BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Prairie Hills Audubon Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240110T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240228T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240207T210809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T210809Z UID:10659-1704888000-1709121600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Audubon Society's Annual Photo Contest Entry Period DESCRIPTION:Audubon’s Annual Photo Contest Entry Period (recycles every year)\nThis event  recycles every year\, in a similar time frame & mode.  – you were able to submit  photos/videos between January 10th\, 2024 at 12 pm-February 28th\, 2024 at 12 pm. https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubon-photography-awards-2024-official-rules \nJudges  awarded eight prizes to photographers and videographers in 2023: the Grand Prize\, Professional Prize\, Amateur Prize\, Youth Prize\, Plants for Birds Prize\, Fisher Prize\, Female Bird Prize\, and Video Prize. \nPrizes included in 2024:\nGrand Prize: $5\,000 USD\nProfessional Prize: $2\,500 USD\nAmateur Prize: $2\,500 USD\nPlants for Birds Prize: $2\,500 USD\nVideo Prize: $2\,500 USD\nFemale Bird Prize: $1\,000 USD \nBirds in Landscape: $1\,000 USD\nFisher Prize: $1\,000 USD\nYouth Prize: Six days at Audubon’s Hog Island Audubon Camp for Teens during the 2024 season \nPrevious Years winners \nThere are some very nice photos to look at. \nThe winning photos were already sent out in Audubon’s magazine \nhttps://www.audubon.org/section/audubon-photography-awards \n2023 winners \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/2023-audubon-photography-awards-winners-and-honorable-mentions \n2022 winners \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/the-2022-audubon-photography-awards-top-100 \n2021 winners \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/the-2021-audubon-photography-awards-top-100 \n2020 winners\nhttps://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2020/the-2020-audubon-photography-awards-winners \n2019-2017 winners \nhttps://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2019/the-2019-audubon-photography-awards-top-100 \nhttps://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2018/the-2018-audubon-photography-awards-top-100 \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/the-2017-audubon-photography-awards-top-100 \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-audubon-societys-annual-photo-contest-entry-period/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240115T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240215T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231214T041146Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231214T041218Z UID:9922-1705276800-1708041540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Climate Watch Winter Season - January 15th-February 15th DESCRIPTION:Climate Watch Winter Season – January 15th-February 15th \nClimate Watch – The summer and winter seasons repeat each year.\nClimate Watch is sponsored by the National Audubon Society (NAS) & takes place during two distinct seasons—winter (January 15-February 15) and summer (May 15-June 15). Below is the alert for any season (winter or summer) . \nLike the Christmas bird count this is a chance to help create “citizen science” for birds. Climate Watch focuses on these target species: Eastern Bluebird\, Mountain Bluebird\, Western Bluebird\, White-breasted Nuthatch\, Red-breasted Nuthatch\, Brown-headed Nuthatch\, Pygmy Nuthatch\, American Goldfinch\, Lesser Goldfinch\, Painted Bunting\, Eastern Towhee\, and Spotted Towhee. \nThese birds are easy to identify\, have an enthusiastic constituency\, and Audubon’s climate models for these species offer strong predictions for range shifts for us to test. In future years\, Climate Watch may include additional target species threatened by climate change. We believe that western bluebird and painted bunting are not normally in SD. All the other birds occur in all or parts of SD. \nVisit this page to see where these birds are in SD\, and which are near you: \nhttps://www.sdakotabirds.com/species_main.htm\nLocation Climate Watch focuses on areas of predicted change for these 12 species at each location across the continent. Audubon provides volunteers with online mapping tools with a grid of 10 km x 10 km squares showing species-specific predictions for each square based on the climate models. A Climate Watch Coordinator can help select your location and survey square. If you are participating on your own\, use the online maps to decide in which square to do your surveys. You will be able to see which squares are already “claimed”. \nHow to count Volunteers should first make sure to read through all of the materials including the full protocol manual. The Climate Watch protocol is different than any other birding program. Then using the planning done with the online maps\, volunteers survey appropriate habitat for the target species within a square and conduct 12 point counts of five minutes each within one morning\, then record the number and species of all birds seen or heard within 100 meters. Participants send the data to the National Audubon Society. \nHow data will be used  Audubon’s 2019 climate change report\, ‘Survival By Degrees\, – https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees – reveals that up to two-thirds of North American birds are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. For example\, the beautiful Mountain Bluebird is vulnerable because in the vast majority of its summer range\, the climate conditions that this bird needs—temperature\, amount of rainfall\, and other environmental factors—will shift northward and eastward. This bird may be able to move into new areas over time\, or it may struggle to adapt. To test the report’s predictions\, Audubon has developed Climate Watch\, which aims to document species’ responses to climate change and test Audubon’s climate models by having volunteers in the field look for birds where Audubon’s climate models predict they will be in the 2020s. This information helps Audubon target our conservation work to protect birds. See the Climate Watch results page here to see our early reports and results from the data received by Climate Watch volunteers so far! \nLink to the Climate-watch program on the National Audubon Society web page \nhttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch \nClimate watch instructions for participants \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/participant-resources-climate-watch\nClimate watch for beginners webinar\, – this has much of the same info as our November meeting \nhttps://audubon.zoom.us/rec/share/xe9NAZTe6WVOf7fz2kbRAYAQMI66eaa8hCFL_fNZn0k3a8uNjHkvp4-EZzq7vlq_?startTime=1588186808000 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/climate-watch-winter-season-january-15th-february-15th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240216T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240219T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231214T041331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231214T041514Z UID:9924-1708041600-1708387140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Back Yard Bird Count DESCRIPTION:February 16-19th\, 2024\, Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)\nThis event repeats annually. This next year it is February 16th-19th 2024. In February the world comes together for the love of birds.  https://www.birdcount.org\,    or https://www.audubon.org/conservation/about-great-backyard-bird-count \nThe Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free\, fun\, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count\, from beginning bird watchers to experts\, and you can participate from your backyard\, or anywhere in the world. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/back-yard-bird-count/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240217T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240217T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240207T215953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240217T030244Z UID:10662-1708176600-1708185600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Piedmont (Foothills Area) Legislative Cracker Barrel Feb. 17th\, 2024\, 1:30 pm DESCRIPTION:Foothills Area Hybrid Cracker Barrel\, \nPiedmont\, SD\, 2/17/2024 \nWhen – Saturday\, February 17th\, \n1:30 pm – 4:00 pm \nWhere – Piedmont American Legion Post \nWho – Legislators for Districts 29 and 33 have been invited. \nWhat is a Cracker Barrel? – It’s a moderated question and answer session where the public can ask their elected representative questions about the legislature. This will be a two-hour program with a 20-25 minute break (with snacks) in the middle. Bob Burns will moderate. \nCome join us and find out what’s happening in Pierre\, meet your representatives and some of your neighbors. The invited legislators are those who represent the towns of Southern Meade County: Black Hawk\, Summerset\, Piedmont and Box Elder\, as well as other parts of Pennington and Meade County. This is the fourteenth Cracker Barrel for our “Foothills” communities. \nThis will be a hybrid meeting – the Cracker Barrel can be attended in person at the Piedmont Legion or via Zoom. \nZoom Meeting ID: 844 3405 2247\, Passcode: 067083\nLink: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84434052247?pwd=SklyMWUxZjhYWkpCS0wwb0E1eUp5dz09\nOne tap mobile: +17193594580\,\,84434052247#\,\,\,\,*067083# US \nUS Telephone  numbers are +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or  +1 346 248 7799 or https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbnEdey6m \nThe Legion’s 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. \nHere is a link to a Facebook event notice for this Cracker Barrel: https://fb.me/e/eTamfLTfO \nContact information for the Cracker Barrel Sponsors: \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society\, Nancy Hilding\, (605)-787-6466 or 787-2806 (cell)\, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, http://www.phas-wsd.org \nBlack Hills Chapter – Dakota Rural Action\, Frank James\,  (605) 697-5204 ext 240\, fejames@dakotarural.org \nPiedmont Valley American Legion Post 311\, Kim Anderson\, (605) 787-5886\, kim.ander311@gmail.com \nFoothills Kiwanis\, Sharon Wilson\, 605-390-5919\, sharwils1@rap.midco.net URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/piedmont-foothills-area-legislative-cracker-barrel-feb-17th-2024/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240222T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240222T203000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240219T041952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240219T043457Z UID:11197-1708624800-1708633800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Sierra Club Lobbyist Reports on Legislature at Zoom meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Sierra Club Lobbyist  (Guy Larson) will report on 2024 legislature at a  Zoom meeting. \nThursday evening\, Feb. 22\, at 7:00 PM Central / 6 PM Mountain. \n  \nYou have to e-mail him for a link: \n whiterabbetguy@gmail.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-sierra-club-lobbyist-reports-on-legislature-at-zoom-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240226T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240226T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240206T235817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240217T043446Z UID:10646-1708972200-1708981200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS February Member's meeting - National Audubon Society reports on their activities in SD\, ND & NE DESCRIPTION:PHAS February Member’s meeting – National Audubon Society staff reports on their activities in SD\, ND & NE \nMonday\, February 26th\, 6:30-9:00 by Zoom.  (Scroll down for Zoom details). \n  \nAudubon Great Plains (AGP) staff will join PHAS to update the group on AGP conservation programs across the three states of South Dakota\, North Dakota and Nebraska\, including working lands programs like Audubon Conservation Ranching and Conservation Forage Program\, community conservation projects\, and engagement and outreach efforts. Josh Lefers\, Director of Conservation\, and Meghan Carter-Johnson\, Senior Coordinator of Engagement\, will be on the Zoom call as speakers. \nTopic: PHAS monthly meetings  (February 26th\, 2024\, 6:30-9:00)\nTime: This is a recurring meeting (we use these codes at all PHAS member’s monthly meetings)\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\n—\n\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n—\n\nDial by your location\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-february-members-meeting-national-audubon-society-reports-on-their-activities-in-sd-nd-ne/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240228T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240228T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240219T044819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240219T045157Z UID:11201-1709110800-1709139600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Hearing on Uranium exploitation policies with Indigenous people Inter-American Commission on Human Rights\, DESCRIPTION:IACHR GRANTS THEMATIC HEARING ON IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ HUMAN RIGHTS FROM URANIUM EXPLOITATION \nHistoric Hearing to be Held in Washington\, D.C. \nWeds\, Feb. 28th at 11am EST/9am MST \n What: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Thematic Hearing \nWhere: IACHR/OAS\, 1889 F St. N.W.\, Washington\, D.C. 20006 \nWhen: Wednesday\, February 28\, 2024 at 11am EST/9am MST \nWho: Members of the Navajo Nation\, Ute Nation and Oglala Lakota Nation will testify \nWhy: Impacts of Uranium Exploitation on the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the United States \nHow to attend: In-person at IACHR/Organization of American States (OAS) located at 1889 F St. N.W.\, Washington\, D.C. 20006 or watch online \non IACHR’s website https://www.oas.org/en/iachr/sessions/?S=189 \nor on the IACHR YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@comisionIDH \nAdditional Background Information from Media Advisory: \n“In a decision that coincides with a disturbing uptick in uranium development activity\,the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has agreed to hold a “thematic” hearing on how U.S. uranium exploitation policies have resulted in human rights abuses in Indigenous communities across the country. \nAs the United States doubles down on the misguided notion that nuclear power is a solution to the climate crisis\, the uranium development industry is beginning to benefit from generous taxpayer giveaways to the nuclear industry as a whole.  Subsidies from the Biden administration have spurred uranium mining production to restart in at least 3 mines in the last few months\, in Utah\, Wyoming\, and in Arizona near the Grand Canyon. As has been the case since the dawn of the Atomic Age\, the impacts of uranium mining are largely left out of the debate over nuclear power. \nThe thematic hearing will allow Native communities who have lived for generations with the waste from historic uranium mining and milling to hold U.S. government officials to account in a public forum for the government’s failure to address waste from uranium development in any meaningful way. “ \nTonia Stands from Rapid City and an Oglala Lakota community member will speak at this hearing. \nThe media advisory did not tell us  how long the meeting will last so we guessed at the end time of 5 pm URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/hearing-on-uranium-exploitation-policies-with-indigenous-people-inter-american-commission-on-human-rights/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240228T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240228T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240213T030559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240213T031039Z UID:10919-1709164200-1709164740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comments due on the Bluelead Vegetation Management Project Black Hills National Forest DESCRIPTION:Scoping comments  are due on Feb 28th\, 11;59 pm on the Bluelead Vegetation Management Project\, Mystic Ranger District\,  Black Hills National Forest\, for details and map visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=65527 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-on-the-bluelead-vegetation-project-black-hills-national-forest/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240301T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240301T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231215T062250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240219T074734Z UID:9933-1709280000-1709312400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:2024 Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop DESCRIPTION:The 2024 Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop will be Friday\, March 1\, 2024\, at the Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City\, SD. Emphasis will be on the in-person event\, but sponsors will offer remote participation (via Zoom) to both speakers and watchers. Therefore\, sponsors will ask you to register in advance in order to plan well for both venues. \nIt’s now time to register for the 2024 Black Hills Area Botany and Ecology Workshop (BHABEW) on March 1st! Everything you need to know about this year’s workshop (except your personal Zoom link) is in this email\, so please keep it handy! \nRegistration \nThe workshop will take place on-site at The Outdoor Campus – West\, 4130 Adventure Trail\, Rapid City\, SD\, and on-line via Zoom\, courtesy of The Nature Conservancy. Although there is no registration fee\, sponsors ask that everyone (especially off-site speakers!!!!) pre-register\, whether you will attend on-site or online. Please register at this link: \nhttps://tnc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcuitrTkoHNJjnQegP1KsKk2X6RQ5k0My \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting\, regardless of whether you say you’ll be on-site or online. That way\, if something comes up at the last minute and you can’t attend in-person\, you’ll still be able to hear the great talks lined up. To help us plan\, sponsors ask that you register by February 23. In the registration form\, you’ll be asked to indicate whether you will attend on-site or online.  Please indicate “in-person” even if you aren’t sure at this time that you’ll be able to be there. This is especially important this year because you’ll also be asked if you’ll attend a chili feed lunch at the workshop site. NOTE that this is different from previous years. Yes\, it’s at the workshop site and at lunch time!  There is no charge for that lunch\, but donations to The Nature Conservancy to help cover costs won’t be refused. \nProgram and Publicity \nHere is a nearly final schedule for the day. Please share this email with anyone you think may be interested but not on the BHABEW mailing list yet. \nDoor Prizes \nDoor prizes will be drawn throughout the day for on-site participants. If you would like to contribute to the selection of prizes\, just bring them the day of the workshop. \nSnacks and Sustainability \nThe Nature Conservancy will provide coffee\, tea\, a variety of snacks\, and an optional lunch. If you attend on site\, please bring your own mug for coffee\, bottle for water\, and even your own dishes for lunch if you like. Also please bring a name tag. \nContingency Plan for Adverse Weather Conditions \nThe workshop will occur on-site unless Rapid City area schools are closed the day of the workshop. Please travel only if you feel comfortable; use your Zoom link to attend if you don’t! \nFor more information – Amy Symstad: \n\nResearch Ecologist“asymstad@usgs.gov” \n\nU.S. Geological Survey\, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center\n605-745-1191\nMailing address:\nWind Cave National Park\, 26611 U.S. Hwy 385\, Hot Springs\, SD 57747 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2024-black-hills-area-botany-ecology-workshop/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240303T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240303T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240303T222716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240303T222742Z UID:11941-1709506200-1709506740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Written Comments due to SDGFP Commission Sunday before their March meeting. DESCRIPTION:The deadline to send in written Comments to the SDGFP Commission before their March Meeting is just before midnight CT on Sunday night. You can still attend remotely and testify by Zoom on Thursday 3/7/24 or send comments to them individually. But to get them in the public record\, you need to send about 3.5 days in advance. . Go to 3/7/24 event notice for more info. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commissions-march-meeting/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/written-comments-due-to-sdgfp-commission-before-their-march-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240304T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240304T215900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240225T214122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240225T214340Z UID:11561-1709544600-1709589540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment deadline to USFWS on the proposed biological integrity\, diversity\, and environmental health (BIDEH) rules of our national wildlife refuges DESCRIPTION:March 4th is the deadline to submit comments on USFWS proposed rule about predator hunting and other issues on National Wildlife Refuges.   We assume comments must be posted on-line  just before 10 pm MT\, or midnight CT. Or if sending by postal mail\, postmarked on 3/4/24. \nFor the federal register notice … https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/02/2024-02076/national-wildlife-refuge-system-biological-integrity-diversity-and-environmental-health \n Quotes from the FR: \nSUMMARY: \n“We\, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)\, propose new regulations to ensure that the biological integrity\, diversity\, and environmental health (BIDEH) of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) are maintained\, and where appropriate\, restored and enhanced\, in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. In addition\, the Service is proposing updates to the existing BIDEH policy\, which will be available for public comment concurrently with the proposed regulations in this docket. These proposed regulatory and policy revisions would support conservation throughout the Refuge System in response to both longstanding and contemporary conservation challenges\, including the universal and profound effects of climate change on refuge species and ecosystems. Together\, these proposals would uphold BIDEH across the Refuge System by providing refuge managers with a consistent approach for evaluating and implementing management actions to protect vulnerable species\, restore and connect habitats\, promote natural processes\, sustain vital ecological functions\, increase resilience\, and adapt to climate change.”……….. \nDATES \nUSFWS  will accept comments on the proposed rule and proposed revisions to the Service Manual chapter at 601 FW 3 that are received or postmarked on or before March 4\, 2024. \nADDRESSES: \nDocument availability: This proposed rule and the draft Service Manual chapter 601 FW 3 are available at the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter FWS–HQ–NWRS–2022–0106\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. To access the Service Manual chapter\, go to the tab for Supporting & Related Material. \nComment submission: You may submit comments on this proposed rule or the proposed revisions to 601 FW 3 by one of the following methods: \n• Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter FWS–HQ–NWRS–2022–0106\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting screen\, find the correct document and submit a comment by clicking on “Comment.” \n• By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand delivery to: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2022–0106; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike\, MS: PRB (JAO/3W); Falls Church\, VA 22041–3803. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-usfws-proposed-rule-about-predator-hunting-other-issues-on-wildlife-refuges/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240305T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240305T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240306T045033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T045444Z UID:12020-1709679000-1709679540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Draft 2024 SD Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment DESCRIPTION:March 5th is the deadline to comment on Draft 2024 SD Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment (Integrated Report)\, \nSee Dept. Of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) notice page at https://danr.sd.gov/public/ \nPublic notice on this deadline is here \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024IR_PNLetter.pdf \nThe Integrated Report is required under the federal Clean Water Act. This report combines the 305(b) Water Quality Report to Congress and the 303(d) Impaired Waterbodies list into one document for the purpose of reporting on South Dakota’s surface water quality. The Integrated Report also lists those waterbodies that require Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development. The final Integrated Report is due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on or before April 1\, 2024. The 2024 Integrated Report contains the following information: \n1. An assessment of the surface water quality of South Dakota’s waters; \n2. A description of South Dakota’s water quality monitoring programs; \n3. Pollutants causing or expected to cause violations of the applicable water quality standards; \n4. Identification of waters targeted for TMDL development. \nA copy of the draft 2024 Integrated Report is available on DANR’s One-Stop Public Notice page at: https://danr.sd.gov/public/. Copies of the draft Integrated Report may also be obtained by emailing Josh Strobel at the following email address; Joshua.Strobel@state.sd.us or writing to Josh Strobel at the address below\, or by calling him at 1- 605-773-6710. The department must receive public comments by March 5\, 2024. Comments can be submitted online at DANR’s One-Stop Public Notice page at https://danr.sd.gov/public/\, emailed to Josh Strobel at Joshua.Strobel@state.sd.us\, or submitted in writing to the address below \nDepartment of Agriculture and Natural Resources \nSurface Water Quality Program \n523 East Capitol Avenue – Joe Foss Building Pierre\, \nSouth Dakota 57501-3181 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-draft-2024-sd-integrated-report-for-surface-water-quality-assessment/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T133000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240221T234205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T004250Z UID:11324-1709712000-1709731800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Water Management Board March Meeting DESCRIPTION:A meeting is scheduled for the Water Management Board on 3/6/2024 9:30:00 AM. Please visit the Boards and Commissions Portal to learn more about past and upcoming meetings! (3/6/2024\, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM) \nAgenda: https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/3.6.2024%20WMB%20Agenda.pdf \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/ \nlive audio: https://www.sd.net/mtc/ \n  \nIncludes Appointment of Rapid Valley Water Master – Nakaila Steen \nIncludes: Consider Water Permit Application Nos. 479A-2 and 485A-2\, Rockerville Gold Town LLC –\nNakaila Steen URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-water-management-board-march-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T204000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240303T211659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T233116Z UID:11932-1709749800-1709757600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Rapid City Chapter\, Izaak Walton League\, hybrid membership meeting on legislature and Missouri River DESCRIPTION:Paul Lepisto is the guest speaker at the Rapid City Chapter\, Izaak Walton League (Ikes)\, membership meeting\, 6:30 pm Wednesday 3/6/24 at Outdoor Campus West . Paul is the Ikes representative for the Missouri River Initiative (MRI) panel and also the SD Division’s lobbyist. Paul will give the Ikes a rundown on what his roll is on the MRI panel is and what they are trying to accomplish on the Missouri River. Paul will also give us a quick rundown on this year’s legislative session. \nIt will also be available by Zoom\,  Alan Anderson supplies  Zoom codes for Ikes meeting \, alandand@rap.midco.net\, For info. on meeting Ike’s president – Mark\, at boddicker@mt-rushmore.net \nJoin Zoom Meeting \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/89247028790?pwd=5X8xTvswavBD8HWPl1IJpue8OZk6Bs.1 \n  \nMeeting ID: 892 4702 8790 \nPasscode: 459439 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-city-chapter-izaak-walton-league-hybrid-membership-meeting-on-legislature-and-missouri-river/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240306T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240213T023952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240213T030300Z UID:10915-1709769000-1709769540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comments due Northwest Forest Management Project - Black Hills National Forest DESCRIPTION:The Forest Service writes: \n  \n\n“A new project is proposed on seven isolated parcels of National Forest land adjacent to the Bear Lodge Mountains\, Black Hills National Forest. High fuel loading on these lands poses a risk to surrounding lands and communities. Proposed activities include thinning and removal of ponderosa pine trees. Project information\, collaboration opportunities\, and request for comments may be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63381. \n\n\nSubmission of comments is requested by March 6\, 2024.” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-northwest-forest-management-project-black-hills-national-forest/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240307T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240308T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231213T065345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T054728Z UID:9865-1709812800-1709899200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission's March Hybrid Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s March Meeting is in Pierre\, Thursday-Friday\,  March 7-8th 2024\, at Missouri River Events Center. \nSDGFP Commission continues in 2024 with its’ normal meeting policies  from 2023\, — folks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page close to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nAgenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/Commission_Agenda_-_March_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \nThere are a lot of rule change proposals (changes to hunting seasons)\, but no finalizations \nThursday\, March 7\, 2024 starting at 1 pm CST and Friday\, March 8\, 2024 starting at 8 am CST\,\nZoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/92827772568?pwd=cHByUFlQNi8rRXJ0dGlEazNRbjBqZz09\nor join via conference call Dial 1 253 205 0468 Meeting ID: 928 2777 2568 Passcode: 421262 \nPublic Input: To provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above.\nTo conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible\, GFP asks those wishing to testify to\nregister by 1:00 pm CST the day of the meeting by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide\ntheir full names\, whom they represent\, their city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will address. \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting. \n  \n============= \nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” or Julia.Bartling@state.sd.us\, \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are:\nJim.White@state.sd.us or James.White@state.sd.us\, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commissions-march-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240311T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240311T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240213T022111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240310T073802Z UID:10911-1710201000-1710201540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for objections to Spruce Project DESCRIPTION:Deadline for objections to Spruce Project of the Black Hills National Forest. To download documents: \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599 \nSpruce Vegetation Management Project\n“A project to treat mixed conifer stands across the Black Hills National Forest System lands with the objective of increasing overall forest resiliency and reducing undesirable fire behavior.” \n  \n“Objections\, including attachments\, must be addressed to the Reviewing Official\, Deputy Regional Forester C/O Director of Strategic Planning 2nd floor\, filed via mail\, express delivery\, or messenger service to 1617 Cole Blvd.\, Bldg. 17\, Lakewood\, CO\, 80401. Electronic objections are preferred and must be submitted to the Objection Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=61599\, with “Spruce Vegetation Management Project Objection” in the subject line. Electronic submissions must be submitted in a format that is readable with optical character recognition software (e.g.\, Word\, PDF\, Rich Text) and be searchable. An automated response should confirm your electronic objection has been received.” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-objections-to-spruce-project/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240313T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240313T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240310T080816Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240310T081938Z UID:12043-1710352800-1710360000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Public meeting on Mitchell Dam Project in Hill City DESCRIPTION:Public meeting on Mitchell Dam Project at the Community Center in Hill City\, March 13th 6-8pm \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1166271 \n  \n\nThe Black Hills National Forest is proposing a project to address the deferred maintenance of the dam at Mitchell Lake\, located on Spring Creek just east of Hill City along Highway 16. The project is called the Great American Outdoors Act Mitchell Dam Project. \n\n\n. The scoping document is currently available for a 30-day agency  and public review period. Documents relating to this project can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=65637. \n(April 1st Is comment due date) URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/public-meeting-on-mitchell-dam-project-in-hill-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240320T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240320T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240320T215918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240320T222330Z UID:12127-1710939600-1710952200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:March Forest Service Advisory Board meeting DESCRIPTION:March Forest Service Advisory Board meeting \nForest Service Office – Mystic Ranger District Office  \n8221Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, SD 57702  \n\n\n\n1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – March 20\, 2024 Time  \nAgenda items include; \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Legislative Updates – Federal and State \nLength of Stay on Forest \nMitchell Dam Project \nBHNF Forest Plan Revision\n\n\n\nFor more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550 \n\n\n\n\nItem \nPres  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/march-forest-service-advisory-board-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240323T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240323T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240306T050229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T051826Z UID:12024-1711198800-1711209600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:World Water Day 2024 Celebration in Rapid City DESCRIPTION:World Water Day’s (WWD)  2024’s THEME IS “Water for Peace.” \n“Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted\, or when people have unequal\, or no access\, tensions can rise between communities and countries.” \n– United Nations \nMarch 23  from 1-4 pm (MT) \nat Aby’s on 406 5th\, St. in Rapid City. \nSponsors will again have Entertainment\, Silent Auction\, Refreshments\, and more. \nBH Clean Water Alliance is seeking co-sponsors and auction items as donations. If you’re interested in helping out again\, \nor for the first time\, please email: edbhcwa@gmail.com. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/world-water-day-2024-celebration-in-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240326T164500 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240326T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240312T174313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240312T175025Z UID:12054-1711471500-1711472400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for candidates to submit some candidate nominating petitions in SD DESCRIPTION:March 26th is the deadline for candidates for election to statewide offices\, county offices & some municipal and school board elections to submit candidate nominating petitions. Municipalities and school boards can select from 3 options for election dates and thus can have one of three candidate nominating petition submission deadlines.  Go to the SD Secretary of State’s web site for more information\, or call your counties\, municipalities or school boards. \nhttps://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/municipal-school-information/default.aspx \nThe deadline is 5 pm at the location candidate is  submitting to or sent by registered mail postmarked by deadline date and time. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-candidates-to-submit-candidate-nominating-petitions/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240326T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240326T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240219T015649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240326T211434Z UID:11162-1711477800-1711486800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS's March Members Meeting on Osprey and American Dipper in the Black Hills DESCRIPTION:PHAS’s March Members Meeting will be on beaver dam analogs in the Black Hills National Forest. \nA Black Hills National Forest  employees (Melissa Dempsey and Matt Scott)  will  join us and tell us about volunteer help they need with building beaver dam analogs (imitation beaver dams)  in the northern Hills. \n\nSD Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) will be conducting American dipper and osprey nests surveys this year. These are both state-threatened species (https://gfp.sd.gov/threatened-endangered/) and GFP would like to monitor nests to gather data on their recovery in the state and seeks our members help with volunteer birding.  Jennifer Buchanan of GFP was going to be telling us about her monitoring efforts and about the American dipper and osprey in the Black Hills\, but she has the stomach flu and had to cancel. \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\n—\n\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n—\n\nDial by your location\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phass-march-members-meeting-on-osprey-and-american-dipper-in-the-black-hills/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240401T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240401T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240328T183403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T190401Z UID:12199-1711983600-1711990800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Hearing on Draft Comprehensive Plan for Meade County\, Meade County Planning Commission DESCRIPTION:Hearing on Draft Comprehensive Plan for Meade County\, Meade County Planning Commission\, Monday\, April 1st 2024 \nThe Planning Commission Public Hearing is scheduled for: \n Monday\, April 1\, 2024 at 3:00pm \nMeade County Commission Room (1300 Sherman St. Sturgis\, SD) \n(605) 347-3818 \nLink to download draft plan: \nhttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/65a1a8fe3c94fc49094d6cc6/1705093383152/Meade+County+Draft+01-11-2024+2.0.pdf \nPlanning Commission 4/1/24  Agenda should be on this web page on Friday before Monday: \nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/Public \nList of Meade Committees: \nhttps://www.meadecounty.org/committees \nYou can send written comments to the Meade County Planning Dept\, but they wanted them several working days in advance of hearing. \nPLANNING BOARD (3-yr term)\n\n\nCommissioner Wieczorek \n\n\nCommissioner Liggett (alternate) \n\n\nSan Monahan- (Term expires 12/31/2026) \n\n\nMichael Charnholm – (term ends 12/31/24) \n\n\nShawna Schmidt – (term ends 12/31/24) \n\n\nRobert Burns – (term ends 12/31/24) \n\n\nRoger Gallimore – (Term expires 12/31/2026) \n\n\nCecilia Faulkner (term ends 12/31/25 \n\n\n\n\n\nCONTACTS\nKailey Snyder\, Community Development Planner \nBlack Hills Council of Local Governments \nKSnyder@wrbsc.com | (605) 394-2681 \n========= \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeade County Equalization and Planning Dept. \nTonya Vig\, \ntonya.vig@meadecounty.org\, (605) 347-3818 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-draft-comprehensive-plan-for-meade-county-meade-county-planning-commission/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240401T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240401T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240328T182019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T182444Z UID:12193-1712015400-1712015940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Scoping Comments due date for Mitchell Dam project\, BHNF DESCRIPTION:April 1st\, scoping comments are due  for Mitchell Dam project\, Black Hills National Forest (BHNF). Scoping deadlines are a little flexible\, if you miss the deadline date\, you can still send them in late (but do that ASAP). They hope to make a decision by May 1st. \nThe proposed project is to either decommission (remove) the dam or repair the dam and remove the built-up silt. It is on Spring creek\, just off of Highway 16\, East of Hill City SD 3 miles. \nDocuments relating to this project can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=65637. \nFor more info visit our web page http://Comment due date on Scoping comments for Mitchell Dam project\, BHNF \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-due-date-on-scoping-comments-for-mitchell-dam-project-bhnf/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240404T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240405T110000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231213T065629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T071036Z UID:9867-1712232000-1712314800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks April Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s April Meeting is in Pierre\, Thursday-Friday\,  April 4th-5th\,  2024\, at Matthew Training Center \nWe assume that SDGFP Commission continues in 2024 with its’ normal meeting policies  from 2023\, in which case\, folks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page closer to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \n  \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting.\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” or Julia.Bartling@state.sd.us\, “charles.spring@state.sd.us”  \,\nThe two new commissioners  e-mails likely are:\nJim.White@state.sd.us or James.White@state.sd.us\, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-april-commission-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240405T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240405T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240229T180648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T181106Z UID:11881-1712327400-1712329200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Grant deadline for Chapter Grant Applications to be submitted to NAS DESCRIPTION:PHAS can apply for grants to the National Audubon Society for projects ranging in award from $1\,000-$15\,000 dollars. \nProjects must meet various terms and goals set by the National Audubon Society. If any one has an ideas for a project they want to volunteer to work on\, that needs money…contact a board member of PHAS or Nancy Hilding  (President) at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466 \nI am not sure of the time of day they are due\, so I guessed >  close of business EST\, which it has been in the past. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/grant-deadline-for-chapter-grant-applications-to-be-submitted-to-nas/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240409T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240409T190000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240312T173353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240312T180545Z UID:12052-1712646000-1712689200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Some Municipal and School Board elections in SD DESCRIPTION:Some municipal and school board elections in SD will occur on this day (4/9/24) others can occur on the primary day in June – first Tuesday after the first Monday (Tuesday 6/4/24)  or on third Tuesday in June (Tuesday 6/18/24).   The cities/school boards have a choice of 3 dates\, but most choose the first or second date options. The deadline to register is 15 days before any election (March 25th for April 9th) . URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/some-municipal-and-school-board-elections-in-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240417T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240418T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240410T232117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240410T232210Z UID:12305-1713340800-1713441600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native American Fish and Wildlife Society\, Great Plains Regional Conference DESCRIPTION:Native American Fish & Wildlife Society\nGreat Plains Regional Conference\nApril 17-18\, 2024\nBig Horn Resort – Billings\, MT \n  \nNon-member $200.00 (Includes $ 50.00 Membership Fee)\nCurrent Member (Tribe and Individual) Registration Fee: $150.00 \nhttps://www.nafws.org/product/2024-great-plains-regional-conference/ \nAgenda – https://www.nafws.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Great-Plains-Agenda-2024-4.3.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-american-fish-and-wildlife-society-great-plains-regional-conference-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240418T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240418T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20231215T063233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240314T195008Z UID:9937-1713427200-1713459600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:2024 Western SD Hydrology Conference DESCRIPTION:2024 Western SD Hydrology Conference – Thursday 4/18/24 at the Monument in Rapid City. \nContact  Galen Hoogestraat for more information- ghoogest@usgs.gov  – \nRegistration is open for the 2024 Western South Dakota Hydrology Conference held April 18\, 2024 at the Monument in Rapid City. A preliminary program (agenda)  is…. posted on the conference registration website:\n\nREGISTER HERE! \nRegistration fees for professionals are $75 and free for students or general public with the option to purchase lunch for $20. Speakers and poster presenters are not required to register or pay fees. To submit a single payment for multiple attendees\, just select the number of “tickets” you wish to buy\, and please complete the contact information for every person attending. A receipt will be emailed to the address used to complete the payment. \nVendors:  \nVendor registration is completed on the same registration page linked above\, with fees listed here: \n\nNon-Profit/Government ($150): Booth space and conference registration for two attendees (including lunch).\nGeneral ($250): Booth space and conference registration for two attendees (including lunch).\nEvening Social Sponsor ($100+): No booth space. Donation of any amount (minimum $100) to help with food/beverage expenses. Includes acknowledgement during program.\n\nPoster presenters:  \nWe [event sponsors] are still accepting abstracts for poster presentations through March 29\, 2024. Poster presenters with student status are eligible for poster contest prizes ($300 – 1st\, $200 – 2nd\, $100 – 3rd). \nPlease feel free to forward this email to others that you think might be interested in the conference. Thank you for your consideration. ” \n\n\n———————————————-\nGalen Hoogestraat\nHydrologist\, U.S. Geological Survey\nDakota Water Science Center\nRapid City\, SD\nghoogest@usgs.gov\n(605) 394-3264\n———————————————- URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2024-western-sd-hydrology-conference/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240419T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240419T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T023311 CREATED:20240403T082912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T083036Z UID:12226-1713567000-1713567540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment deadline on Deer\, Bobcat and Pheasant Management Action Plans\, SDGFP DESCRIPTION:Comment deadline on Deer\, Bobcat and Pheasant Management Action Plans\, SDGFP. \nIt says the deadline is April 19th\, without a time-of-day note\, so we assume that is just before midnight CT on 4/19/24\, but we will check with SDGFP to verify that time-of-day end point. \nPublic notice: https://gfp.sd.gov/news/detail/1599/ \n\n\nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) currently has three management plans available for public comment. \nWhat they actually have –  is “Action Plans” up for comment\, which are sort of executive Summaries of longer management plans or management reports\, which are hidden in the\nCommission book from the last meeting – Link to download the Commission Book from March\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/meetings/03_2024_commission_book.pdf\n\nDeer Action Plan (14 pages)\nThe South Dakota White-Tailed and Mule Deer Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be utilized to guide deer management in South Dakota. The plan outlines harvest strategies to ensure sustainability of each deer species and its habitat while maintaining populations at levels compatible with human activity and land use. \n\nDraft Deer Action Plan\nSubmit written comment\n\nLink to Action Plan\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Deer_Action_Plan_Draft_March2024.pdf\nBobcat Action Plan (13 pages)\nThe South Dakota Bobcat Action plan will provide strategic guidance for GFP and objectives related to bobcat management. The plan will describe information used to monitor bobcat populations and emphasize working cooperatively with interested publics in both the planning process and the regular program activities related to bobcat management. \n\nDraft Bobcat Action Plan\nSubmit written comment\nLink to Action Plan  https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Bobcat_Management_Action_Plan2024-2028.pdf\n\n\nRing-necked Pheasant Action Plan (9 pages)\nThe Ring-necked Pheasant Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide ring-necked pheasant management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and measurable strategies to meet these management objectives. \n\nDraft Ring-necked Pheasant Plan\nSubmit written comment\n\nLink to Action Plan\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/RNEP_Action_Plan_2024_2028draft.pdf\nPublic Comments Currently Being Accepted\nAll individuals interested in deer\, bobcat\, and/or ring-necked pheasant management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the draft action plans until April 19\, 2024. \nWritten comments on the plans can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or emailed to WildInfo@state.sd.us. Comments must be received by the deadline and include your full name and city of residence. \n\n\n===\n\nConcurrent  pheasant  report (87 pages – March 2024)\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/Management_of_Pheasants_Final.pdf\n\nOld deer  management plan of  412 pages – that was supposed to last till  2023\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/deer-mgmnt.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-deer-bobcat-and-pheasant-management-action-plans-sdgfp/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR