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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230515T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230615T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230502T060106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T215332Z
UID:7107-1684108800-1686873540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Climate Watch - Spring Season - May 15th-June 15th
DESCRIPTION:Climate Watch – Spring Season – May 15th-June 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 about summer 2023\, the latest season . \nMay 15th- June 15th\, 2023 \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\n\nYou can call  or e-mail Nancy Hilding\, President of Prairie Hills Audubon Society for help with creating maps of the squares where you want to bird.  605-787-6466 (LL) or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/climate-watch-spring-season-may-15th-june-15th/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230602T193012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230617T000104Z
UID:7724-1686213000-1686243600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting - cougar hunting rules reviewed
DESCRIPTION:  \nUPDATE – In Montana\, the commission authorized a 40% cut in lion populations over 6 years in one large area\, and significant reductions elsewhere. The long timeline means there’s an opportunity to revisit this decision in coming years\, but they seem firmly committed to reducing populations. The 40% reduction means nearly doubling quotas (86% up). Full meeting recording: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting and media coverage: https://missoulian.com/mt-to-increase-mountain-lion-quotas/article_1cf08ff3-2822-5fbe-b6eb-85a8ff1e2508.html \nThey may be revisiting at the August meeting –  issues of female sub-limits or how to increase hunting activity so more quotas/limits are met . \n=================== \nHELENA – Montana Fish and Wildlife & Parks Commission met on June 8th at the MFWP headquarters in Helena\, with them meeting starting at 8:30 am. The formal comment period was open through May 11 up till just before midnight.  Commissioners at their individual e-mails\, and they may read them until the day before the Commission meeting. \n\nFor information about the meeting and a place to submit on-line comments: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting \nFor discussion of proposed rule: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/cs-mountain-lion-quotas-final.pdf  \nChanges to rule \n\n  https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/mountain-lion-regulation-changes.pdf \nPotential quotas\, \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/potential-quotas-by-lmu-combined.pdf \n\nMontana Alternatives \n\nThe first alternative is the status quo\, which includes all aspects of the 12.5 percent reduction in the Northwest Ecoregion as adopted by the commission in 2022.\nThe second alternative would achieve a 10 percent reduction statewide within six years if the quota were achieved\, although all quotas are not met currently. The quotas provided under the second alternative would have no numerical difference in the Northwest Ecoregion from the status quo alternative.\nThe third alternative would achieve a 20 percent reduction statewide within six years\nFourth alternative would achieve a 40 percent reduction statewide within six years.\n\nTheir justifications for these potential harvest increases are not well supported by science and are often just value statements – such as improving hunter satisfaction. \nHere is Mountain Lion Foundation’s alert on Montana season proposals: \nIt is a pre-fab letter and you can edit it\, or just hit send: Montana – Mountain Lion Foundation \nThey also wrote a blogpost on the issue: Breaking the Cycle – Mountain Lion Foundation \nIMPORTANCE TO SD \nThe management of lions in SE Montana is important to SD as we  have had at times  breeding populations and/or long term resident lions at the Custer National Forest lands or nearby state/private lands.  However with SD’s 365 day hunting seasons with hounds on the prairie in SD\, such populations likely won’t last well on the SD side. \nCuster National Forest exists in Montana and SD.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/montana-fish-and-wildlife-commission-meeting-cougar-hunting-rules-reviewed/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T115000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230513T040716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230609T022717Z
UID:7267-1686225000-1686268740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments due - Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) - Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project.
DESCRIPTION:Comments on Draft EA are due by June 8\, 2023 11:59 PM MST \nSolitario Zinc\, a Colorado company\, has proposed their Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project\, located along the west side of Spearfish Canyon from well south of Cheyenne Crossing to north of Bridal Veil Falls. \nThis project includes up to 25 core drilling sites for gold mineralization\, access road maintenance (as needed)\, and reclamation activities. One staging area would be used to store equipment and supplies. Drill sites are primarily located in previously disturbed sites along existing roads and trails. No new road or trail construction is proposed. No mining\, milling\, or processing is proposed as part of the project. The project would entail approximately 27 months of active drilling not including inactive periods\, over a total of 5 calendar years. \n\n\n\n\nThe Draft EA is available upon request and on-line at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62590. The easiest and most efficient way to submit comments is by going to the project webpage and clicking on the “Comment/Object on Project” link on the right side of the page:          https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=62590 \nComments may also be submitted by mail at: USDA Forest Service\, ATTN: Steve Kozel\, 2014 N. Main St.\, Spearfish\, SD 57783; telephone at: 605-642- 4622; fax at: 605-642-4156\, or comments can be hand delivered to the Northern Hills Ranger District office\, Monday – Friday\, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Mountain time\, excluding federal holidays.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-draft-environmental-assessment-ea-golden-crest-exploration-drilling-project/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T230000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230415T200245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230606T200158Z
UID:6737-1686225600-1686351600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission  Meeting - June 2023
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Meeting at Good Earth State Park- June 8th-9th 2023 \nThe SDGFP Commission meeting will be a hybrid meeting held in Sioux Falls and on Zoom\, \nMore information about the meeting including the agenda & proposals/petitions has been   posted here:   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\nThe agenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/June_2023_Agenda_(Public_Copy).pdf\nRules for river otter hunting/trapping\,  greater sage grouse hunting & rules for drawings for antelope & turkey licenses  will be proposed. (no hunting of sage grouse is proposed).\nSee links below to proposals.  PHAS has always objected to the otter season.\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_River_Otter.pdf\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_Sage_Grouse.pdf\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_Turkey_and_Antelope_Draw.pdf\n\nSDGFP meetings are normally on the afternoon of the 1st Thursday and Friday in the month\, unless holidays preempt that. They skip August meetings.  Details about Commission meetings\, hyperlinks and contacts can be found in previous posts on Commission meetings for previous months. \nWritten Comments are due by midnight CT the Sunday before the meeting. \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.  Unless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” <Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us>\, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” <Jon.Locken@state.sd.us>\,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” <Travis.Bies@state.sd.us>\, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” <Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us>\, “Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us” <Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us>\, “charles.spring@state.sd.us” <charles.spring@state.sd.us> \, and david.cull@state.sd.us\, and Jim White – whose e-mail might be jim.white@state.sd.us or james.white@state.sd.us\, \n  \nYou can testify in person or by Zoom at about 2 pm CT on Thursday\, it is suggested you let GFP know you want to testify in advance (but they allow folks who did  register to testify).. Open forum is for speaking on any topic\, the public hearing is just for rules up for finalization. \nTo conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible GFP  asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. However the hearing examiner normally allows for people who didn’t register to speak at the end – he calls for folks who did not register.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-june-2023/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230508T183529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T233919Z
UID:7181-1686297600-1686330000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting -  cougar & otter hunting season
DESCRIPTION:Alert on mountain lions and otters \n\nMOUNTAIN LIONS  \n\nUPDATE:  NGP Commission passed the proposed cougar hunting rule changes. https://kearneyhub.com/news/expanded-mountain-lion-season-approved-in-nebraska/article_f2a3e344-06ff-11ee-80aa-4737c86f0c64.html) \n============= \nNebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting at Alma\, Nebraska on June 9th\, will consider the annual changes to the Nebraska Mountain Lion Season (Title: 163   Chapter(s): 004   Section(s): 037).   The hearing will start at 8:15 am and be in Alma\, NE at the Alma Municipal Golf Coarse\, 102 Dick Brown Memorial Drive. \n “ a public hearing will be held at 8:15AM to consider amendments to Title 163\, Nebraska Administrative Code\, Chapter 4 Wildlife Regulations Section 037 Mountain Lions; to add areas open to harvest\, harvest limits\, adjust the number of permits that may be issued during the lottery\, and clarify checking requirements.” \nFor  more information contact Sheri Henderson at 402-471-5539 or sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov\, \nWritten comment deadline is received at 1 pm CT June 7th and you can send comments to Sheri Henderson’s e-mail\, \nChanges for the 2024 Season  \n\n• The number of permits issued per lion in the harvest limit has been increased from 50 to 80. This change is recommended by staff to increase local landowner/hunter satisfaction by increasing the probability of local hunters and landowners drawing a permit. \n• A Niobrara Unit has been created and a harvest of two mountain lions with a sub-limit of one female is recommended by staff. \n\nNebraska has breeding populations at Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills.   It used to only allow hunting at Pine Ridge. The staff has decided that Niobrara can now support lion hunting.  Pine Ridge is to have a harvest limit of 4 lions of either sex or 2 females and Niobrara is to have a harvest limit of 2 lions of either sex or 1 female. \nWhat Nebraska does with its’ lions is significant to lion populations on Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST)\, Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST) & Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) in SD.  OST has breeding lions & a hunting season for both tribal members & non-tribal folk & allows hunting with dogs w/ tribal guide.  RST likely has breeding lions & tribal members can hunt with furbearer license.  YST has resident lions and might have had breeding lions intermittently and there is no hunting. \nProposed NE regulation: – https://www.nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/2672.pdf \nPublic Notice: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6-09-2023-Public-Hearing-notice-1.pdf \nGame & Parks Commission\, P.O. Box 30370\, 2200 North 33rd Rd. Lincoln\, NE 68503-0370 \n— \nNebraska Game & Parks has a report called:    “Mountain Lion Recommendations” June 2023 . Ask Sam Wilson for a copy\, sam.wilson@nebraska.gov\, the report says: \n“NEGP’s population estimates from 2021 indicate approximately 33 total animals (adults and kittens) were present in the Pine Ridge at the time of the survey. In addition to the population in the Pine Ridge\, there are also resident populations in the Niobrara Valley and Wildcat Hills. On[e] instance of reproduction has been documented in northeast Nebraska but it will not be considered an established population unless additional resident females and instances of reproduction are confirmed. A few additional dispersing animals typically wander elsewhere in the state at any given point in time.”…. \nFor the Pine Ridge area population it says \n“The most recent population estimate (2021) for the Pine Ridge population is 33 total mountain lions\, including adults\, subadults and kittens. This estimate shows the population had been stable between the 2019 estimate of 34 animals and the 2021 estimate of 33. On target with staff goals for halting growth or moderately reducing abundance. “……. \n“A limit of four (4) lions is appropriate to meet the management objective and corresponds to a maximum harvest rate of 12% of the most recent population estimate. “ \nHow do they calculate that percent? It looks like 12% would be of all age groups\, as 4 lions is 12% of  34 lions. Scientists  recommend  killing by humans (by any means) of only of 12% -14% of adult and sub-adults if you want to sustain the population (doesn’t include kittens).  NGP has not provided us with a kitten count in 2023 – we have to go back to 2022 data to find a kitten count. \nThe Pine Ridge population estimate for 2022  year was  33\, with 10 adult females\, 5 adult males\, 4 each for sub-adult males & females and 10 kittens. So\, 23 were available for hunting.  12% of 23 is 2.76 lions\, 14% is 3.2 lions \nAbout the Niobrara population they write: \n“Resident reproduction has now been documented over nearly 100 miles of river valley and adjacent stream canyons. The Commission documented nine litters of kittens from six adult females over the previous 1.3yrs (Nov 2021 – Mar 2023). Twenty-one mountain lions have been marked (collared or ear-tagged) in the Niobrara Valley since 2019. The Commission presently has seven mountain lions with working collars in the Niobrara Valley (3 adult females and 4 adult males) and many additional unmarked animals have also been documented throughout the valley. Nine kittens were documented with the three collared females during the past year. Demographics of known individuals are consistent with a population of more than 20 mountain lions in the Niobrara Valley. “ \nIT also says: \n“A limit of two (2) lions with a sublimit of one (1) female is appropriate to meet the management objective and corresponds to a likely maximum harvest rate of <10%. ”   \nScientists  recommend  killing by humans (by any means) of only of 12% -14% of adult and sub-adults  if you want to sustain the population (this doesn’t include kittens). Thus we must subtract the 9 kittens and come up with 11 adult/subadults (11 adults/subadults is assumed as they don’t tell us the age of 4 lions.)   1.3 is 12% of 11 and 1.54 is 14%. \nWe worry about the small nature of this population and its’ sustainability. \nThe Mountain Lion Foundation has an 2023 discussion on this NE Lion management on their web page: https://mountainlion.org/us/nebraska/ \nHere is link to the OLD PHAS 2022 Alert – that has links to other alerts for NE cougars that can be used to write comments – as the issues stay the same\, except they have added Niobrara. Also Oglala Sioux Tribes harvest of lions has increased. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-hearing-on-mountain-lions-and-otter-hunting-seasons/ \nHere is a link to our generic page on mountain lions: https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ \n========================== \n2. NEBRASKA OTTERS \nChanges are also proposed to the Otter season order\, to make it easier for trappers to process otter trapping records/season status.  The details  will be found at below link under proposed orders. \n\n\n\n“Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Sections §§ 37-314\, 37-315\, 37-502\, 37-701\, a public hearing will be at 8:45 AM to consider amendments to Title 163\, Nebraska Administrative Code Chapter 4\, Wildlife Regulations Section 005 Wildlife-Game birds (not including turkey\, coots and migratory waterfowl)\, Furbearers\, Cottontail Rabbit to change the reporting and daily status checking requirements for a river otter harvest.” \n\n\n\nThey do mountain lion seasons as regulations and otters as Commission orders. \nThey have had 2 years of otter seasons and not many hunters\, relative to what NGP expected\,  are trapping otters.  Proposed otter order: https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CO5-35-day-6-17-22-2.pdf \n\n\n\nThey are getting rid of the failsafe\, that the season would close if 125 otters are trapped and they are just limiting the season by the season dates – not the number of otter taken. They are also limiting it by allowing only one otter per hunter . \n\n\n\n“C05.02E Only one (1) river otter may be harvested per season\, per valid permit holder.” \n\n\n\n“C05.02G2 River otter – Open Season: November 1 through the last day in February” \n\n\nThis clause would be deleted:  (except the season shall close three days after the harvest closing trigger of 125 river otters is met\, whichever comes first) \n\nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/rules-orders-regulations/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-meeting-cougar-hunting-season/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T093000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230603T180312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T180635Z
UID:7794-1686384000-1686389400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Birding field trip at Chadron\, NE  - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
DESCRIPTION:BIRDING TOURS IN NEBRASKA PANHANDLE\n\n\nJoin Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) to get to know the winged wonders that share our home. BCR will explore a different areas of the Panhandle from April to November\, covering many habitats with a chance to discover new birds each time. This program is intended for anyone interested in birding; from beginners to experts.  Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours.\nRegister Here: https://bit.ly/3MWeC27 The next  trip is to Chadron State Park on June 10th at 8-9:30 am\nRegistration is limited to 15 people and closes on June 9th at 11:59 P.M.  Thanks to generous support from their sponsors\, this program is provided at NO COST!\nThey will be gathering at the Lagoon Shelter at Chadron State Park\, located at 15951 Gold Rush Byway\, Chadron\, NE 69337. For more information: delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013\n\nAll are welcome. BCR’s community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds\, beliefs\, colors and creeds to join in\, benefit from and contribute to our mission. They strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race\, color\, sex\, age\, national origin\, religion\, sexual orientation\, gender identity\, or other status.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/birding-field-trip-at-chadron-ne-bird-conservancy-of-the-rockies/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230603T173354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230610T013757Z
UID:7787-1686441000-1686441540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Scoping deadline for beaver dam analog project BHNF - Silver Creek
DESCRIPTION:Scoping deadline for beaver dam analog project BHNF – Silver Creek is June 10th (or 12th). \nPHAS supports this project – beaver dam analogs\, mimic beaver dams and help to retain surface and ground water\, store carbon\, clean water and provide for aquatic and terrestrial  habitat for other species\, especially birds.  They can result in recovery of beaver\, as beaver may move into the improved habitat that the analogs create. \nQuote from the FS:  \n“The stream channels and associated riparian areas of Silver Creek and its tributary Green’s Gulch have become degraded over time\, leading to channel cutting of the stream course\, drying of the riparian area\, and proliferation of non-native grass species such as bluegrass and timothy. The purpose of this project is to create a more complex and dynamic aquatic and riparian ecosystem on Silver Creek and Green’s Gulch and to restore stream health to proper functioning condition\, which would create habitat for native plants\, such as sedges and willows\, and wildlife\, such as beavers.” \nThis project is proposed by the Northern Hills Ranger District – see Anne Dunckel\, hydrologist\, 605-443-3073 \nFor more information and commenting instructions: – https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=64119 \nWHAT IS THE COMMENT DEADLINE? \nPlease note the on-line commenting page says the comment deadline is the 9th of June.  The scoping notice says the deadline is 30 days from the date of the letter\, which was May 11th\, 2023. That makes the deadline Saturday June 10th. Normal Forest Service day-counting rules allow you to move weekend deadlines to next working day (Monday\, June 12th). We forgot to call the Forest Service to straighten contradictions out. We believe the real deadline is likely Monday & we suspect  the FS is not all that finicky about scoping deadlines over a weekend.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/scoping-deadline-for-beaver-dam-analog-project-bhnf-silver-creek/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230612T115000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230612T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230603T000647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T000820Z
UID:7732-1686570600-1686614340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline scoping comments on Pactola Lake Aquatic Habitat Improvement project
DESCRIPTION:Midnight on June 12th\, is the suggested scoping comment deadline for the Pactola Lake Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project of the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF)  – visit \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/210766728183 \nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1229845811526
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-scoping-comments-on-pactola-lake-aquatic-habitat-improvement-project/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230612T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230612T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230610T014632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230610T020017Z
UID:7941-1686613800-1686614340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Silver Creek Riparian Restoration Project - alternative comment deadline
DESCRIPTION:As the scoping letter’s deadline of – 30 days after May 11th – fell on a Saturday\, the deadline for sending scoping comments on this project is likely Monday.  This is due to Forest Service normal day-counting rules that skip over holidays & weekends. Go to our alert on June 10th to read about the project: https://phas-wsd.org/event/scoping-deadline-for-beaver-dam-analog-project-bhnf-silver-creek/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/silver-creek-riparian-restoration-project-alternative-comment-deadline/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230613T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230613T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230404T232657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230620T210918Z
UID:6648-1686643200-1686675600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Previous deadline for BLM  comments on Ecosystem Resilience rules
DESCRIPTION:This deadline has  been extended to July 5th – go to July 5th event posting for update \nThe proposed rule was originally published in the federal register  on April 3rd . \nBLM seeks to gather input about important ways it should balance its mission to focus on cultural lands protection\, conservation\, recreation\, wildlife\, and climate impacts. Now it’s up to us to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests on federal lands as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. \nFor more info.: https://www.climate-forests.org/post/department-of-interior-moves-to-protect-mature-and-old-growth-trees-and-forests-from-logging \nFor more info: https://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-releases-proposed-plan-guide-balanced-management-public-lands \nFor more info:  https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/Public%20Lands%20Proposed%20Rule%20-%20Conservation%20and%20Landscape%20Health%20-Final%20Clean%20Version%203-29-23.pdf \nFederal Register notice on commenting on resilience of ecosystems DOI – saying the Deadline  is June 20th\, but this changed to July 5th.\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health \nHow to comment: \nTo submit an on-line form letter on this\, as it effects DOI’s old growth forests – send a form  letter to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests on DOI’s federal lands as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. – https://www.climate-forests.org/take-action \nADDRESSES: Mail\, personal\, or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior\,\nDirector (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St.\, N.W.\, Room 5646\,\nWashington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004–AE92. \nSee  link to submit original on-line comments to BLM: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health#open-comment\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Searchbox\, enter “1004-\nAE-92” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website. \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/blm-seeks-comments-on-climate-policy-act-to-protect-mature-forests/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230614T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230614T163000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230426T202122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230613T020815Z
UID:6954-1686747600-1686760200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:BHNF National Forest Advisory Board meeting
DESCRIPTION:June 14th is the June Forest Service Advisory Board meeting. \nMeetings are open to the Public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less.  Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should make a request in writing by at least three days before the meeting\, to be scheduled on the agenda.  Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting.  Written comments and requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Scott Jacobson\, NFAB Committee Coordinator\, Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, South Dakota\, 57702; or by email to scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov. \nTimes: Begin at 1 p.m. and end no later than 4:30 p.m. \nLocation: June meeting will be at SDGFP’s Outdoor Campus West\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 \nAgenda:   https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1113657.pdf \nFor more information and to download agendas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-national-forest-advisory-board-meeting-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230606T201503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230620T173710Z
UID:7889-1687251600-1687291200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County Commission meeting June 20th - see mineral withdrawal resolution
DESCRIPTION:Pennington County Commission at their meeting on June 20th – UPDATE: We thought the county would  vote on a resolution to support the BHNF & BLM proposed  mineral withdrawal around Pactola Lake & the entire drainage. However at the meeting they have proposed both a neutral and opposition  resolution (opposing the  withdrawal). The motion to oppose cared 3 to 2. Hadcock\, Drewes\, & Lassiter voted in favor; Rosskenecht & LaCroix voted against the resolution (thus in favor of withdrawal).  Pennington County officially opposes the mineral withdrawal. Meeting began at 9 am MT \nPennington County is now offering a live stream of the Board of County Commissioner’s Meetings.   Commission Chambers are on the first floor of the Pennington County Administration Building located at 130 Kansas City Street\, Rapid City\, SD.  For questions or to submit comments  e-mail pcboc@pennco.org – \nThe Board’s policy is comments must be received at least 24 hours prior to the meeting in order for them to give them meaningful consideration. \nFolks can testify by Zoom if they ask before Tuesday. Here is the link for the speaker request form for remote speakers. Please complete and return prior to Tuesday morning if you want remote testifying (and ask for remote testifying privilege) .   http://docs.pennco.org/docs/BOC/Policies/speakerrequest.pdf\n  \nPlease visit their web site\, as time draws near to get an agenda and the meeting packet.  The resolution will be in the packet. \nAgenda 6/20/23: \nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/June_20_2023_BOC_Agenda.pdf \nCommission Packet see page 62 for mineral withdrawal discussion: \nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/6-20-23_BOC_Meeting_Packet_-_Public.pdf \nLinks to Commission’s pages \nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=06FBC01F-7BFF-4F4A-B4DA-30E9BEDE3920&Type=B_BASIC \nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=4F559CB9-F974-4853-9018-ECE0BEEBC8BD&DE=DDB4CE77-FBB9-41C1-9D80-E459B13CDC78 \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-meeting-june-20th-see-mineral-withdrawal-resolution/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T215500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230613T205036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230620T210302Z
UID:7973-1687298100-1687298340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Previous Comment Deadline - Dept of Interior Rulemaking - ecosystem resilience
DESCRIPTION:The  deadline has been extended  to July 5th-  Press release on extension: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-extends-comment-period-proposed-public-lands-rule \n\n\n\n\nBLM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED PUBLIC LANDS RULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is extending the public comment period for the Public Lands Rule by 15 days. This brings the time collecting public feedback on the proposed rule to a total of 90 days. The new deadline to provide input is July 5\, 2023. \n\n\n\nBLM seeks to gather input about important ways it should balance its mission to focus on cultural lands protection\, conservation\, recreation\, wildlife\, and climate impacts. Now it’s up to us to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs).  \nFor more info.: https://www.climate-forests.org/post/department-of-interior-moves-to-protect-mature-and-old-growth-trees-and-forests-from-logging \nFor more info: https://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-releases-proposed-plan-guide-balanced-management-public-lands \nFor more info:  https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/Public%20Lands%20Proposed%20Rule%20-%20Conservation%20and%20Landscape%20Health%20-Final%20Clean%20Version%203-29-23.pdf \nOriginal Federal Register notice on commenting on resilience of ecosystems DOI – saying the Deadline  is June 20th\, as the postal address for comments is in DC\, the time-of-day deadline is likely before midnight Eastern Time. This deadline changed.\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health \nQuote from rule proposal:\n\n“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes new regulations that\, pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)\, as amended\, and other relevant authorities\, would advance the BLM’s mission to manage the public lands for multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems across those lands. To ensure that health and resilience\, the proposed rule provides that the BLM will protect intact landscapes\, restore degraded habitat\, and make wise management decisions based on science and data. To support these activities\, the proposed rule would apply land health standards to all BLM-managed public lands and uses\, clarify that conservation is a “use” within FLPMA’s multiple-use framework\, and revise existing regulations to better meet FLPMA’s requirement that the BLM prioritize designating and protecting Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). The proposed rule would add to provide an overarching framework for multiple BLM programs to promote ecosystem resilience on public lands.” (emphasis added)\nHow to comment: \nTo submit an on-line form letter on this\, as it effects DOI’s old growth forests – send a form  letter to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests on DOI’s federal lands as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. – https://www.climate-forests.org/take-action \nADDRESSES: Mail\, personal\, or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior\,\nDirector (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St.\, N.W.\, Room 5646\,\nWashington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004–AE92. \nSee  link to submit original on-line comments to BLM: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health#open-comment\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Searchbox\, enter “1004-\nAE-92” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-dept-of-interior-rulemaking-ecosystem-resilience/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230620T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230403T194705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230622T132649Z
UID:6625-1687302000-1687305540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on withdrawal of FS lands in Rapid Creek Watershed from mineral entry
DESCRIPTION:June 20th is the deadline submit comments on the proposed mineral withdrawal. \nMining is allowed on all Forest Service lands under the 1872 Mining Act unless land is withdrawn from mineral entry. Mining exploration & claims in the Rapid Creek drainage threaten Rapid City’s & Ellsworth’s water. \nThe administration is initiating consideration of a 20-year withdrawal of a subset of this critical watershed near Pactola Lake (20\,574 acres ) on national forest system lands from location\, entry\, appropriation\, and disposal under the mining laws and the mineral and geothermal leasing laws (subject to valid existing rights).  Existing proven claims would be grandfathered in\, but F3 & Mineral Mountain (some mining companies doing exploration) have yet to prove they have a mineable resource. \nWritten comments should be submitted to: Black Hills NationalForest via https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=NP-3479 \nor use – https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=63876 \nYour comments are requested through 6/20/2023 11:59:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time). Comments sent by email will not be accepted. \nFor more details visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/bureau-of-land-management-and-usda-forest-service-commit-to-study \nPublication of the Federal Register notice on March 21 will initiate a 90-day public review period for the proposed withdrawal –    https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-21/pdf/2023-05659.pdf \nWe expect Black Hills Clean Water Alliance or Dakota Rural Action will post alerts on their web or Facebook pages: https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/qa-on-proposed-mineral-withdrawal/ \nWe want mineral withdrawal to protect water resources\, but also air quality\, biodiversity\, cultural & recreation resources. People should write in support of withdrawal of \n\nThe smaller 20\,574 acres currently proposed by the Forest Service/BLM around Pactola Reservoir\nThe entire Rapid Creek Drainage and/or\nThe entire Black Hills\n\nNative American’s have treaty claims to the Black Hills and are asking for the entire Black Hills to be withdrawn from mineral entry. \nIf you want all three\, it might be strategic to ask them to do this in steps\, as they have already started the withdrawal of the smaller 20\,574 acre area. It has been temporarily withdrawn for 2 years while they review the withdrawal proposal via a NEPA document (Environmental Assessment or EIS). If they change the boundaries they must withdraw that first proposal and its’ protections. Then they would re-issue it with new boundaries and reinstate protections but that will slow down the process of getting protection. \nIn another area of the Rockies they proposed an area that was also too small and pursuant to comments received BLM did a second supplemental withdrawal proposal to add the additional acres to the first. \nIt is suggested that folks not ask for an EIS\, as this will just delay administrative approval \nand if during the delay\, a new administration is elected\, it might oppose the proposal. An EIS is not needed as mineral withdrawal prevents disturbance and will have no impact on the land. \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-withdrawal-of-fs-lands-in-rapid-creek-watershed-from-mineral-entry/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230630T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230630T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230603T025210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230615T221415Z
UID:7746-1688169000-1688169540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Wharf's Surface Water Discharge Permit - DANR
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to Comment on Wharf’s Surface Water Discharge Permit to SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). \nThe renewal of the Surface Water Discharge permit will allow the discharge of pollutants from Wharf Resources mining operation. Discharges from this facility could enter a number of receiving waters near the mine. \nPHAS is concerned about SD DANR using out-dated selenium criteria in its’ surface water standards. South Dakota’s current 5 μg/L standard is not adequately protective of aquatic life or aquatic-dependent wildlife. The EPA’s national selenium criteria are for the 30-day average concentration of selenium in water not to exceed 3.1 micrograms per liter (μg/L) in lotic (flowing) waters and 1.5 μg/L in lentic (standing) waters (USEPA 2016). They also have requirements for testing concentrations in fish ovaries and whole body/muscles\, downstream.   We are especially concerned about impacts to streams that could support American dippers if they had better water quality. \nLinks to download DANR permit materials for Wharf permitting:  \n\n\n\nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/WharfPN.pdf\nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/WharfPermit.pdf\nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/WharfResourcesSOB.pdf\n\n\n\n\nIn accordance with the Administrative Rules of South Dakota\, Chapter 74:50:02\, any person desiring to comment on the Department’s recommendation for the conditional issuance of this permit must submit written comments to the below address within the specified thirty (30) day comment period. Comments may be directed to the following address: South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources\, Surface Water Quality Program\, Joe Foss Building\, 523 East Capitol\, Pierre\, SD 57501. Comments may also be provided within the specified thirty (30) day comment period using the online comment form\, accessible via the “Comment Deadline” links provided a http://danr.sd.gov/public \nor direct link: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/public/comment.aspx?d_comment=06/30/2023&name=Wharf%20Resources%20Inc&pntype=sw_npdes&description=The%20SWD%20permit%20renewal%20will%20allow%20the%20discharge%20of%20pollutants%20from%20Wharfs%20mining%20operation.%20Water%20quality%20limits%20were%20developed%20to%20protect%20the%20beneficial%20uses%20of%20the%20receiving%20waters%20and%20prevent%20degradation%20of%20the%20water%20quality. \n Any person desiring a public hearing must file a petition which complies with the contested case procedure – ARSD 74:50:02. https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/74:50:02 If no objections are received within the specified 30-day period\, theSecretary will issue final determinations within sixty days of the date of this notice. \nAgenda for the  June 20th meeting of the Water Management Board:  https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/202306Agenda1.pdf \nWe are not sure yet if one can address the Wharf issue at this meeting\, but there is provision for remote testifying and a time for public oral comments.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-wharfs-surface-water-discharge-permit-danr/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230705T215000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230705T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T205249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T205503Z
UID:8044-1688593800-1688594340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on BLM's Ecosystem Resilience Rule changes
DESCRIPTION:BLM EXTENDED THE COMMENT PERIOD\n\n\n\n\nWASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management extended the public comment period for the Public Lands Rule by 15 days. This brings the time collecting public feedback on the proposed rule to a total of 90 days. The new deadline to provide input is July 5\, 2023. \nhttps://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-extends-comment-period-proposed-public-lands-rule \n\n\n\nBLM seeks to gather input about important ways it should balance its mission to focus on cultural lands protection\, conservation\, recreation\, wildlife\, and climate impacts. Now it’s up to us to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs).  \nFor more info.: https://www.climate-forests.org/post/department-of-interior-moves-to-protect-mature-and-old-growth-trees-and-forests-from-logging \nFor more info: https://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-releases-proposed-plan-guide-balanced-management-public-lands \nFor more info:  https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/Public%20Lands%20Proposed%20Rule%20-%20Conservation%20and%20Landscape%20Health%20-Final%20Clean%20Version%203-29-23.pdf \nFederal Register notice on commenting on resilience of ecosystems DOI – saying the Deadline  is June 20th\, as the postal address for comments is in DC\, the time-of-day deadline is likely before midnight Eastern Time.\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health \nQuote from rule proposal:\n\n“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes new regulations that\, pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)\, as amended\, and other relevant authorities\, would advance the BLM’s mission to manage the public lands for multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems across those lands. To ensure that health and resilience\, the proposed rule provides that the BLM will protect intact landscapes\, restore degraded habitat\, and make wise management decisions based on science and data. To support these activities\, the proposed rule would apply land health standards to all BLM-managed public lands and uses\, clarify that conservation is a “use” within FLPMA’s multiple-use framework\, and revise existing regulations to better meet FLPMA’s requirement that the BLM prioritize designating and protecting Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). The proposed rule would add to provide an overarching framework for multiple BLM programs to promote ecosystem resilience on public lands.” (emphasis added)\nHow to comment: \nTo submit an on-line form letter on this\, as it effects DOI’s old growth forests – send a form  letter to ensure that a new rule includes the protection of mature and old-growth forests on DOI’s federal lands as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. – https://www.climate-forests.org/take-action \nADDRESSES: Mail\, personal\, or messenger delivery: U.S. Department of the Interior\,\nDirector (630)\, Bureau of Land Management\, 1849 C St.\, N.W.\, Room 5646\,\nWashington\, DC 20240\, Attention: 1004–AE92. \nSee  link to submit original on-line comments to BLM: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health#open-comment\nFederal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Searchbox\, enter “1004-\nAE-92” and click the “Search” button. Follow the instructions at this website.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-ecosystem-resilience-rule-changes/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230712T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230713T173000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T173551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T173551Z
UID:8014-1689152400-1689269400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Water Management Board meeting
DESCRIPTION:Below are the Water Management Board meetings tentatively scheduled for the remainder of 2023. \nJuly 12-13\, 2023 \nOctober 4-5\, 2023 \nDecember 6-7\, 2023 \nWe believe that the currently planned June 2023 meeting may be cancelled. \nPlease check the Boards and Commissions Portal a week to 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting date to confirm.  Here is the link to the portal: \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-water-management-board-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230718T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230719T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230617T001110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230617T001236Z
UID:8068-1689667200-1689786000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Wyoming Game & Fish Commission Meeting July 18-19 Wheatland
DESCRIPTION:Wyoming Game & Fish Commission Meeting July 18-19 Wheatland \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings \nWe are not sure of exact time of day it starts & ends. \nChanges to watercraft\, fishing & gray wolf hunting regulations will be considered. \nWritten comment period is passed. In the area where hunting is regulated\, a small but net reduction in number of wolves to be killed\, is proposed  (This reduction doesn’t apply to the areas with no-hunting or unlimited hunting).
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wyoming-game-fish-commission-meeting-july-18-19-wheatland/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T181736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T181736Z
UID:8022-1689843600-1689868800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Board of Minerals & Environment Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Tentative BME meeting schedule for the remainder of 2023: \nJuly 20\, 2023 \nAugust 17\, 2023 \nSeptember 21\, 2023 \nOctober 19\, 2023 \nNovember 16\, 2023 \nPlease check the Boards and Commissions portal a week to 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting to confirm & get exact start & end times.  Here is the link for the BME: \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/board-of-minerals-environment-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230424T210818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230802T205022Z
UID:6914-1689854400-1689868800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission meeting for July
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission meeting for July Thursday 20th – Friday 21st\, 2023. Ran  from 1 pm to 5 pm Thursday  Central Time \nThis occurred in person in Chamberlain and by Zoom.  Deadline for public’s written comments to be included in the public record of this meeting (rather than the next)  was just before midnight central time on Sunday\, July 16th. \nUPDATE ON MEETING (it already happened) \nThey considered proposals on fishing\, mountain lion season\, turkeys and elks. They considered two petitions to increase hound hunting of lions and moved one forward to finalization in October (10/5-6/23). They did not move the mountain lion proposal presented by staff forward for finalization as no changes to the existing rule were proposed (don’t need to finalize).. But they will review again & maybe rewrite it some in September (9/7-9/8/23). \nThey moved forward the fishing proposals to finalizations in September (9/7-8/23).  I am not sure\, but I think they moved the Turkey/Antelope draw proposal forward to finalization. \n\n\nLinks to web site on June 20th meeting – at this link you can download a copy of the mt lion\, fishing & antelope/turkey draw proposals and the two petitions to add hound hunting\n\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\n\nLink to Agenda PDF\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/2023July_Agenda_(Public_Copy).pdf \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere is a link to download and or watch the 4 hour Commission meeting. This is a Zoom recording on the Zoom cloud so I have no idea how long the link will be valid. \nNest Predator Bounty program was discussed at around 12:20 MT for about 5 minutes. Mt Lions were discussed during the public open forum (1 pm – 1:33 pm MT) and also 2 petitions (1:34 pm – 2:26) and the staff presentation on Mountain lion population statistics. The staff presentation on mountain lions was at 2:26-2:44 MT. \n\n\nhttps://state-sd.zoom.us/rec/share/eMd2Ep8RmYsiYeV2zhJnHdpe0Dpd6C7_XeUe3PM_mIO_cjSNUIrg6ElwRUiYpis.KslawVWAYKOM_UEi\n\n Passcode: E&Me+n.2\n\nNancy Hilding (nhilding@rapidnet.com) has a copy of the GFP powerpoint for mt lions & Nest Predator Bounty Program  as a PDFs\, if you want it.\n\n\nLink to SD GFP Biennial Mt Lion Status Report \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/mountain_lion_status_report_2023.pdf \n=================== \n      Written 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 it is the 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.  Unless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/ \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. \n     We have some talking points posted to the Sept. Commission meeting alert. We  hope to add more talking points after an internal strategy meeting on August 2nd.\n\n        However if you go to our Mountain Lion Alert page –   https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ – and scroll down to our alert on 2021 mountain lion season proposal\, 2021 talking points apply  as talking points now\, as the staff has proposed the status quo (i.e. no change – keep the season adopted in 2021 ).\nHowever they are also considering a petition to add more hound hunting in the Black Hills.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-for-july/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T215500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230720T215900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230613T214730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230613T214951Z
UID:7975-1689890100-1689890340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on National Forest Rule making
DESCRIPTION:The Forest Service (Agency)\, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on April 21\, 2023 initiating a 60-day comment period. The advance notice invited public comment on the following topic and additional questions: \n“Given that climate change and related stressors are resulting in increasing impacts with rapid and variable rates of change on national forests and grasslands\, how should the Forest Service adapt current policies to protect\, conserve\, and manage the national forests and grasslands for climate resilience\, so that the Agency can provide for ecological integrity and support social and economic sustainability over time?” \nIn response to feedback from prospective commenters stating that they would benefit from additional time to adequately consider and respond to the advance notice\, USDA’s Forest Service has determined that an extension of the comment period by an additional 30 days\, from June 20\, 2023 to July 20\, 2023\, is appropriate.  PHAS is not sure of the time-of-day the comments are due\, so we suggest use EST – DC time to be safe.. \nHere is the link to Federal Register with the questions the Forest Service is asking all of us to answer – \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/21/2023-08429/organization-functions-and-procedures-functions-and-procedures-forest-service-functions \nFor Commenting: \nPreferred: Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov . Mail: Director\, Policy Office\, 201 14th Street SW\, Mailstop 1108\, Washington\, DC 20250–1124. \nAll comments received will be posted to www.regulations.gov\, including any personal information provided. The public may inspect comments received at www.regulations.gov . Do not submit any information you consider to be private\, confidential business information\, or other information\, of which the disclosure is restricted by statute. \nThe Forest Service is planning public engagement sessions. For additional information related to the advanced notice of the questions asked and the public engagements visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/sc/policy-initiatives  \nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/08/2023-12267/organization-functions-and-procedures-functions-and-procedures-forest-service-functions
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-national-forest-rule-making/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230722T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230722T220000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T202152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T202223Z
UID:8482-1690027200-1690063200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Bat Festival at Mato Tipila/Devil's Tower\,
DESCRIPTION:Bat Festival at Mato Tipila/Devil’s Tower \n“DEVILS TOWER\, WY – On Saturday\, July 22nd\, the National Park Service and Devils Tower Natural History Association will host the Annual Bat Festival in the Picnic area of the Monument from 12 to 10 pm. This festival will include presentations and fun educational activities all about the amazing nighttime resident of Devils Tower/Bear Lodge – The Bat! \nThere will be an interactive inflatable cave\, demonstrations on building bat roosts\, information booths\, costume contests\, crafts\, games\, activities for kids\, movie screenings\, and special guest presenters. There will also be a unique bat activity book to complete for a special bat pin. In addition\, park staff will offer Bat listening walks during the evening hours. These walks include using special detectors to listen to echolocation calls as bats fly overhead. \nThe Bear Lodge/Devils Tower is home to 11 bat species. One of them\, the northern long-eared bat\, is currently listed as endangered and faces extinction due to the range-wide impacts of white-nose syndrome\, a deadly disease among bats across the continent. “Here at Devils Tower\, we hope that the festival gives visitors a fun and unique opportunity to learn about bats\, why they are important to the ecosystem\, and the challenges they are facing in today’s world\,” says Caralie Brewer\, a Biological Science Technician and Bat Management Lead. Since the discovery of white-nose syndrome at the Tower\, we would like to continue to educate the public on this disease\, bats\, and why they are essential to the Monument\, the community\, and agriculture. \nThe Bear Lodge Bat Festival is a partnered event with support from Devils Tower Natural History Association. For your preparation and safety for this outdoor festival\, please bring a flashlight and layers in case of dynamic weather.”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bat-festival-at-mato-tipila-devils-tower/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230804T045000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230804T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T235121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T190818Z
UID:8058-1691124600-1691168400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments due  > increase cougar harvest limits - western Wyoming
DESCRIPTION:Changes to Wyoming’s cougar hunting  are proposed:\n      Wyoming is supposed to change its’ mountain lion hunting seasons every 3 years\, which it last did in 2022\, however 1 year later it is proposing changes\, which are off cycle.\n       Wyoming is now proposing a significant increase in hunting\, in four hunting units on the western edge Wyoming — with the goal of increasing the mountain lion harvest limit by 50%  . (Units 29\, 26\, 17 and 14). High mule deer fatalities over winter is the reason they are proposing this\, believing reducing predators helps prey populations grow.  Wyoming normally only changes season rules every three years (last time 2022).\n    The legislature this year passed a law requiring the Department to create a mountain lion pursuit season (dogs pursue lions without the hunter killing the lions). See SF0178 – “Mountain Lion Pursuit seasons”  – link to bill: https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2023/SF0178\,\n        Thus they also propose to allow hound hunting pursuit of lions by residents\, without permission to kill treed lion\, for purpose of dog training.  This would occur after the harvest limit is reached but before the season’s chronological end point. Some units allow hunting year round – thus those units never reach a harvest limit. Due to high/overly ambitious harvest limits set\, many hunting units never reach their harvest limit. – in 2023 only 8 of 32\n(25%) met their harvest limit before the chronological end point. 3 units had unlimited harvest\, with year long seasons.\n       The Black Hills will not be affected by the rule change on increased harvest\, except that dispersers to the Hills might be reduced.   The Big Horn Mts already have an unlimited harvest.  But the Black Hills will be affected by the pursuit without killing.  To learn about this issue from Wyoming Game & Fish visit:\nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings\nTo view Statement of Reasons:\nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/2023%20September%20Regulations/Stmt-of-Reasons-Sept-2023-CH-42-4.pdf\nTo view rule change proposal:\nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/2023%20September%20Regulations/CH-42-Draft-06-13-2023-4.pdf\n===========\nCommission hearing is in Gillette in September 12-13th. We are not sure of exact start & end time-of-day of the Commission meeting or its’ location in Gillette.  You can testify remotely by Zoom\, if you request such 4 or 5 days in advance. The form for requesting such will be found in the agenda once it is published- check out this link as it gets closer to 9/12/23:. https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings\nOther public meetings were held in June & July\, in Wyoming\, by the Department\, on the rule changes proposed by WG&F Depart.  …the closest to Black Hills was likely in Sheridan or Casper – https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/2023%20September%20Regulations/Public-Meeting-Dates-Sept-2023-Regs.pdf\n=============\nCommenting\nFor most details on this proposal and how to comment visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings and look for  section on > Chapter 42\, Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons.\n     Comments are due August 4\, 5 pm MT.  You can comment on line\, with a limit of 8\,000 words. You can send in more than one comment letter if you run out of space.  https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings\nYou can send written comments by mail but they must arrive by 5 pm on Friday 8/4/23 .\nWyoming Game and Fish Department\nWildlife Division\nATTN: Regulations\n3030 Energy Lane\nCasper WY 82604\n—–\n–For questions > WGF phone # in Cheyenne -(307) 777-4600 or Casper – 307-473-3400 (maybe ext 1?) –  Arron Kerr 307-233-6413 (aaron.kerr@wyo.gov) at Casper office is in charge of commenting. Casper Fax 307-473-3433\,\n It has been reported to us that sometimes\, temporarily\, the on-line comment portal does not work and when asked about that\, the Department response was –  it was probably overloaded at that moment.  A lady in Casper suggested if on-line portal should not be working\, to send comments postmarked 8/4/23\, with a note that the on-line portal was not working or use the Fax. \n——\nSome additional media coverage: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/state-seeks-to-kill-50-more-lions-in-hard-hit-deer-range/ar-AA1cBMe5?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ccacf7dc72b54731b60c9d4d22c4f1e8&ei=13\n===============\nSimple Talking points\nJust object to the 50% increase to the 4 units (Units 29\, 26\, 17 and 14) and object to them allowing chasing of lions for purpose of training dogs.\n\nMore Complex Talking points\nWe suggest folks object to both proposals. Here are many points you could select from.\nWe may add more talking points before Sept 12th.\n However these objections might be a start:\n\nObjecting to hound hunting:\n~ Lion pursuit with hounds is cruelty to lions and dogs\n~ Lion pursuit with hounds will result in more trespassing\n~ Lion pursuit with hounds will create disturbance to people\, livestock and wildlife (including mule deer). Disturbance of wildlife can stress them.\n~Lion pursuit with hounds will stress lions and especially in heavy snow or extreme heat\, especially for mothers with young.\n~ Disturbance from snow mobiles and OHV noise should be factored in as cumulative disturbance.\n\nAssuming they allow pursuit hunting – you can suggest additional regulations:\n~ Participating hunters must have GPS/stimulation collars (e-collars) used on hounds.\nVisit: https://www.sportingdogpro.com/dog-training-collars/hound-hunting\n~ Pursuit hunters should be required to report the number of pursuit hunts they engaged in and the locations of such within 72 hours.\n~ The  proposed rule only has them reporting lions who received possible mortal injuries.  Instead – require hound hunters to report any fights between dogs and cats and whether a dog or cat was wounded and if a cat was wounded where did it happen. The reports on fights between lions/dogs should be public information.\n~ It should require hunters to report any kitten\, lactating mother or group of lions traveling together that were treed or chased and at what location.\n~ In the summer\, with no snow on the ground\, hunters may not be able to find tracks to identify family groups of lions\, which they are not supposed to chase.  Cougars are more likely to give birth in the summer with August being the most with most births.  Outdoor human recreators are more likely to be out on public lands in then summer.  Therefor there should be a time limit that excludes chase during then summer months.\n~ The rule should prohibit lion pursuit by hounds in areas with too deep snow\, when it is too hot or on prairie where there are no trees or tall rock outcroppings for lions to climb.\n~ The rule should stop pursuit several hours before sunset especially in winter cold or summer heat\, so as to allow disturbed wildlife to find and return to shelter. Not all wildlife are nocturnal.\n~ When on public land\, GF should require consent of public land manager and some areas or times of the year on public lands should be off limits – for example public land areas set aside could be those with high human recreational use or for wildlife protection emphasis where key wildlife would be disturbed by hounds.  Thus the rules should require hunters to consult with public land managers to see if chasing is approved across all of the public land and at all times.\n~ Pursuit by hounds  should not be allowed in Areas 29\, 26\, 17 and 14\, as the hounds disturbs and stresses mule deer\, which population the Department wants to recover.\n~ The rule should prohibit people who don’t train hounds from being part of the pursuit.\nThis should not be public entertainment and less people is less disturbance.\n\nIncreased harvest limits – Units 29\, 26\, 17 and 14 \n      ~ On protecting mule deer in Units 29\, 26\, 17 and 14 –  Older male lions chase away the younger males. Killing by humans of large and older males may result in more “teenage” younger males replacing them.  Older males may hunt more elk and less mule deer while younger ones may avoid elk & take more deer. Wyoming has enough elk\, which are feed over winter by the State.\n       There are scientific papers that contest the theory that killing mountain lions helps their prey populations (such as mule deer) increase.\n      ~ There needs to be a termination date for the 50% increase in the harvest limit.  How long does the Department feel reduction of lions is  needed to recover mule deer and when will more data be available?\n\nFailures to act –\nFailure to propose alternative changes to the rules\n~Failure of rule change proposal to reduce the – way too high harvest limits-  in the Black Hills\, specifically Units 1\, 32 and 30.  Unit 1 (Black Hills National Forest) met its’ harvest limit on 11/20/22. Unit 32 (on edges of west the Bear Lodge ) had only 16 kills out of 24 kills allowed and Unit 30 (west of Elk Mountain)\, only had 1 kill out of 12 kills allowed.\n~Failure of rule change proposal to create a harvest limit in Unit 24 (Prairie to west of the Black Hills) which currently has an unlimited harvest limit. This area has some uplifted hills near the Montana border where hunters once killed an 8 year old female. Also Unit 15  (Big Horns) and 27  (near Casper) have yearlong\, unlimited harvest. For some unknown reason the Dept. closed Unit 24  on 6/1/23\, contrary to its’ year long season.\n~Failure of rule change proposal to add a harvest limit to Unit 15  (Southern Bighorns & southern area) – which has a yearlong season with an unlimited harvest limit and has had excessive amount of lions killed here in recent years.\n~Many hunting units have harvest limits that are never met –  16 of 32 hunting units did not have their harvest limits met when they closed in April due date limit. This indicates that Wyoming\, Game and Fish may have set unrealistic harvest limits – some of these areas need the harvest limits reduced. 7 units were still open on June 1st. 3 areas have unlimited harvest year round\, but for some reason Unit 24 was closed in June 2023.\n~ Only 8 of 32 units\, that had harvest limits\, had their area close due to meeting harvest limit before the date limit passed.  Thus in 2022 a quarter of the units could have allowed pursuit lion chasing under the proposed rule.  Pursuit hunting will disturb wildlife including ungulates. If these areas have objectives of killing predators to maximize prey population\, pursuit hunting should not be allowed.\n=============\n\nFor more reference:\n\n\n\n\nWYOMING MOUNTAIN LION MORTALITY REPORT HARVEST YEARS: 2019‒2021\n1 September\, 2019 – 31 March\, 2022 – link to this  document > \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Wildlife/Large%20Carnivore/HY19-21LionReport_FINAL.pdf \nSee map of  Wyoming’s wolf hunting regions: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Wolves-in-Wyoming/Wolves-and-Wyoming-Laws-and-Regulations \nOur alert on Wyoming’s 2022 setting of their season for next three years\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/cougar-and-wolf-alert-wyoming-comment-deadline-wgf-6-3-22/\n\n\n\n\nPHAS’s alert page on Mountain Lions in the region\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/\n\nMountain Lion Foundation on Wyoming lions:\nhttps://mountainlion.org/us/wyoming/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-increase-cougar-harvest-limits-western-wyoming/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230808T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230810T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T184910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T222632Z
UID:8037-1691481600-1691686800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:6th America's Grassland Conference - NWF -  Cheyenne Wyoming
DESCRIPTION:6th America’s Grassland Conference – Cheyenne Wyoming\, the Great Plains Conservation Network’s biennial meeting maybe piggy backed to this location/time-frame. \nWe are not sure of exact start and end times of the meetings. \nFor more information on the Conference:   http://nwf.org/grasslandsconference
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/6th-americas-grassland-conference-nwf-cheyenne-wyoming/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230814T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230814T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T213230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T224158Z
UID:8495-1692055800-1692057540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment Deadline on Shotgun Timber sale
DESCRIPTION:Comment Deadline on BHNF’s  Shotgun Timber sale was Monday\, August 14th\, 2023 \n  \n The USDA Forest Service is conducting an analysis of the Shotgun forest management project. The project is on Bearlodge Ranger District\, Black Hills National Forest\, in three locations in the west-central Bear Lodge Mountains and northwestern Black Hills. The proposed action would conduct timber harvest and thinning on approximately 1\,400 acres to adjust forest structure\, produce merchantable timber\, and reduce hazardous fuels. The Responsible Official for this decision is Bearlodge District Ranger Patrick Champa. A project description/request for comments on the Shotgun project is available upon request at the Bearlodge Ranger District office\, 101 S. 21st St.\, Sundance\, Wyoming. This document is also available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63908.  \n  \nThe Responsible Official does not anticipate  providing an additional opportunity to submit written comments other  than this scoping period and suggests meeting the scoping deadline to preserve standing to object. \nSubmit comments to the Responsible Official\, District Ranger Patrick Champa\,  by one of the following methods: at the Comment/Object on Project link  at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63908 ; mail: PO  Box 680\, Sundance\, WY 82729; telephone: 307-283-1361; or facsimile:  307-283-3727 (please include Comments on Shotgun Project in the  subject line) in order to be considered when making the final decision.  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-shotgun-timber-sale/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230815T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230817T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T200651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T201127Z
UID:8480-1692086400-1692291600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Mni Ki Wakan Summit - Indigenous Water Decade
DESCRIPTION:MKW – Mni Ki Wakan Summit – Indigenous Water Decade\, – Theme: Indigenous Water Justice\, Global Collaboration & Dismantling Water Colonialism. \nOn August 15-17\, the Mni Ki Wakan Summit will be held in Rapid City\, South Dakota\, United States\, at the Holiday Inn conference space (505 North Fifth St\, Rapid City\, SD 57701). Breakfast\, lunch\, and dinner will be served on August 15-16. Breakfast will be served on August 17. \nThere is no registration fee for community members. MKW recognizes the critical and imperative role Indigenous Peoples and youth hold in protecting their sacred waters.  They ask that ask that groups\, organizations\, and businesses register in appropriate corresponding categories. Registration fees cover costs associated with hosting the MKW Summit\, remaining fees will contribute towards MKW programming and projects. \n\nFor More Information: \nhttps://mnikiwakan.org/2023mkwsummitregistration/?emci=10841d91-1836-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=e02c9023-a337-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=8015504 \nIndividual Registration: \nhttps://mnikiwakan.org/2023-mkw-summit-individual-registration/ \nAgenda for days # 2-3 – https://mnikiwakan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023MKWSUMMITAGENDA_DAY2-3.pdf
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/mni-ki-wakan-summit-indigenous-water-decade/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230816T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230816T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T235952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T235952Z
UID:8503-1692172800-1692205200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:It’s Rapid City’s  3rd Annual 5k Run/Walk for Clean Water and is being held on \nSaturday\, August 26\, 2023\, at 8:00 am (MT). \nThis special event is held to have some fun and laughs\, meet new people\, get some sunshine\, and enjoy the beautiful\, life-flowing Rapid Creek – Water Is Life.  This event also helps bring awareness about the need to protect our clean water supply for all. \nBring your family and friends at the Old Storybook Island Picnic Shelter\, \n2911 Canyon Lake Drive\, Rapid City\, SD on Saturday\, Aug. 26 at 8:00 AM. \nA morning snack and a light lunch will be provided to all participants. \nFor more info”: https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/5k23/ \nThis event is organized by – BH Clean Water Alliance | P.O. Box 591\, Rapid City\, SD 57709
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/8503/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230817T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230817T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230616T181935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T181935Z
UID:8026-1692262800-1692288000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Board of Minerals & Environment
DESCRIPTION:Tentative BME meeting schedule for the remainder of 2023: \nAugust 17\, 2023 \nSeptember 21\, 2023 \nOctober 19\, 2023 \nNovember 16\, 2023 \nPlease check the Boards and Commissions portal a week to 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting to confirm & get exact start & end times.  Here is the link for the BME:
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/board-of-minerals-environment/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230821T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230821T235900
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T205642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T210650Z
UID:8489-1692660600-1692662340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Triple R Timber Sale
DESCRIPTION:The Mystic District of the Black Hills National Forest has initiated public scoping for the Triple R Vegetation Management Project.\n Comment deadline would be 8/19/23\, but that is on a Saturday\, so it will be Monday  8/21/23. Send to : <comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-mystic@usda.gov>\n\n Scoping documents can be found at the following web address:\n\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=64487
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-triple-r-timber-sale/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230831T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230831T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T071646
CREATED:20230816T171606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230816T182004Z
UID:8461-1693504800-1693515600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Prairie Hills Audubon Society Annual Meeting - Hybrid
DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society Annual Meeting – Hybrid \n  \nThis meeting will start at 6 pm MT on Thursday\, August 31st. \nIt will be hybrid >> by Zoom & face-to-face at the Piedmont American Legion Post 311 – 101 Pine St\, Piedmont\, SD 57769. The Post is located at the corner of Sturgis Rd and Pine St. on the SE side of Piedmont.  Members in good standing\, can vote in person\, by Zoom or by proxy \n\nErik Molvar\, Executive Director of Western Watersheds Project will speak on greater sage grouse & our litigation to protect greater sage grouse on BLM lands\nAfter Erik finishes\, we move to the business meeting. We will hear treasurer’s report & nominating committee report. Members will select a slate of candidates & the number of Board positions for the next year\, from an allowed range of 4 to 12 board members. An election committee will be appointed to supervise election\, which is done subsequently by mail-in ballots. =============================================ZOOM DETAILS =========================================   Nancy Hilding is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.Topic: PHAS annual meeting\nTime: August 31st\, 6 pm MTJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09Meeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620 \n— \nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose) \n— \nDial by your location (as far as we know all #s work in western SD)\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 \nIf you dial in by phone you need the following data \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620 \nFind your local number (International): https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV \n \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-audubon-society-annual-meeting-hybrid/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-08-16-at-11.20.28-AM.png
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