Alternative Energy Ordinance is 4 pm on Wednesday… Sometimes they extend these deadlines to Friday at 2 pm (or they do not). The hearing is on Tuesday the 20th\, Go to our event calendar at that date for more information.. Volunteers from Dakota Rural Action \, including Rick Bell have been active in this issue. \nSend comments to their office e-mail.. pcboc@pennco.org\, \nYou can always bring written testimony to the hearing or send it directly to Commissioners over the weekend at home e-mails https://pennco.org/commission. \nYou can send it to the Office e-mail after Wednesday deadline\, . But Monday is a holiday and they won’t get the material sent to the Commissioners in advance\, it will just go in the administrative record. \nLink to Commission schedule- \nhttp://ennco.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingSchedule.aspx \nFor questions – Planning Dept\, 605-394-2186 \nAgenda for 20th will be published after the 4 pm deadline \nGo to our Dec 16th alert for details on this issue: Link to alert on our Calendar for Dec 16th:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-continues-first-reading-of-amendments-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/\nAgenda Packet for the Dec 16th meeting: https://pennco.community.highbond.com/document/22591/?lastModified=639015868409730000\nYou will find the proposed revised ordinance within these over 700 pages and you will find public comment received.\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-for-pennington-county-review-of-draft-revision-alternative-energy-ordinance/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260110T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260101T182609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T211154Z UID:21085-1768051800-1768060800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Piedmont (Foothills Area) Legislative Cracker Barrel DESCRIPTION:ANNOUNCING PIEDMONT (FOOTHILLS AREA) LEGISLATIVE CRACKER BARRELS\n\nWe have two afternoon meeting dates chosen this year for the 2026 Piedmont (Foothills Area) Legislative Cracker Barrels.\n.\n Due to  request at the 2025 Cracker Barrel for a pre-legislative Cracker Barrel and  the deep concerns in our communities about the proposed sand/gravel mine at Piedmont\, we decided an extra cracker barrel was needed.. Several legislators are working on bills to change SD Sand/Gravel mining laws (SDCL chapter 45-6).\n\n\nThis year we will have a “pre-legislative Legislative Cracker Barrel on Saturday January 10th\, 2026.\nWe will have our normal mid February Legislative Cracker Barrel on Saturday\, February 14th\, 2026.\n\nBoth dates time-of-day will be in the afternoon  from 1:30-4:00 pm MT.\nLegislators from Districts 29 and 33 are invited.\nZoom connection:\n\nZoom offered.\nZOOM LINK\nNancy Hilding is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Piedmont Cracker Barrel Jan 10th\, 2026\, 1;30-4 pm\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82454763206?pwd=U2ZyNUZmMmQ2ZzZUR3Y4U291RE5qdz09\nMeeting ID: 824 5476 3206\nPasscode: 666344\n\n\nAs normal\, we have a mid-meeting  break of 20-25 minutes after the first hour of Legislators presentations and Q & A. This allows for shy people to contact legislators directly and for folks to meet socially\,  eat snacks\, talk and network.\n\nBoth days are the second Saturday of the month\, so the Legion will have its’ monthly “Steak night” starting at 5 pm\, after the Cracker Barrel has ended\,  If people want to stay and continue networking/talking and eventually  eat steak/chicken\, they can wait in the rooms for the food service to start.. Meal prices are $22 for New York strip steak & the cost of grilled chicken breast is $15.  Both meals include baked potato\, salad\, fresh baked bread\, dessert coffee\, hot  tea\, iced water\, – price includes sales tax\n\nDirections: The Post is located at 101 Pine Street and is at the intersection of Pine and Sturgis Road (North First St). It is on the southeast side of the town of Piedmont\, travel about a half mile northwest of exit 46 (Elk Creek Rd Exit) on Sturgis Rd.\n\nFor more questions ask Nancy – 605-787-6466\, land line\,\n605-787-2806\, cell – Nancy Hilding\,  \nor call Kim Anderson -‭ (605) 787-5886‬\,  \,\nThis is sponsored by Piedmont Valley American Legion Post  311 and Prairie Hills Audubon Society\,\n\nThis event is also posted to our Facebook page URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/piedmont-foothills-area-legislative-cracker-barrel-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260110T130000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20260106T041354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T041602Z UID:21110-1768039200-1768050000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Rapid Creek Clean Up SATURDAY\, Jan. 10th\, 2026 DESCRIPTION:Rapid Creek Clean Up SATURDAY\, Jan. 10th\, 2026 \nThe Rapid Creek Clean Up is this Saturday 01/10/2026. 10:00 AM at Founders Park (Park off of Omaha St).  Meet near the fish.  We will be testing the creek for salt and nitrates\, and policing trash.  Hope to see some of you there. \nFor more info: \nJeffrey Anderson \, or Bill Young \, 605-391-1002 \nWe don’t know how long the event will last. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-creek-clean-up-saturday-jan-10th-2026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260108T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260109T110000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251118T165316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T211153Z UID:20380-1767873600-1767956400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish & Parks Hybrid Commission Meeting January 2026 DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish & Parks Hybrid Commission Meeting January 2026\, \nJanuary 8-9 in Pierre and also by Zoom and teleconference. \nVisit this web page for agenda and packet of materials given to the Commission when close to the meeting date – https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nMeetings normally start on Thursday at 1 pm in the time zone of the meeting location.  They normally last 1-5 pm and then reconvene at 8 am-12 pm on Friday. If agenda is light the  meeting may not last till noon. There is normally a hearing and/or Open Forum at 2 pm. A hearing is on administrative rule change proposals and at an Open Forum you can testify on anything. Folks are normally give 3 minutes each for both sections. You can testify in person or remotely by Zoom/telephone. \nPublic Comment deadline is before midnight CT the Sunday before – January 4\, 2026 via https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \nPublic comments are published in the “Commission Book” which is available for public review – normally  at least on  day before the meeting. \n  \n== \nAGENDA QUOTES \nMEETING INFO From GFP Agenda\n“This agenda is subject to change without prior notice.\nDate and Time: January 8\, 2026\, from 1-5 pm CST and January 9\, 2026\, from 8 am-12 pm CST \nMeeting Location: Ramkota Convention Center\, 920 West Sioux Ave. Pierre\, SD 57501 \nWebinar Info: We will be using 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\,\nor 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\nyou\, allowing you to have audio but no video. If your phone is muted when called upon\, press *6 to unmute.\n• *9 to ‘Raise Your Hand’ or ‘Lower Your Hand.’\n• *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 us to accurately identify\nand call on speakers during the session. Thank you for your cooperation!\nZoom Webinar: Click here to join the meeting Meeting   https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/91264176710?pwd=Vm00NEowdGV6N09Ib1hnVlJkMUF3Zz09#success \nID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: 970458\nCall In: +16699009128\,\,91264176710# US Video Conference I” \n  \nAction Items\n1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure\n2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes available at https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/archives\n3. Additional Commissioner Salary Days\n4. License List Request\na. Request #1\nb. Request #2\n5. Election of Officers\nInformational Items\n6. 2026 Legislative Session\n7. Staff Introductions\nOpen Forum (2 pm CST / 1 pm MT)\nThe portion of the meeting is designated for public comment on petitions\, proposals\, and other items of interest not on the\nagenda.\nProposals\n8. Public Water Zoning and Iron Creek Lake Access Improvements\n9. Lake Albert Waterfowl Refuge\n10. Hunt for Habitat \nDivision of Parks and Recreation\nInformational Items\n11. Custer State Park Storm Damage Update\n12. Custer State Park R&M Project Update 2025 and 2026 Plan\n13. Adventure 250: Make Your History\n14. 2025 Year End Revenue and Camping Reports\nDivision of Wildlife\nAction Items\n15. CWD Action Plan Adoption\n16. Bighorn Sheep Auction License\n17. Turkey Hunter Recruitment License\nInformational Items\n18. Chronic Wasting Disease and Hemorrhagic Disease\n19. Limited Draw Returned License Policy\n20. Lake Oahe Fishery Update\n21. Elk Action Plan\n22. Canada Goose Action Plan\n23. WDM Action Plan\n24. License Sales Report\nSolicitation of Agenda Items\nNow is the time to submit agenda items for the Commission to consider at a following commission meeting.\nAdjourn\nThe next Regular Commission Meeting will be held on March 5-6\, 2026 starting at 1 pm CST at the State Library Commons\, in\nPierre\, SD URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-hybrid-commission-meeting-january-2026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260105T215000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260105T215900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251129T192959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260104T210206Z UID:20539-1767649800-1767650340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:WOTUS rule change proposal (EPA/Army Corps) — comment period ends 01/05/2026 DESCRIPTION:WOTUS / CLEAN WATER ACT – COMMENTS DUE JANUARY 5\, 2026\nIssue: EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a new definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) that significantly narrows which wetlands\, headwater streams\, prairie potholes\, and ephemeral or intermittent channels are federally protected. This proposal would remove protections from millions of acres of wetlands and many Western streams\, affecting watersheds that feed the Missouri\, Cheyenne\, Belle Fourche\, White\, Bad\, and James River systems. \nFederal Register Notice:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/20/2025-23633/revised-definition-of-waters-of-the-united-states \nSubmit Comments: \nOn-line submissions are normally due just before midnight EST. Postal comments are either due postmarked or received on the deadline. Verify at the Federal Register notice. \nOn-linehttps://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322 \nBy Mail \nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency\nEPA Docket Center\, Water Docket (Mail Code 28221T)\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\nWashington\, DC 20460 \n\n\nInclude the Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322 \n\n\nReference the “Proposed Rule: Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ (2025)                                                  \n\n\nNGO Articles and Analyses: \nUnion of Concerned Scientists \nhttps://www.ucs.org/about/news/epa-proposes-striking-wetlands-protections-risking-water-quality-across-usPre-Fab Online Letters:Earthjustice: https://earthjustice.org/action/dont-let-polluters-get-their-way-again-defend-the-clean-water-act?ms=web \nNRDC:  https://act.nrdc.org/letter/protect-waters-2025 \nThe Trump administration is trying to unleash an offshore drilling plan that would jeopardize treasured coastlines nationwide — and we have an opportunity to voice our opposition. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wotus-rule-change-proposal-epa-army-corps-comment-period-ends-01-05-2026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260104T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260104T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251118T170457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T170457Z UID:20383-1767567000-1767567540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to submit written comments to the SDGFP Commission for January meeting DESCRIPTION:Public Comment deadline for January SD Game Fish and Parks (SDGFP)  Commission meeting is before midnight CT on the Sunday before – January 4\, 2026 via https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/   \nSDGFP Commission meetings are normally on the first Thursday-Friday of the month unless holidays interfere. For January 2026 – it is January 8th-9th\, 2026 in Pierre. New Years Day shifted the dates to second week. The comment deadline is always before midnight in which ever time zone the Commission  meeting  is in (which is normally on a Thursday afternoon). URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-written-comments-to-the-sdgfp-commission-for-january-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251229T210000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251229T215900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251216T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251216T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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:20251214T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260105T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 CREATED:20251129T200715Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T015209Z UID:20546-1765670400-1767657540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Christmas Bird Count Season Dec 14th\, 2025-Jan 5th\, 2026 DESCRIPTION:Every year the National Audubon Society sponsors the Christmas Bird Count Season Dec 14th\, 2025-Jan 5th\, 2026 \nRight now [12/15/25] we  are still editing the 126 season list of regional Christmas Bird Counts up on our web site. We have updated SD CBC information for this CBC season (12/14/25-1/5/25)  and are working on updating th info in the 7 adjacent states for our nearby but out-of-state Counts..  – https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/   \nChristmas Bird Counts – for more info on Xmas Bird Counts nationwide to to the National Audubon Society \nhttps://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count \nTo find a count near you on an interactive map: \n  https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount/ \nOther links:  \nSOUTH DAKOTA \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/ \nhttp://sdoubirds.org/SDOU/Calendar.aspx \nNEBRASKA: \nhttp://www.noubirds.org/Activities/CBC.aspx \nMINNESOTA: \nhttp://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php \nIOWA \nhttps://iowabirds.org/Connections/CBC.aspx \nAll official counts will be held between the dates\, Saturday\, December 14th\, 2025 through\, Sunday\, January 5th\, 2026. \nThe Audubon CBC is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for safely organizing volunteers and submitting observations directly to Audubon. Within each circle\, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day—not just the species but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.  We tend to have 11-13 Xmas Bird Counts in western SD\, a few are not official counts. Eastern SD tends to have 10-12 counts. There are nearby counts in states  adjacent to SD also. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/christmas-bird-count-season-dec-14th-2025-jan-5th-2026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251212T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251212T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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:20260417T034212 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 or Bill Young -guinnessmarsh@gmail.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-creek-clean-up-sat-12-13-2025/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR