BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.17.5//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: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:20260709T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260710T110000
DTSTAMP:20260630T173632Z
CREATED:20260630T173437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T173632Z
UID:23045-1783598400-1783681200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SDGFP Commission July meeting 7/9-7//10/26
DESCRIPTION:SDGFP Commission July meeting 7/9-7//10/26 in Webster and by Zoom \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/schedule/ \nMore information will be available at current meeting overview closer to meeting date \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nGo to our notice of June Commission meeting\, if there are any rule finalizations in July  those may have been  apparent as proposals  or petitions for rule making in June and/or May Commission meetings. \nDeadline for written comment is the Sunday before at midnight CT\, submit at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sdgfp-commission-july-meeting-7-9-7-10-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260713T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260713T215900
DTSTAMP:20260713T081256Z
CREATED:20260713T071935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T081256Z
UID:23074-1783978200-1783979940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments on the Revision of Regulations for BLM's Grazing Administration\, Exclusive of Alaska
DESCRIPTION:COMMENTS ON REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR GRAZING ADMINISTRATION\, EXCLUSIVE OF ALASKA; A proposed rule by the Bureau of Land Management\, published 5/12/2026 (91 FR 26852)\n\nFederal Register announcement  – visit this link for details\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/12/2026-09387/revision-of-regulations-for-grazing-administration-exclusive-of-alaska\n \n\nSend your comments on this proposed rule to the Department of the Interior (Department) on or before July 13\, 2026. The BLM and OHA are not obligated to consider any comments received after this date in making their decisions on the final rule.  \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: Acting\, BLM Director.  \nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Searchbox\, enter “BLM-2026-0001” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website. A plain language summary of the proposed rule is also available on the Federal eRulemaking Portal. \nWe assume comments are due before midnight Eastern Time\, as that is normally the case for federal rulemaking \n== \nThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing sweeping changes to its regulations governing livestock use on more than 155 million acres of public lands in the West. If finalized\, the regulations would eliminate your ability to participate in most agency decision-making and seriously jeopardize wildlife habitat\, streams\, native plants\, wetlands\, and other public resources. \n==================================================== \nOrganization Alerts and Analyses\n\n\nWestern Watersheds Project has a webinar on this issue: https://www.westernwatersheds.org/webinar_videos/webinar-grazing-without-guardrails-understanding-the-blms-2026-proposed-grazing-rules/\nWestern Watersheds Project Action alert\nhttps://westernwatersheds.org/actionalerts/submit-your-comments-on-the-blms-proposed-grazing-rules-by-july-13/\n\nWildEarth Guardian’s Action Alert\nhttps://wildearthguardians.org/blm-proposed-grazing-regulations-talking-points/\n==================\n\n\n\nCenter for Western Priorities: Published an in-depth article\, “BLM’s grazing rule overhaul cuts the public out of public lands\,” highlighting how the rewrite restricts the general public\, Tribes\, and conservation groups from weighing in on permit decisions.\n\n\n\n\nInvestigative Outlets:ProPublica and High Country News published an investigation exploring how the rule expands grazing across public lands while eliminating “conservation use” permits and reducing public oversight.\n\nSOME KEY CONSERVATION CONCERNS RAISED\n\nEnvironmental organizations have highlighted several major changes to the grazing rules:\n\n\n\n\n\nPublic Participation: The rule redefines “interested parties\,” potentially shutting out conservation groups\, Tribes\, and the general public from grazing considerations.\n\n\n\n\nTribal & Non-Commercial Rights: Non-commercial grazing (such as tribal access for sustenance or bison herds) would be discontinued\, and “conservation use” permits would be eliminated.\n\n\n\n\nRestocking Vacant Allotments: The BLM is pushing to restock vacant grazing lands\, including those recovering from wildfires or lacking water sources.\n\n\n\n\nState Control Over Water: The management of water quality standards on BLM land would be reverted to individual state laws.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-on-the-revision-of-regulations-for-blms-grazing-administration-exclusive-of-alaska/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260715T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260715T235900
DTSTAMP:20260718T114317Z
CREATED:20260718T114155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T114317Z
UID:23119-1784158200-1784159940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment Deadline for BHNF Roby Forest Management Project July 15th\,
DESCRIPTION:Comment Opportunity\, quote from FS\n\nFS offered about a 20 day comment period on this project. This might be a scoping letter\, we are not sure how emergency projects NEPA process works and if commenting on the EA will be allowed.. An Environmental Assessment is expected out in the fall of 2026. \n\n“We [BHNF] welcome your comments on this proposal. Please submit any comments by July 15\, 2026\, through the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/293810 via the Get Connected link. For\nfurther information\, contact Todd Butler\, Hell Canyon District Ranger\, at (605) 673-9347. You may also\ncontact us via email at HellCanyonComments@usda.gov or through the U.S. mail:\nAttn: Roby Project Project website:\nHell Canyon Ranger District\n1019 N. 5th Street\nCuster\, SD 57730 \n\n\n\n\nQUOTES FROM FOREST SERVICE ……………………\n“The Roby Forest Management Project area consists of 46\,844 acres of National Forest lands along the western edge of Hell Canyon Ranger District (Figure 1). It is 15 miles west of Custer\, South Dakota\, six miles east of Newcastle\, Wyoming\, and includes landmarks such as Summit Ridge\, Roby Canyon\, and Boles Canyon…..\nThis area is characterized by ponderosa pine forest interspersed with grasslands and occasional aspen stands. Mountain mahogany shrublands are common in the southwestern part of the project area. There is little surface water due to the porous limestone bedrock. The project area contains the 313-acre Fanny/Boles Research Natural Area.Activities associated with the Roby Forest Management Project will occur on National Forest System lands within both Custer and Pennington counties of South Dakota; the project is also adjacent to Weston County\, Wyoming”……………………”\nThe Roby Forest Management Project has been approved as an authorized emergency action under Section 40807 of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)\, which authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to determine that an emergency exists where implementation of emergency actions is necessary to achieve relief from hazards threatening human health and safety or mitigation of threats to natural resources on National Forest System or adjacent lands. On April 3\, 2025\, the Secretary of Agriculture released Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-006\, which designated 112\,646\,000 acres of National Forest System lands as an IIJA emergency situation. This project has been approved under that designation”\n\n\n\nFurther information and the opportunity to comment online can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/293810
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-for-bhnf-roby-forest-management-project-july-15th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T215900
DTSTAMP:20260716T170701Z
CREATED:20260716T165438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T170701Z
UID:23082-1784539800-1784584740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for Scoping Comments on APHIS Insecticide Spraying PEIS
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for Scoping Comments on APHIS Insecticide Spraying PEIS \nPlant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)\, U.S. Department of Agriculture\, plans to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to analyze the effects of a program to suppress populations of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets from rangeland in seventeen states of the western United States (Arizona\, California\, Colorado\, Idaho\, Kansas\, Montana\, Nebraska\, Nevada\, New Mexico\, North Dakota\, Oklahoma\, Oregon\, South Dakota\, Texas\, Utah\, Washington\, and Wyoming). \n  \nRegarding Docket No. APHIS-2026-0628-0001 \nFederal Register Notice – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/18/2026-12242/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-a-programmatic-environmental-impact-statement-grasshopper-and-mormon \nYou may submit comments by either of the following methods: \n\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2026-0628 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab\, then select the Comment button in the list of documents.\n\n\nPostal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send a single copy of your comment to this address: Docket No. APHIS-2026-0628\, Regulatory Analysis and Development\, PPD\, APHIS\, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue\, #AP760\, Beltsville\, MD 20705. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2026-0628.\n\nWe assume the time-of-day deadline is midnight Eastern Time \n============= \nALERT \nSign a petition of Xerces Society – https://win.newmode.net/xerces-aphis-july-2026 \nRead Petition – https://xerces.org/publications/petitions-comments/petition-regarding-programmatic-environmental-impact-statement \nExcerpts  from Xerces Society alert \n\n\n\nA legal victory has created an important opportunity to improve how the federal government manages grasshoppers on western rangelands. We need your help to protect these diverse ecosystems by ensuring much needed conservation measures are included in their new plan. \n\n\nThe U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) oversees a program to kill grasshoppers and Mormon crickets across 17 western states. In a typical year\, APHIS sprays insecticides to kill grasshoppers or crickets on hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions of acres of western lands each year. \nSpecial areas on our public lands are not exempt – in fact APHIS has treated National Wildlife Refuges\, Wilderness Study Areas\, Important Bird Areas and other sensitive lands routinely\, even in recent years. Because single treatment blocks can and often do measure hundreds of square miles\, pollinators and other native wildlife have no way of escaping the sprays. \n\n\nThe APHIS pesticide-centered approach poses risks to native pollinators\, water quality and broader biodiversity\, and ignores Congressional direction to incorporate prevention practices that can reduce grasshopper severity. \n\n\nThe Xerces Society invites you to sign our petition asking for a better way. \nAPHIS must:\n \n\n\nEnd spraying on sensitive public lands\nSupport prevention-based activities that reduce grasshopper severity\nImpose comprehensive protections for western rivers and streams\nIncrease transparency\, notification\, and engagement
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-scoping-comments-on-aphis-insecticide-spraying-peis/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T215900
DTSTAMP:20260717T201422Z
CREATED:20260717T200226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T201422Z
UID:23089-1784583000-1784584740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Scoping Comment Deadline for  on the USDA-APHIS Programatic EIS on Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program  -
DESCRIPTION:Comment deadline for scoping on the USDA-APHIS Programatic EIS – Notice was published in the Federal Register on June 18\, 2026 (Vol. 91\, No. 117). This aligns with the July 20th comment deadline. It is a Notice of Intent (NOI) by USDA-APHIS to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for its Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program.\nKey details of the notice:\n\n\nAgency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)\n\n\n\n\nComment Deadline: Through midnight on July 20\, 2026\n\n\n\n\nDocket Number: APHIS-2026-0628 []\n\n\n\nYou can read the official document in the Federal Register.\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/18/2026-12242/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-a-programmatic-environmental-impact-statement-grasshopper-and-mormon\n\n\nPublic comments can be submitted electronically using the Regulations.gov Portal (ensure you search for APHIS-2026-0628). []\n\nYou may submit comments by either of the following methods:\n• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS–2026–0628 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab\, then select the Comment button in the list of documents.\n• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send a single copy of your comment to this address: Docket No. APHIS–2026– 0628\, Regulatory Analysis and Development\, PPD\, APHIS\, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue\, #AP760\, Beltsville\, MD 20705. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2026–0628.\n\nWe assume the time-of-day for the deadline\,  is midnight Eastern Time\, as the authors are in Maryland.\n========\nTake Action\nLots of groups are upset about this\, so if you search in your browser\, you likely can find an alert\,\n Xerces Society has a petition to sign. – https://win.newmode.net/xerces-aphis-july-2026\nHere is a quote from their alert:\n\n\n“The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) oversees a program to kill grasshoppers and Mormon crickets across 17 western states. In a typical year\, APHIS sprays insecticides to kill grasshoppers or crickets on hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions of acres of western lands each year.  \nSpecial areas on our public lands are not exempt – in fact APHIS has treated National Wildlife Refuges\, Wilderness Study Areas\, Important Bird Areas and other sensitive lands routinely\, even in recent years. Because single treatment blocks can and often do measure hundreds of square miles\, pollinators and other native wildlife have no way of escaping the sprays. \n\n\nThe APHIS pesticide-centered approach poses risks to native pollinators\, water quality and broader biodiversity\, and ignores Congressional direction to incorporate prevention practices that can reduce grasshopper severity. \n\n\nThe Xerces Society invites you to sign [their] petition asking for a better way. \nAPHIS must: \n\n\nEnd spraying on sensitive public lands\nSupport prevention-based activities that reduce grasshopper severity\nImpose comprehensive protections for western rivers and streams \nIncrease transparency\, notification\, and engagement”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/23089/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T215900
DTSTAMP:20260717T201823Z
CREATED:20260717T201550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T201823Z
UID:23095-1784583000-1784584740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on  EPA proposal to extend PFOA and PFOS compliance deadline for 2 years
DESCRIPTION:The EPA proposed Docket ID EPA-HQ-OW-2025-1742 to extend the PFOA and PFOS compliance deadline from April 26\, 2029\, to April 26\, 2031. Qualifying water systems unable to meet the 4.0 parts per trillion (PPT) maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) can apply for this two-year federal extension to complete infrastructure upgrades. [1\, 2\, 3]\n\nKey Details of the Proposal\n\n\nThe Rule: The enforceable limits themselves remain unchanged\, but qualifying public water systems can request the delay to install necessary treatment technologies. [1]\n\n\n\n\nApplication Process: Systems granted an extension must demonstrate why they cannot meet the 2029 deadline and are required to notify the public of their updated timeline. [1]\n\n\n\n\nDeadline: The public comment period for this rule closes on July 20\, 2026. [1]\n\n\n\nDetailed regulatory text is available directly through the Federal Register Document and the EPA’s Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule page. [1\, 2]
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/23095/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260720T215900
DTSTAMP:20260717T203131Z
CREATED:20260717T202822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T203131Z
UID:23100-1784583000-1784584740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment on  EPA's Proposal to Rescind Regulatory Determinations Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS\, PFNA\, HFPO-DA (GenX)\, and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
DESCRIPTION:Comment on EPA’s Proposal to Rescind Regulatory Determinations Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS\, PFNA\, HFPO-DA (GenX)\, and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS) \nEPA-HQ-OW-2025-0654 PC and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS\, PFNA\, HFPO-DA (GenX)\, and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS) – \n  \nThe proposed action was published in the Federal Register on May 20\, 2026 (91 Fed. Reg. 29413). https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10085/rescission-of-regulatory-determinations-and-removal-of-related-provisions-for-four-pfas-substances    You can review the complete rule documents and submitted comments in the public docket via the Regulations.gov Docket EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0654 \nThe EPA proposed a rule to rescind its 2024 regulatory determinations for four PFAS substances (PFHxS\, PFNA\, HFPO-DA/GenX\, and a hazard index mixture) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This action—is alleged to be driven by procedural/legal corrections rather than new health data—would remove the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and related monitoring requirements for these specific chemicals. [1\, 2\, 3\, 4] \nYou may send comments\, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0654\, by any of the following methods: \n\nFederal eRulemaking Portal:https://www.regulations.gov/​ (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.\nEmail:PFASNPDWR@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0654 in the subject line of the message.\nMail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\, EPA Docket Center\, Office of Water Docket\, Mail Code 28221T\, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\, Washington\, DC 20460.\nHand Delivery or Courier: EPA Docket Center\, WJC West Building\, Room 3334\, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW\, Washington\, DC 20004. The Docket Center’s hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\, Monday through Friday (except Federal Holidays).\n\n\nInstructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID No. for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov\, \n========== \nEarth Justice has an alert on this matter with pre-fab letter at:  https://earthjustice.org/action/pfas-forever-chemicals-drinking-water?ms=web \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-on-epas-proposal-to-rescind-regulatory-determinations-four-pfas-substances-pfhxs-pfna-hfpo-da-genx-and-the-mixture-of-these-three-pfas-plus-pfbs/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260728T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260728T190000
DTSTAMP:20260718T094825Z
CREATED:20260718T093953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T094825Z
UID:23105-1785222000-1785265200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Republican Run-off Primary for Governor
DESCRIPTION:The South Dakota GOP gubernatorial primary runoff is Tuesday\, July 28\, 2026 — a week and a half from now — between Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden\, since no candidate cleared the 35% threshold in the June primary.  If you are a republican\, you should vote!
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/republican-run-off-primary-for-governor/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260731T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260731T215900
DTSTAMP:20260718T112513Z
CREATED:20260718T112513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T112513Z
UID:23114-1785533400-1785535140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment Deadline — Forest Service "Directives" Rule (public-comment rollback)
DESCRIPTION:Title: Comment Deadline — Forest Service “Directives” Rule (public-comment rollback) \nDate: Friday\, July 31\, 2026 \nBody:\nPublic comments due to USDA Forest Service on proposed rule RIN 0596-AD74\, which would weaken the public’s right to see and comment on how national forests — including Black Hills National Forest — are managed. The rule reclassifies Forest Service Handbooks as “advisory\,” removing them from public-comment requirements\, and states that removing existing directives would not require public notice at all. This may make citing them in administrative appeals (objections) less forceful. Tied to Executive Order 14219 (deregulation agenda). \nSubmit at regulations.gov (search “RIN 0596-AD74”) or email SM.FS.Directives-Comments@usda.gov. \nWe are not sure of the time-of-day for the deadline\, but it is normally before midnight Eastern Time. \nWe will search for environmental group alerts and pre-fab letters. We anticipate sign-on letters for groups
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-forest-service-directives-rule-public-comment-rollback/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260801T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260801T160000
DTSTAMP:20260711T104912Z
CREATED:20260711T103625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260711T104912Z
UID:23058-1785574800-1785600000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Spearfish Watershed Festival 2026
DESCRIPTION:2026 Spearfish Creek Watershed Festival Announcement\, Saturday August 1st\, 2026 \n\nPlanned events are:\n9-12 am- Hydro plant tours\n12-2 pm – Creek clean up\n2-4 pm – Community Education – The community education portion of the festival will be at the central shelter in the Spearfish City Park. This will at least involve  various groups having booths and children activities.\n\nFor more information: Micah Peters\, spearfishwatershedfestival@gmail.com\,\nThis link has information on the 2025 event: https://www.facebook.com/SpearfishCreekWatershedFestival/\nGeneric site w/ contact info: – https://spearfishwatershedfestival.carrd.co/#
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/spearfish-watershed-festival-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T160000
DTSTAMP:20260913T123900Z
CREATED:20260913T123900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T123900Z
UID:23221-1787216400-1787241600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Board of Minerals and Environment's August Meeting 8/20/26
DESCRIPTION:Board of Minerals and Environment’s August Meeting 8/20/26 \n  \n Board of Minerals and Environment  \nMatthew Training Center  \n523 East Capitol Avenue  \nPierre\, SD  \nAugust 20\, 2026  \n10:00 a.m. Central Time  \nAGENDA: \n Mining issues consent calendar – Tom Cline  \nPowertech (USA)\, Inc request for approval of Socioeconomic Contractor for proposed large-scale mine permit application – Eric Holm  \nPublic comment period in accordance with SDCL 1-25-1  \nExecutive Session in accordance with SDCL 1-25-2 (3) to discuss Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation Uranium Exploration Permit Application; EXNI 453 with Board Counsel  \n Motions by the Board  \nElection of Officers  \nUpcoming meetings  \nWe are not sure how long the meeting will last
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/board-of-minerals-and-environments-august-meeting-8-20-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260824T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260824T215900
DTSTAMP:20260718T105229Z
CREATED:20260718T100056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T105229Z
UID:23107-1787607000-1787608740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on BLM's proposed  revisions of Biden era fluid Leasing reforms.
DESCRIPTION:Oil and Gas Leasing proposed rule\, 91 FR 38084\, Docket BLM-2025-0037\, comments due August 24\, 2026\, with the companion Royalty/lost gas rule (91 FR 37906) on the same deadline. \nBLM published two related proposed rules in the Federal Register on June 24\, 2026\, both with public comments open until August 24\, 2026: \n1. Oil and Gas Leasing (91 FR 38084; RIN 1004-AF05)\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/24/2026-12734/oil-and-gas-leasing\nThis is the main one — it would revise the leasing process across 43 CFR parts 3000–3180\, citing the OBBB and the “Unleashing American Energy” and DOGE deregulatory executive orders. It’s proposed changes to expedite and encourage oil and gas development; industry is calling it a repeal of Biden-era measures\, while environmental groups say it will stifle critical public participation and reduce incentives for companies to clean up drilling sites. This is largely an unwinding of the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process Rule (the one that raised royalty rates\, rentals\, minimum bids\, and bonding under the IRA). \nSubmit your comments using one of these methods: \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-AF05.\n\n\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search-box\, enter “BLM-2025-0037” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website.\n\n2. Royalty for Oil and Gas Lost From Onshore Federal and Indian Leases (91 FR 37906; RIN 1004-AF33)\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/24/2026-12738/royalty-for-oil-and-gas-lost-from-onshore-federal-and-indian-leases\nThis companion rule covers venting\, flaring\, and lost gas — it would reframe the rule’s purpose around reducing regulatory burdens for operators and streamlining administration of oil and gas losses\, with new venting/flaring measurement point requirements. \nSubmit your comments using one of the following methods: \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: RIN #1004-AF33.\n\n\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, enter the docket number “BLM-2025-0235” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website. As required by 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4)\, the Portal also contains a plain language summary of the proposed rule.\n\nGo to the federal register notice for commenting instructions. We assume the deadline is  before midnight eastern time\, \nENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ALERTS – pre Fab letters: \n================ \n1. The Wilderness Society — “Tell Interior you oppose rolling back the Oil and Gas Rule!”\nhttps://act.wilderness.org/a/ogrule-2026-alert\nTheir action page frames the rollback as a handout to fossil fuel interests\, slashing safeguards and the fees oil companies pay to drill. The act.wilderness.org platform is EveryAction \n2. WORC (Western Organization of Resource Councils) — https://worc.org/blm-oil-and-gas-rule-revision-could-devastate-parts-of-the-rural-west/\nTheir page says they’ve made it quick and easy to send a comment and urges people to tell BLM to leave the 2024 rule alone. WORC may actually be a good framing fit for a South Dakota audience — Dakota Resource Council and Dakota Rural Action are WORC member groups\, and their messaging is pitched at rural Western communities and ranchers: bonding rollbacks leaving taxpayers with cleanup costs\, ending notification of split-estate landowners when federal minerals under their property are leased\, and cutting the public objection window from 90 days to 10. \n—– \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society has been in litigation for several years\, with other environmental groups\, represented by Western Environmental Law Center\, to intervene on behalf of the Biden Administration in support of Biden’s revisions.  Those revisions are being rewritten here. PHAS will sign on to the comment letter written by WELC and others.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-proposed-revisions-of-biden-era-fluid-leasing-reforms/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260828T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260828T235900
DTSTAMP:20260829T064051Z
CREATED:20260829T034643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T064051Z
UID:23130-1787959800-1787961540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to send FS  scoping comments on the proposed Rare Earth Mine in Bear Lodge's Bull  Hill
DESCRIPTION:August 28th is the deadline to send FS scoping comments on the proposed Rare Earth Mine in Bear Lodge’s Bull Hill. Deadline is just before midnight MT.  The Forest Service plans to not offer a comment opportunity on the draft EIS and plans to not offer objection on the FEIS and ROD.  This is a function of Trump Administration rewriting NEPA for all federal agencies in early 2025. Lawsuits exist over those actions. \n Submit comments online: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=291093 \nProject information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/291093 \n  \nPHAS August 2026 scoping comment letter on proposed Bull Hill Mine – submitted 8/28/26 \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS_BearLodge_2026_Scoping_Comments_v6_FINAL.pdf\n\nPHAS attachment transmittal letter on  proposed Bull Hill Mine – submitted 8/28/26\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS_BearLodge_Transmittal_Letter_v2F.pdf\n\nPHAS 2014 scoping comment letter on  proposed Bull Hill Mine  – submitted in 2014 and again on 8/28/26\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Comments-on-the-Bull-Hill-Mine-and-Bull-Hill-and-Utpon-Mills.pdf\n\nCenter for Biological Diversity NEPA complaint for Dept of Ag.\nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/programs/environmental_health/pdfs/USDA-IFR-Complaint.pdf\n\nI am not providing links to  all the attachments we submitted – if you want those contact Nancy at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com 605-787-6466 \n\n\n\n========================
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-fs-scoping-comments-on-the-proposed-rare-earth-mine-in-bear-lodges-bull-hill/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260831T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260831T215900
DTSTAMP:20260902T215602Z
CREATED:20260829T123415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T215602Z
UID:23141-1788211800-1788213540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Trump's proposal to weaken NRC radiation protections
DESCRIPTION:COMMENT BY the 11:59 PM Eastern time Monday August 31\, 2026 Comment\nDeadline* \nPresident Trump’s Executive Orders are pushing the Nuclear Regulatory\nCommission (NRC) to weaken radiation protections as part of an effort to\naccelerate the construction of more nuclear reactors\, nuclear-powered data\ncenters\, and the expansion of the nuclear weapons complex. These changes\ncould expose people and communities to dramatically more radiation while\ndisregarding decades of evidence about the health risks of even low-dose\nexposure. \nGo to this page to comment: \nhttps://www.regulations.gov/commenton/NRC-2025-1140-0001?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=34255a6d-9b75-491d-a798-232d681c5257 \nWE MUST MAKE CLEAR: \n· *No exemptions for radiation exposure.* Nuclear licensees must be\nrequired to track and count all radiation doses and radioactive emissions\,\nwith no minimum threshold. Any proposal allowing 25 millirem per year—or\nany millirem or microrem level—before exposures begin to “count” would\neffectively permit additional radiation exposure to go untracked. That\ncould mean higher worker doses and increased radioactive releases into our\nair\, water\, and sewage\, while making it harder to understand the true\nhealth impacts of cumulative\, low-dose radiation exposure. If radiation is\nreleased and people are exposed\, it should be tracked and reported and kept\nto a minimum. \n· *If new nuclear reactors are as safe and clean as the industry claims\,\nwhy do our existing health and safety protections need to be weakened to\nbuild them?* The rush to expand nuclear power should not come at the\nexpense of safeguards designed to protect workers\, communities\, and the\npublic. If nuclear expansion requires weaker radiation standards to move\nforward\, that should raise serious questions—not justify lowering the\nbar. *Don’t\nweaken the regulations. * \n· *We MUST retain the goal of keeping exposures to radiation As Low As\nReasonably Achievable.* \n  \nNRC Radiation Protection Rewrite — COMMENT BY MONDAY\, AUG. 31\nNRC proposes to strip the ALARA standard (“as low as reasonably achievable”) out of its regulations entirely and to let licensees apply case-by-case for higher public dose limits. First major rewrite of 10 CFR Part 20 since 1991. Driven by Executive Order 14300. \nSouth Dakota stake: the package amends Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 40 (uranium mill tailings criteria) and includes a revised Regulatory Guide 8.31 on radiation protection programs at uranium recovery facilities — Dewey-Burdock and Edgemont territory. \nDeadline: August 31\, 2026\, 11:59 p.m. Eastern (10:59 p.m. Mountain)\nFederal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/15/2026-14208/reforming-and-modernizing-the-nrcs-radiation-protection-framework — 91 FR 43456\, Docket NRC-2025-1140\nComment directly: https://www.regulations.gov/document/NRC-2025-1140-0001\nAction alert / talking points / draft comments: https://www.protectbetter.org/nrc-comments\nCampaign home: https://www.protectbetter.org/\nBackground — Beyond Nuclear: https://beyondnuclear.org/protect-better-stop-more-radiation-exposure/\nUnion of Concerned Scientists analysis: https://www.ucs.org/about/news/new-nrc-radiation-rules-put-workers-communities-risk
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/23141/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260904T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260904T235900
DTSTAMP:20260801T221356Z
CREATED:20260801T215455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260801T221356Z
UID:23122-1788565800-1788566340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment to SD DOT on the planned rebuild of Highway 85
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment to SD DOT on the planned rebuild of Highway 85 from Cheyenne Crossing to Wyoming border is Sept 4th\, 2026 \n  \nHwy. 85 Cheyenne Crossing to Wyo. Line project: https://dot.sd.gov/ushighway85towy \nQuestions or comment to the SD DOT about Hwy. 85 project: Mark.Malone@state.sd.us \nDavid Miller is one of the people organizing opposition to the project or concerns to mitigate it. \nDavid Miller: dvdm4321@gmail.com. Here is a link to David Miller’s flyer. https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Highway-85-flyer-7.20.26.pdf \nThis is not written by PHAS\, we have concerns about the project and sent in a comment letter. If you want a copy of that\, ask Nancy at nhilshat@rapidnet.com. \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-to-sd-dot-on-the-planned-rebuild-of-highway-85/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260906T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260906T225900
DTSTAMP:20260902T213025Z
CREATED:20260902T211544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T213025Z
UID:23151-1788690600-1788735540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to submit written  comments for SDGFP Sept Commission meeting
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit written comments for SDGFP Sept Commission meeting is Sunday night just before midnight Central Time.  You can attend the Commission meeting on the 10th by Zoom\, teleconference or in person in Winner. \nWRITTEN — due Sunday\, September 6\, 2026\, before midnight Central Time. Submit at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. Comments must include your full name and city of residence to enter the public record. \nThursday\, September 10\, 2026\, at the public hearing. You get three minutes to testify on each rule change and three minutes at the open forum. The meeting is at Winner\, but you can testify by Zoom or teleconference without leaving home. Connection details and the agenda are posted at gfp.sd.gov/commission/information closer to the date. \nInformation on the issues is in our July  Commission notice on the rule making proposals that are being finalized in Sept. \nOf concern to us is the proposal to delist the interior least tern and eskimo curlew (delist from the State of SD’s T & E list)
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-written-comments-for-sdgfp-sept-commission-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260910T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260911T110000
DTSTAMP:20260902T210939Z
CREATED:20260717T203947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T210939Z
UID:23103-1789041600-1789124400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD GFP Commission September Meeting -Sept 10th-11th\, Hybrid Winner and Zoom
DESCRIPTION:SD GFP Commission September Meeting will be Sept 10th-11th at Winner and by Zoom \nVisit this site closer to the meeting for the Agenda and Commission Book. https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nChanges to the States list of Threatened and Endangered Species are proposed…that would be delisting the Interior Least Tern and the Eskimo Curlew and some changes to the delisting objectives for some species.  Go to July meeting to view proposals in the Commission book. Proposals from July will be finalized in September. \nWritten comments are due the Sunday before the Thursday before midnight Central Time – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. \nYou can attend  by Zoom and testify by Zoom or phone.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-gfp-commission-september-meeting-sept-10th-11th-hybrid-winner-and-zoom/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260911T042000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260911T162900
DTSTAMP:20260913T122130Z
CREATED:20260913T122102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T122130Z
UID:23217-1789100400-1789144140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to submit applications to serve on the Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit applications to serve on the Black Hills Forest Advisory Board \n  \nThe Black Hills National Forest is seeking nominees for the Black Hills Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). \nBlack Hills National Forest is looking for South Dakota residents— including citizens\, locally elected officials\, Tribal representatives\, and special interest group representatives —to serve on this important committee. \nApplications are due Sept. 11\, 2026 at the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Custer\, SD. \nThe RAC recommends projects funded through Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act\, supporting fish and wildlife habitat\, natural resource restoration\, and community benefit projects on or near the Forest. \nNew members will serve four-year terms and represent one of three categories: \n\nCommunity and industry interests\nEnvironmental and recreation organizations\nElected officials\, Tribal representatives\, educators\, and the public-at-large\n\n  \nHow to Apply: \nSubmit a completed AD 755 form and a resume to: \nBlack Hills National Forest\, Attn: Todd Butler \n1019 N. Fifth Street\, Custer\, SD 57730 \nOr email: todd.butler@usda.gov \nThe AD 755 form is available at: https://www.usda.gov/…/ad-755-advisory-committee… \nFor questions\, contact Todd Butler at todd.butler@usda.gov or 605-673-9301. \nWe are not sure of the time-of-day for the deadline\, so we put COB\, but it might be midnight
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-applications-to-serve-on-the-black-hills-forest-advisory-board/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260921T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260921T215900
DTSTAMP:20260913T043057Z
CREATED:20260902T221546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T043057Z
UID:23157-1790026200-1790027940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Original comment deadline for Trumps proposed revocation of the 2001 Roadless Rule (deadline extended to 10/6/26)
DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society — Action Alert\nThe Roadless Rule Is on the Chopping Block \nUSDA proposes to erase road and logging protections on roughly 45 million acres of national forest — including inventoried roadless areas here on the Black Hills National Forest. \nTHE ORIGINAL COMMENT DEADLINE WAS: Monday\, September 21\, 2026. It got EXTENDED till October 6\, 2026  \nComment here: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2025-0001-223869\nFederal Register notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-16965\n91 Fed. Reg. 53\,827 (Aug. 20\, 2026) · RIN 0596-AD66 · Docket FS-2025-0001 \nBy mail: Director\, Ecosystem Management Coordination\, USDA Forest Service\, 201 14th Street SW\, Mailstop 1108\, Washington\, DC 20250-1124. Reference RIN 0596-AD66.\nIs this scoping\, or comment on a rule? It is both at once. \nThis is not scoping. Scoping already happened — USDA published its Notice of Intent on August 29\, 2025 and gave the public 21 days\, drawing more than 220\,000 comment letters on behalf of over 625\,000 individuals and organizations. What is open now is a single combined comment period on three documents released together: the proposed rule itself\, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement\, and the cost-benefit analysis. One comment can address all three\, and comments on the DEIS are the ones that build the NEPA record. This is the last public comment opportunity before a final rule. \nRead the documents yourself\nThere are more than three. The core set is the proposed rule\, the 333-page Draft EIS\, and the cost-benefit analysis — but the agency also released a preliminary biological assessment and a Tribal consultation summary\, and both matter. \n\n\n\nProposed rule\n(easiest to read)\nFederal Register HTML version\, with a table of contents and searchable text:\nfederalregister.gov/d/2026-16965\nThe typeset PDF as filed is at public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-16965.pdf\n\n\nAll documents in one place\nThe Forest Service posted the proposed rule\, the Draft EIS\, the cost-benefit analysis and the additional supporting analyses to a public online folder:\nusfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6\nThis is the fastest route to the DEIS and the cost-benefit analysis. No login required.\n\n\nRegulations.gov docket\nSame documents plus every comment filed to date\, and the comment form:\nregulations.gov/docket/FS-2025-0001\n\n\nInteractive map\nLayer the three alternatives against roads\, towns\, national forest boundaries and the wildland-urban interface. This is how you find the roadless areas nearest you.\nexperience.arcgis.com/experience/c6122042b4ae46c9b323306912e8b40e\nInstructions for reading the map are in the online folder above.\n\n\nTribal consultation summary\nUSDA’s own summary of what Tribal governments told it:\nfs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2001-roadless-rule-rescission-summary-analysis.pdf\n\n\nRoadless area boundary data\nFor anyone who wants the actual GIS layer:\nZipped shapefile of 2001 inventoried roadless areas\n\n\nAgency landing page\nfs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless — the Forest Service hub\, updated as the rulemaking moves\n\n\n\nWhat the proposal would do \nRemove and reserve 36 C.F.R. part 294\, subpart B — the entire 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule — which has barred road construction\, road reconstruction\, and most timber harvest in inventoried roadless areas since January 2001.\nThe 2001 rule covered 58.5 million acres. Because the Idaho and Colorado state-specific roadless rules are unaffected\, roughly 45 million acres across 38–39 states are at stake.\nManagement of inventoried roadless areas would fall to individual forest plans\, where a forest supervisor or regional forester may later amend the plan to allow roading and logging.\nBy the agency’s own numbers in the DEIS and cost-benefit analysis: about 18.2 million acres (45.5%) are lands where forest plans already allow roads and only the Roadless Rule prohibits them; about 4.8 million acres become newly available for timber harvest; recreationists could lose an estimated $6.1 million per year in economic benefit; total annual impacts could exceed $100 million. \nWhy South Dakota should care \nIn our region – the Black Hills National Forest\, Custer-Gallatin National Forest \, Buffalo Gap National Grasslands\, Grand River National Grasslands\, Little Missouri National Grasslands and  Thunder Basin National Grasslands contain inventoried roadless areas.  In the Black  Hills\, roadless and wilderness areas provide protection from the endlessly aggressive logging in the rest of the forest.   Strip roadless areas out and their fate rests entirely on the Black Hills forest plan — a plan already under enormous pressure from timber-target politics\, and Plan Revisions that PHAS has been contesting since the 1997 Plan Revision appeal. Rescission also removes a nationwide backstop at exactly the moment when the Endangered Species Act’s habitat protections are being narrowed (see our companion alert) and when the Forest Service is separately proposing to open more of the forest road and trail system to motorized use.\nThe process itself is worth commenting on \nWhen the Roadless Rule was written in 2000–2001\, the agency allowed 129 days of comment and held more than 400 public meetings; over 1.6 million comments came in. When the Bush administration tried to replace the rule in 2005\, it gave two comment periods\, each over 100 days.\nThis time the agency gave 30 days and has scheduled no public hearings anywhere except Alaska (those are ANILCA section 810 subsistence hearings\, required by a different statute).\nEarthjustice\, on behalf of the Wilderness Society\, Sierra Club and roughly a dozen other groups\, formally asked USDA to extend the comment period to at least 120 days — to December 21\, 2026 or later — and to hold hearings around the country. The agency has responded with an extra two weeks for commenting.\nUSDA’s own Tribal summary reports that the majority sentiment among Tribal governments consulted is opposition\, and that Tribes raised the failure to fulfill trust responsibilities through adequate government-to-government consultation. Several requested alternatives the agency did not analyze\, including a strengthened roadless rule and a Traditional Homelands Conservation Rule. \nPre-written comment tools from national groups \nEach of these lets you add your own words. Please do add them. Form letters get counted; substantive\, personal\, place-specific comments must be individually addressed by the agency and are what hold up in court. If you can only do one thing\, personalize the first paragraph.\nNational Audubon Society act.audubon.org/a/save-roadless-areas-2026\nSierra Club sierraclub.org/save-roadless-rule-protect-our-forests\nNRDC action.nrdc.org/letter/5017-roadless-rule-052826\nDefenders of Wildlife defenders.org/roadless-rule\nNational Wildlife Federation support.nwfactionfund.org/page/101819/action/1\nRoadless.org roadless.org — comment-drafting tool plus a library of two dozen peer-reviewed studies with DOIs and key findings you can cite directly\nEarthjustice statement earthjustice.org/press/2026/conservationists-blast-federal-proposal-to-bulldoze-forestlands \nAlso call your delegation \nThe durable fix is legislative. The Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 3930 / S. 2042\, 119th Congress) would write the Roadless Rule into federal law so that no administration could repeal it by regulation. Ask Senator Thune\, Senator Rounds and Representative Johnson to cosponsor it\, and to press USDA for a longer comment period and public hearings in the West. U.S. Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121.\nCompanion action — the other half of the one-two punch \n=============== \nTwo days after the roadless proposal\, the Forest Service opened a second national rulemaking: a rewrite of the Travel Management Rule (36 C.F.R. parts 212 and 261). It would drop the national “minimization criteria” that currently require the agency to minimize damage to soil\, water\, wildlife and habitat when designating motorized routes\, and replace them with a presumption that existing roads\, trails and areas are open unless the agency documents a reason to close them. It expressly reaches section-line access on the national grasslands. Comments due Wednesday\, September 23\, 2026.\n91 Fed. Reg. 54\,686 (Aug. 24\, 2026) · Docket FS-2026-0100\nFederal Register: federalregister.gov/d/2026-17211 · \nComment: regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2026-0100-0001 \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society · P.O. Box 788\, Black Hawk\, SD 57718 · 605-787-6466 · phas.wsd@rapidnet.com · phas-wsd.org \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-trumps-proposed-revocation-of-the-2001-roadless-rule/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260923T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260923T215900
DTSTAMP:20260913T050304Z
CREATED:20260902T225151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T050304Z
UID:23163-1790200200-1790200740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on rewrite of the Forest Service's Travel Management Rule
DESCRIPTION:Two days after the roadless proposal\, the Forest Service opened a second national rulemaking: a rewrite of the Travel Management Rule (36 C.F.R. parts 212 and 261). It would drop the national “minimization criteria” that currently require the agency to minimize damage to soil\, water\, wildlife and habitat when designating motorized routes\, and replace them with a presumption that existing roads\, trails and areas are open unless the agency documents a reason to close them. It expressly reaches section-line access on the national grasslands. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComments due Wednesday\, September 23\, 2026.\n91 Fed. Reg. 54\,686 (Aug. 24\, 2026) · Docket FS-2026-0100\nFederal Register: federalregister.gov/d/2026-17211 · Comment: regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2026-0100-0001 \nAdditional information\, including the eventual publication of the environmental impact statement and record of decision\, can be found on the following website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/​visit/​recreation/​programs/​off-highway-vehicle-program.Comments must be submitted via one of the following methods: \n\nElectronically (preferred): Through the Federal eRulemaking Portal\, https://www.regulations.gov\, identified by docket number FS-2026-0100. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.\n\n\nMail: Hardcopy letters must be submitted to the Director\, Public Benefits\, 201 14th Street SW\, Public Benefits Office\, Washington\, DC 20250.=\n\nWe assume the time-of-day deadline is just before midnight in Washington DC. \nEarth Justice’s pre-fab comment letter: https://earthjustice.org/action/tell-the-administration-keep-our-forest-protections?ms=web \n======== \nHere is a link to sign a petition written by WildEarth Guardians – https://action.wildearthguardians.org/page/102401/petition/1?ea.url.id=5998640 \nHere is a link to their letter: https://pdf.wildearthguardians.org/support_docs/travel-management-rule-letter-rollins-schultz-202609.pdf \nHere is a quote from that letter: \n“The changes outlined in the Forest Service’s Notice of Intent would dismantle core elements of\nthe current protective framework and replace them with an “open unless closed” presumption\,\nessentially creating a motorized free-for-all. The proposal would put greater pressure on land\nmanagers to justify closures and repeatedly reconsider those protections\, eliminate existing\ncriteria for minimizing resource damage and conflicts among recreational uses and with other\npublic land users\, and potentially expand cross-country motorized use through new exemptions.\nThe result would be more uncertainty\, conflict\, and resource damage”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-rewrite-of-the-forest-services-travel-management-rule/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261004T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261004T170000
DTSTAMP:20260913T121425Z
CREATED:20260913T121248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T121425Z
UID:23213-1791100800-1791133200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Written Comment Deadline for SDGFP October Commission meeting - Sunday night
DESCRIPTION:Written comments are due Sunday for the SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission October hybrid meeting 10/8/26-10/9/26 Pierre/Zoom. Details  about meeting and agenda\, will be printed closer to the date at https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\, but likely times will  be Thursday at 1 pm- 5 pm CT and Friday at 8 am till 11 am or so CT.  Written comments are due Sunday night before midnight  submitted at their portal: https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ -and you can testify in person or by Zoom at the meeting at 2 pm CT Thursday. If there are rule finalizations you get 3 minutes per rule and then there is the “Open Forum” where you can comment on anything.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/written-comment-deadline-for-sdgfp-october-commission-meeting-sunday-night/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261005T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261005T235900
DTSTAMP:20260913T052109Z
CREATED:20260913T051957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T052109Z
UID:23207-1791244200-1791244740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Roby Project Timber sale Environmental Assessment\, BHNF
DESCRIPTION:The USDA Forest Service has completed analysis of the Roby Forest Management project. A preliminary Environmental Assessment is now available for review and comment. \n  \nInformation may be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/293810. Submit comments by any of the following means: \n\nhttps://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=293810\nU.S. mail or hand-delivery: Roby Project\, Hell Canyon Ranger District\, 1019 N. 5th St.\, Custer\, SD 57730\nFax: 605-673-9208\n\n  \nComments are requested by October 5\, 2026. \nProject is West of Custer\, South Dakota\, along the Wyoming state line \nPreliminary Environmental Assessment: \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/9pxw99pbbsb61xvw9ks47hxhjckqvewk/file/2446543261312 \nMaps: \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/9pxw99pbbsb61xvw9ks47hxhjckqvewk/file/2446487630248 \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/9pxw99pbbsb61xvw9ks47hxhjckqvewk/file/2446490747586 \nQuote from draft EA: \n“Summary of Proposed Action\nSee Figure 1 (p. 5). Detailed descriptions can be found starting on p. 8.\nCommercial timber harvest is proposed on up to 9\,677 acres. Prescriptions would include\nthinning\, regeneration\, removal\, and improvement cuts. In most areas\, logging slash would be\npiled and either burned or removed. Where slash is not piled\, it would be treated to meet\nForest Plan objectives for hazardous fuels.\nActivities that may include a component of commercial timber harvest are proposed on up to\n39\,059 acres. These activities include thinning of smaller trees\, creation of shaded fuel breaks\,\nand removal of encroaching conifers from aspen stands\, meadows\, and shrublands. Any\nmerchantable trees that are cut as part of these activities would be removed and sold. Slash\nfrom cutting smaller trees would be chipped\, piled and burned\, or otherwise mitigated.\nTo facilitate timber harvest\, approximately one-half mile of new permanent road would be\nconstructed. Reconstruction of 20 miles of roads would also occur\, along with standard\nmaintenance activities on other roads.\nTree planting would occur on 1\,442 acres in areas burned by recent wildfires. \nPrescribed fire is proposed across most of the project area. Broadcast burning would occur in\nsmaller blocks as weather and fuel conditions allow. A detailed burn plan would be prepared\nprior to burning. Qualified burn bosses\, ignition squads\, and holding resources would be\nrequired\, along with any other resources the burn boss deems necessary. Contingency\nresources would include heavy equipment\, additional firefighters\, and cooperating agencies.\nBurned areas would be monitored until the fire is completely extinguished.\nAdjacent to the Fanny/Boles RNA\, fuel breaks would be established to reduce the risk of high-\nseverity fire negatively affecting the characteristics for which the RNA was established. In the\nRNA\, manual thinning and prescribed fire would be applied to restore natural ecological\nconditions. Before implementing any approved management activity in the RNA\, a Forest\nService botanist will develop a site-specific RNA management plan.\nLow-tech process-based riparian restoration techniques are proposed where stream and\nchannel conditions warrant. Most streams (97 percent of stream miles) are ephemeral or\nintermittent. Even where streams are generally dry\, however\, there may be opportunities for\nrestoration\, such as repairing headcuts. Exact locations and techniques would be determined\nbased on field review.\nUp to 16 miles of system roads would be closed and removed from the Motor Vehicle Use Map\nto reduce damage to soil and water\, disturbance of wildlife\, and open road density. Various\nmethods and combinations of methods are proposed\, depending on current road condition and\nfuture needs. User-created roads that connect system roads would be closed. Other\nunauthorized roads would be closed as the opportunity arises.\nBureau of Land Management (BLM) lands are adjacent to the western edge of the project area.\nTo facilitate timber harvest on these lands\, approximately one-half mile of road would be\nconstructed and three to four miles of road would be reconstructed.\nMaps\nGeneralized maps are displayed on the next two pages. Detailed maps may be found at\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/293810“
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-roby-project-timber-sale-environmental-assessment-bhnf/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261006T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261006T215900
DTSTAMP:20260913T035340Z
CREATED:20260913T034423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T035340Z
UID:23191-1791323400-1791323940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:New Comment deadline on revocation of the 2001 Roadless Rule\, EXTENDED DEADLINE
DESCRIPTION:Complete Repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule  \nDue Date: October 6\, 2026 (Extended from September 21)  \nFederal Register Notice: 91 FR 53827 – Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation  \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18648/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation \nUnique Comment Submission Link: Regulations.gov Docket FS-2025-0001 / RIN 0596-AD66  \nComments\, identified by RIN 0596-AD66\, should be sent via one of the following methods: \n\nElectronically (preferred): Through the Federal eRulemaking Portal\, https://www.regulations.gov\, identified by docket number FS-2025-0001 or RIN 0596-AD66. Follow the instructions for sending comments; or\n\n\nMail: Hardcopy letters must be submitted to the Director\, Ecosystem Management Coordination\, 201 14th Street SW\, Mailstop 1108\, Washington\, DC 20250-1124.\n\n  \nPre-Fab Action Letter Links: \nThe Wilderness Society Action Portal  \nThe Conservation Alliance Rapid Action Form  \nPlease go back to our posting for the Sept 21st deadline on our calendar. – https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-trumps-proposed-revocation-of-the-2001-roadless-rule/ \nWe have a very long and more thorough discussion about the issue\, at that original date.  This is very important in the Black Hills\, which are so very aggressively over logged. We  need to keep our roadless areas.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-revocation-of-the-2001-roadless-rule-extended-deadline/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261008T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261009T110000
DTSTAMP:20260913T052910Z
CREATED:20260913T052910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T052910Z
UID:23210-1791460800-1791543600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission October meeting 10/8/26-10/9/26  Pierre/Zoom
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission October meeting 10/8/26-10/9/26 Pierre/Zoom. Details will be printed closer to the date at https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\, but likely Thursday at 1 pm- 5 pm CT and Friday at 8 am till 11 am or so CT.  Written comments are due Sunday night before midnight  submitted at their portal https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ -and you can testify in person or by Zoom at the meeting at 2 pm CT. If there are rule finalizations you get 3 minutes per rule and then there is the “Open Forum” where you can comment on anything.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-october-meeting-10-8-26-10-9-26-pierre-zoom/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261013T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261013T215900
DTSTAMP:20260913T044341Z
CREATED:20260913T044149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260913T044341Z
UID:23201-1791927000-1791928740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Deep Seabed Mining Exploration and Recovery Applications
DESCRIPTION:The Action: Following a rewrite of deep seabed mining regulations earlier in the year\, NOAA has formally accepted a massive consolidated application from The Metals Company USA\, LLC (TMC USA). The application seeks federal exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits to mine the ocean floor for hard minerals. This is heavily focused on regions near Pacific island territories and international waters. NOAA is holding a virtual public hearing on October 13\, 2026\, and gathering public environmental input.  \nComment Deadline: October 19\, 2026. (Virtual Public Hearing scheduled for October 13\, 2026)  \nFederal Register Notice: 91 FR 53608 – Deep Seabed Mining; Notice of Receipt of Consolidated Application   \nUnique Comment Submission Link: Regulations.gov Docket NOAA-NOS- 2026-1751  \nPre-Fab Action Letter Links: Check for updates closer to the October 13 hearing via the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Action Hub or the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Campaign. \n  \nWhy It’s Problematic:  \nDestruction of Unexplored Ecosystems: Granting these commercial permits opens the floor of the Pacific island territorial waters to massive mechanical extraction. This process directly strips away benthic habitats\, killing rare\, slow-growing deep-sea species before they can even be studied.  \nUnderwater Toxic Plumes: Mining machines kick up massive\, miles-long sediment plumes choked with heavy metals. Traveling on underwater ocean currents\, these clouds can choke midwater marine life\, disrupt fish migratory patterns\, and damage regional fisheries.  \nIrreversible Ecological Damage: The deep ocean floor recovers at a near-zero rate. Compacting the sea floor and altering its chemical matrix constitutes a permanent scar on a vital global common space.  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-deep-seabed-mining-exploration-and-recovery-applications/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR