BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240609T005030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T010406Z UID:13526-1719355800-1719356340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for petitions contesting the BME recommendation on bentonite mine - Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC DESCRIPTION:Quote from DANR public notice: https://danr.sd.gov/Press/docs/publicnotices/MineralsMining/BPMSecurityNOF2.pdf \n“Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC\, 554 US Highway 212\, Belle Fourche\, South Dakota\n57717\, hereby gives notice that an application for a permit to mine bentonite has been filed\nwith the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for its proposed\nSecurity Project. … \nThe application is available for review at the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund Program\, 523 \nEast Capitol Avenue\, Pierre\, South Dakota\, or on the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund web\npage at http://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx.\nThe application is also available for public review at the Butte County Register of Deeds\noffice in Belle Fourche\, South Dakota. Comments may be submitted in writing or online at\nhttp://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx. Written objections to\, statements in support of\, or\npetitions to intervene and become a party to the proceedings pursuant to ARSD 74:29:01:09\nmust be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources no later than June 4\,\n2024. Information about the contents of a petition can be found in ARSD 74:09:01:01 at\nhttps://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/26972.\n         The permit will be issued by the department if no petitions to intervene are received and if the\ndepartment’s recommendation is for approval or conditional approval. The department will\nissue its recommendation on June 18\, 2024. If no petitions contesting the recommendation\nare received within seven days after the issuance of the recommendation\, the department’s\nrecommendation will become effective June 25\, 2024. The permit application will be\napproved\, conditionally approved\, or denied accordingly.\nPersons desiring further information may contact Eric Holm\, Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund\nProgram\, at (605) 773-4201 \nApplication: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/docs/BPMSecurityMinePermitApp1.pdf \nWe are not sure of time-of-day for deadline to file\, but we assume before midnight Central Time URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-petitions-contesting-the-bme-recommendation-on-bentonite-mine-bentonite-performance-minerals-llc/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T233000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240524T135913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240524T150002Z UID:13043-1719358200-1719359940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline on Furbearer Season (mountain lions & beaver)\, ND DESCRIPTION:There is actually no specific day for the deadline to comment to ND on their furbearer regulations except – “late June”\, so I just picked June 25th\, for late June.  The Department sends recommendations  to the Governor who issues a proclamation about the hunting seasons in mid July. \nND has a 365 day (year long) beaver trapping season statewide. \nYou send your comments to Stephanie Tucker –  \nCurrent regulations for cougars-  To view map:  https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/mountain-lion \nTo read cougar regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-mountain-lion \nTo read beaver regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-beaver URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-furbearer-season-mountain-lions-beaver-nd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T140000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240618T173839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T194941Z UID:13707-1719653400-1719669600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Elaine Ebbert Wonder-Crawl at Dugout Gulch\, BHNF\, Wyoming\, a tributary east of Sand Creek DESCRIPTION:This is an annual Norbeck Society event – the 15th year it happens. June 29th. 9:30 am \nPrepare for several hours of easy walking with many stops. Bring your own snacks\, lunch\, and beverages\, sunscreen\, good hiking footwear\, and plant books. Distance 1 – 5 miles. No dogs please. Dugout Gulch is a Black Hills National Forest Botanical Area home to unique relic boreal plants. Dugout Gulch is a tributary of Sand Creek located to the east of Sand Creek in the BHNF. As boreal forests retreated northward after the Ice Age\, moist\, cool areas like Dugout Gulch became holdouts for these unique plant communities known as “boreal disjuncts”. \nPLEASE RSVP: info@norbecksociety.com \nDIRECTIONS: From Spearfish\, SD\, or Sundance\, WY\, take I-90 to Exit 205 at Beulah.         Meet at the Beulah gas station at 9:30. Caravan will leave at 9:35. It may take at least 20 minutes to drive to Dugout Gulch\, due to speed limit on gravel roads \n  \nWe have no idea how long the hike will last\, but announcement says ” several hours”  so we chose 2:00 pm as a guess for the hike’s ending time\, which gives it a 4 hours duration. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/elaine-ebbert-wonder-crawl-at-dugout-gulch-bhnf-wyoming-a-tributary-east-of-sand-creek/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240618T174700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T174821Z UID:13710-1719791400-1719791940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Vote for the Norbeck Society in Thriving Communities Initiative poll DESCRIPTION:The Deadline is before July 1st. \nNorbeck Society friends and members are strongly encouraged to go to Thriving Communities Initiative – Black Hills Area Community Foundation (bhacf.org) and vote for “Beautiful Black Hills” which\, if chosen\, gives the Norbeck Society an avenue to pursue a grant. \nThe Norbeck Society steering committee has met with the BHACF to discuss funding opportunities for the Norbeck Society.  Our opportunities will be enhanced if “Beautiful Black Hills” is the chosen emphasis. \nThe Norbeck Society works to protect the Black Hills from unsustainable cutting by the BHNF\, a goal that PHAS supports. \nWe are not sure if the deadline is COB on June 30th or just before midnight\, but we are quesing at a midnight deadline URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-vote-for-the-norbeck-society-in-thriving-communities-initiative-poll/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240703T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240703T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240609T002102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T215239Z UID:13516-1720050600-1720051140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline\, BHNF Vegetation Management Project\, Antelope Canyon DESCRIPTION:Decision Memo was signed on July 11th\, 8 days after close of comment period.\nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/Decision_Memo_Signed_AntelopeCanyon20240711.pdf\nQuotes from FS scoping packet:\n\n“The Antelope Canyon project area is located approximately 15 miles south of the city of Custer\, SD\,\nand 7 miles northwest of Hot Springs\, SD. The eastern boundary of the project area borders Wind\nCave National Park\,”\n\n \n\n“This project is designed to create and maintain a wildfire resilient and sustainable forest with a\ncombination of non-commercial and commercial treatments designed to protect communities\nby lowering the intensity\, severity\, and effects of a wildland fire while providing a healthy forest\nand continuing to provide wildlife habitat.”\n\n\n\n“The Antelope Canyon project area lies within Management Area\n5.4 Big Game Winter Range Emphasis as identified in the Black Hills Land and Resource\nManagement Plan”\n\n\n\n“The project area is designated as Fire Regime Condition Class 1: vegetation patterns and time\nbetween wildfires resemble pre-settlement characteristics.”\n\nComment Deadline\, BHNF Vegetation Management Project\, Antelope Canyon\, Hells Canyon District. \nScoping comments are most useful if arrive by July 3rd\, 2024. For more information: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/267037239673 \n\n\n\nThe preferred method to submit comments is via the “Comment/Object on Project” link on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=66307. The project’s website is also a way to view a larger map of the project. Other ways to comment include by phone\,  605-673-9200\, or you can hand-deliver or mail your comments to the District office at 1019 N. 5th Street\, Custer\, SD 57730. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-bhnf-vegetation-management-project-antelope-canyon/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mapfrom-AntelopeCanyonProject_ScopingPackage20240529-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240711T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240712T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20231213T070734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T170143Z UID:9874-1720699200-1720785600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks July Hybrid Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s July Meeting is in Sioux Falls\, Thursday-Friday\,  July 11-12th\,  2024\, at  Good Earth State Park\, \nResults – Mt Lions: \nThe  GFP staff presented the Draft Mt. Lion Action Plan and a powerpoint about their mt. lion public opinion survey. The draft Action Plan did not change the population objective of 200-300. It did not recommend hound hunting in the Black Hills Fire Protection District (BHFPD) outside of Custer State Park. \nWe believe that the draft Action Plan is available for public comment and will be writing talking points on that in the future.  We wish a reduction in hound hunting of lions and a reduction in the year round unlimited harvest in the Prairie Unit (Statewide outside of BHFPD)\, with a recognition of need for sustainable populations on Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s reservations.  Due to various Allotment Acts Tribal lands can contain checker board land ownership patterns\, with SDGFP having jurisdiction over parts of the checker board. \nResults-  Turkey \nThe Commission rejected a petition to lower the non-resident turkey hunting licenses\, but instead redid the spring turkey season proposal to reduce the non-resident turkey hunting licenses\, but with a more modest reduction in number of licenses. \n=============== \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page closer to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\n\nAgenda https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_July_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \n\n\n\n\nCommission Book –  written material discussed at the meet is in the Commission book\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/July_2024_Commission_Book.pdf\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are proposals for changes to bobcat hunting season\, spring and fall turkey  hunting\, antelope hunting\, air gun use\, and park entrance licenses. The proposals can be found in the July Commission Book.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had anticipated that the SDGFP staff would bring forward a new draft Mountain Lion Action Plan for an approximate 60 day comment period\, with comments due in early Sept  (see our Sept Commission meeting event notices for Sept. 1st & Sept 5th-6th). There is a draft Mt Lion Action Plan in the Commission book and on the agenda as an information item. \nWe also anticipated that the GFP staff would be submitting a proposal for new cougar hunting season rules that would apply to the Black Hills Fire Protection District (outside Custer state Park) & would allow some small amount of hound hunting of cougars in the BHFPD – with comments due in early Sept.  They did not do so and did not propose that change in the  draft Action Plan. We don’t know what that means\, if they have dropped the idea\, will take direction from the Commission or are planning to bring it up in September. If you look at the public comments\, advocates for hound  hunting were organized to submit pro-hound hunting comments. \nWe urge people to object hound hunting of wildlife (not just cougars – bobcats are also hunting with hounds) & you can testify/comment against it at any of many Commission meetings\, but especially July 11th & September 5th. \nYou can object due to 1. animal cruelty to both  dogs and lions\, 2. not fair chase\, 3. provides huge advantage of success for hound hunters vs “boot” hunters – there are many more “boot” hunters than hound hunters  4. creates trespass risk\, 5. disturbs non-target wildlife\, livestock and other human users\, 6. contributes to commercialization of wildlife\, as folks can hire hound hunter guides to significantly increase hunting success. \n\n\n\nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting.\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” or Julia.Bartling@state.sd.us\, “charles.spring@state.sd.us”  \,\nThe two new commissioners  e-mails likely are:\nJim.White@state.sd.us or James.White@state.sd.us\, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-july-commission-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240716T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240716T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240716T181536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T214855Z UID:13864-1721151000-1721158200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meeting on F3 Gold Exploration near Custer DESCRIPTION:There is a meeting arranged by opponents of F3 Gold Exploration\, near Custer SD.  The exploration has been approved – the Forest Service issued a Decision Memo to approve exploration\, in later June 2024 and the exploration will occur on Forest Service lands \nThe meeting is at 5:30 pm at the Custer Library. \nWe actually don’t know how long the meeting will last and we don’t know who is arranging it\, but we were told about it\, by BHCWA. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meeting-on-f3-gold-exploration-near-custer/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240717T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240717T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240515T011707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240713T162702Z UID:12665-1721223000-1721233800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest - Advisory Board Meeting - CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest – Advisory Board July 2024 meeting IS CANCELLED \nIt likely would have been at Mystic Ranger District from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. \nNew terms for NFAB members have begun\, but the members have not yet been appointed for new term. \nCheck for updates:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-advisory-board/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240720T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240721T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240718T101606Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T102128Z UID:13884-1721466000-1721577600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Beaver dam analog building project\, northern Black Hills - DESCRIPTION:Saturday and Sunday\, July 20-21st. Join Black Hills Fly Fishers  to help build  beaver dam analogs in Silver Creek. Join for for as many hours/days as you can. Some volunteers plan on camping up at Silver Creek Saturday night to work both days. \nBDA is an acronym for Beaver Dam Analog\, a habitat restoration method utilizing natural products to simulate a real beaver dam.  Volunteers will be tasked with hammering stakes into the ground\, digging up sod and dirt for patching\, and finding small sticks that can be laid down in between to slow the flow of water and expand the water table.  The goal is to encourage riparian habitat development through artificial beaver dam installation. \nWhere? Silver Creek is located just east of Rochford Road a little north of the town of Rochford.  Lat Long is: 44.162900\, -103.714895. \nEstimated time from Spearfish and Rapid City are both about 1 hour and 15 minutes. See map in discussion for directions. The road to the site is a little rough so a car/truck with some clearance is recommended. \nDirections\nFrom Rapid City \n\nTake Hwy 44 to Hwy 385.\nAt 385 take a right. Travel 11.8 miles on 385 to the Custer Crossing Rd intersection.\nTurn left on Custer Crossing Rd.\nTravel about 4.8 miles and then turn left on Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C)\nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch.\nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area.\n\nFrom Spearfish \n\nTake I-90 to Deadwood\nTake exit 17 and travel to Deadwood\nIn Deadwood continue on Pioneer Way to 85 Bypass towards Central City\nContinue on 14A past Lead.\nAbout 4 miles south of Lead take a left onto North Rochford Road\nTravel about 9.5 miles on North Rochford Road and then take a left onto Custer Crossing Rd.\nTravel about 1.4 miles on Custer Crossing and then take a right onto Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C).\nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch.\nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area.\n\nWhen?\nSaturday July 20th from 9am to 4pm and Sunday July 21st 9 am to 4pm.  Volunteers are invited on both days and can attend both days or just attend one day.  BHFF appreciate any help people can give. Volunteer check in will begin at 8:30 am and a quick orientation and demonstration will start at 9:00 am each day. If folks need to leave early that is okay\, we just ask that everyone make it to the volunteer orientation at 9:00 am. \nPlease let BHFF know that you plan to attend- email us at blackhillsflyfishers@gmail.com to let BHFF know  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/beaver-dam-analog-building-project-northern-black-hills/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-18-at-4.16.58-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240722T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240722T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240721T174423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T222049Z UID:14118-1721638800-1721653200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Pennington County Planning Commission hearing on Wind/Solar Farm west of Badlands NP DESCRIPTION:Pennington County Planning Commissioners Meeting\nMonday\, July 22 at 9:00 am\n\nPennington County Administration Building in the Commissioners Meeting Room Downstairs\n130 Kansas City Street\n\n\nThe people that own the old Lemley Ranch are wanting to put in a wind and solar farm south of Buzz Johnson’s and on Highway 44 northwest and west of mile marker 75.\nIt is estimated that this will be near Imlay\, Conata\, & Interior which is west of Badlands National Park.\n\nThere is a hearing on this request July 22nd at 9 am. Meeting starts at 9 am\, but the wind/solar facilities are the 13 and 14th items on the agenda\, just after consent calendar items – we have no idea how long it takes to get through consent calendar\, but Wind/Solar project won’t be up exactly at 9 am. You can call the planning dept. for an estimate of when it would be discussed.\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24.pdf\nPacket for meeting. Discussion of project is from page 92 to the end (over 200 pages)\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24_PC_Packet.pdf\nLink to map of Pennington with one of the three parcels involved highlighted in blue \n——————–\n13. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0022: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale solar energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n14. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0023: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale wind energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-hearing-on-wind-solar-farm-near-conata-basin/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-22-at-3.18.44-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240723T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240723T000000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240723T210012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T230248Z UID:14133-1721692800-1721692800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz for counting Bumble bees DESCRIPTION:Please join other volunteers for the 6th Annual Backyard bumble bee count will take place July 23-August 1\, 2024! Each bumble bee record submitted during the Backyard Bumble Bee Count helps researchers learn more about how bumble bees are doing and how to protect them and the environment we share. All observations collected July 23- August 1 will be included. You need ani naturalist member acccount to participate. Visit web site for details: https://backyardbbcount.wixsite.com/bumblebeecount \nhttps://www.inaturalist.org/projects/backyard-bumble-bee-count   URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bioblitz-for-counting-bumble-bees/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240727T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240727T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240718T104433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T105016Z UID:13909-1722070800-1722096000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Tree protection event\, beaver/human conflict mitigation\, Rapid City\, DESCRIPTION:Tree damage mitigation along Rapid Creek in Rapid City\, Event sponsored by Black Hills Fly Fishers (BHFF) \nJoin BHFF July 27th to paint trees with sandy paint to deter beaver from killing specific trees. This is  for mitigation of beaver/human conflicts  and also habitat restoration. \nCivic Center parking lot\, east side. 9am. For info:  blackhillsflyfishers@gmail.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/tree-protection-event-beaver-human-conflict-mitigation-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240814T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240814T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240719T184105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240719T225347Z UID:13932-1723675800-1723676340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP's draft Antelope Action Plan DESCRIPTION:Deadline 8/14/24 to comment on SDGFP’s draft Antelope Action Plan \nPronghorn Antelope Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft Pronghorn Antelope Action Plan. \nThe draft Pronghorn Antelope Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide pronghorn antelope management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and measurable strategies to meet those management objectives. All individuals interested in pronghorn antelope management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the action plan by August 14\, 2024. \nThe draft Pronghorn Antelope Action Plan can be found here. \nDraft Action Plan:\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Pronghorn_ActionPlan_June_2024.pdf\n\nWritten comments on the plan can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted online. Comments must be received by the deadline and include your full name and city of residence. \nOn-line form:  https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfps-draft-antelope-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240817T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240602T222341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T002625Z UID:13350-1723827600-1723928400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:South Dakota Wildlife Federation Annual Board Meeting\, Rapid City DESCRIPTION:South Dakota Wildlife Federation (SDWF)  Annual Board Meeting\, Rapid City Saturday Aug 17th \nSaturday night there will be a banquet and small auction. All SDWF or Black Hills Sportsmen (BHSM ) members are free to attend\,  The door will open at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. There will be door prizes and conservation awards will be given. RSVP is required for Saturday. blackhillssportsmenclub@gmail.com  \nBHSM will also be sponsoring a cocktail hour Friday night 5 pm\, Aug 16th\, for the the SDWF board members at the Hilton Garden Inn bar. Members can attend that event also and meet the board members that spend a lot of time on issues that are important to SDWF and BHSM \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/south-dakota-wildlife-federation-annual-board-meeting-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T220000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240719T183923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T193358Z UID:13930-1723845600-1723849140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment deadline to SDGFP on draft Mountain Lion Action Plan DESCRIPTION:August 16th is the written comment deadline for SDGFP on  their draft Mountain Lion Action Plan\, however the Commission will make the decision on it at their Sept 5-6th Commission meeting. There are other later opportunities for written & oral comments associated with that meeting. \nSee also  our calendar’s notice of July 10th-11th and September Commission meetings Sept 5th-6th for more details – click on the event notices on those dates. We include action alerts in meeting notices  – https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/ \nMountain Lion Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft Mountain Lion Action Plan. \nAt the July Commission meeting they reviewed a draft Mountain Lion Action Plan\, which was to be put out for public comment.  Info at this link https://gfp.sd.gov/management-plans/. To view  draft Mountain Lion Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/MtLion-ActionPlangfp.July_2024_Commission_Book-3.pdf    \n“The draft Mountain Lion Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide mountain lion management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and measurable strategies to meet those management objectives. All individuals interested in mountain lion management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the action plan by August 16\, 2024.” \nWritten comments on the plan can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted online. https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \n  \nHere is a copy of the letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nGo to Sept 1st event notice to see all comments received by Commission \nGFP says comments must be received by the deadline (8/16/24) and include your full name and city of residence. \nWe suggest there is actually a second & later deadline of Sept 1st\, which is the deadline to send written comments to the Commission before the Commission meeting\, at which they will make decisions on the Action Plan. \nThe important part is the strategies and objectives on the last few pages (pages 10-11). \nWe may have an informal meeting to discuss this plan and bobcat season before Sept 5th.  Contact Nancy if interested in attending: nhilshat@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466. \nTALKING POINTS \nWe thank the staff and the C0mmission for deciding not to expand hound hunting of lions to the Black Hills Fire Protection District outside of Custer State Park\, but we fear that the hound hunters will continue to relentlessly push for this. \nHowever\,  we always \n\nObject to the 365 day – year round hunting season on the Statewide/Prairie Unit – which is all of SD that is outside of the Black Hills Fire Protection District (BHFPD).\nWe object to hound hunting of lions on Custer State Park and the Statewide/Prairie Unit.\n\nViable Populations on Reservations \nSD GFP does not manage for viable populations outside of the BHFPD. We believe that SDGFP should managed for viable populations of mountain lions at least on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations\, as both tribes manage for viable populations and due to historic Allotment Acts\, reservation properties in SD can be checker boarded with mixed tribal and Caucasian ownership. GFP has jurisdiction over properties with Caucasian ownership. \nGFP should provide for connectivity corridors between the Black  Hills with Reservation properties\, as small populations need immigrant lions to refresh population genetics. \nGFP should have a goal to cooperate with tribal governments to estimate populations of mt. lions within the checker board of tribal/state jurisdictions on Reservations. \nPro-Hunting Bias \nWe suggest folks read Goal 2 on the 11th page. We object to this goal in the Plan at the eleventh page: “Objective 2: Manage mountain lion populations for both maximum and quality recreational hunting opportunities\, considering all social and biological inputs.”   \nThe word “maximum” should be dropped and/or the entire sentence rewritten. We suggest this clause  makes human recreation dominant over ecology.  It does not adequately balance the ecological benefits of mountain lions\, an apex predator and keystone species with benefits of  human recreation. SD has an endangered species act and thus the legislature does not wish for populations of any native species to become extirpated. \nWildlife watchers exceed hunters in USFWS studies and a “harvested” lion or it’s tracks are not available for watching. Wildlife watchers exceed hunters in USFWS study that counts wildlife associated recreators nationwide at-home and away from home.  ( Visit: https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/document/id/2321/  and go to Table 2 on page 48  & Table 6 on page 51). \nSD is in the West North Central area\, which has 16\,677\,887 persons\, who are 16 years or older. 9% of these folks (or 1\,518\,281 persons) hunted. 58% of these folks (or 9\,744.740 persons)  wildlife watched.  Some people did both.  Of the wildlife watchers  – 4\,624\,145 wildlife watched away from home (28% of all persons)  & 9\,664\,190 wildlife watched around home (58% of all persons). Some people did both. \nThe locally generated statistics the SDGFP uses for number of wildlife watchers vs. hunters in SD\, does not count wildlife watchers at home\, while it counts hunters at home – thus it is unfairly biased/inadequate.  (Link to the Southwick study: SD-Fish-Wildlife-Boating-Economics-Southwick-6-30-22.pdf) This 2017 study at page 25\, table 29 shows 173\,825 wildlife watchers (residents – 89\,277 persons & non-resident  -84\,548 persons). All are only watching away from home. At page 8\, table 1 the study shows 103\,619  resident hunters & 112\,174 non-resident hunters or 215\,793 total hunters.  It does not delete at home hunting. \nSo the USFWS finds the number of hunters are only 15% of the number of wildlife watchers  but the 2017 Southwick study found wildlife watchers are just 80% of the hunters.  USFWS is only counting the west north central region’s people and Southwick is counting SD residents and non-residents. Southwick does not count at home wildlife watchers\, but USFWS does and in so doing more than doubles the wildlife watchers. \nVarious studies show over-hunting of lions creates more mt. lion v. human/livestock  conflicts. See You-tube video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ZD-PAKhSo \nHunting Regulation Complexity \nWe also object to this clause: “minimize regulation complexity”. The Department  in past has used the goal of simple hunting regulations to oppose changes to regulations designed to address animal cruelty issues. We assume they could also \nuse this goal of simplicity to oppose  changes needed for ecological reasons\, as maximizing hunting is “king” \nOLDER MT LION PLAN \nThere is also an older Mountain Lion Management Plan from 2019 that will more detail on mt. lions for reference: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/docs/LionPlan_FINAL_2019.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-to-sdgfp-on-draft-mountain-lion-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240822T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240716T181839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240720T121723Z UID:13866-1724142600-1724346000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:He Sapa Tribal Mining Summit DESCRIPTION:He Sapa Tribal Mining –  Protecting the Black Hills From Mining – Summit\nThe basic information is that it’s on August 20 – 22\nat Storm Mountain Retreat Center near Rockerville.\nMore details are pending.\nWe are just guessing at the time-of-day for the event.\nCheck Black Hills Clean Water Alliance web site or facebook pages for updates.\nWhen we learn more\, we will post it here. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/he-sapa-tribal-mining-summit/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/SaveTheDate-Registration-URL-7-24.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T225000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240719T184255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240719T184424Z UID:13934-1724194200-1724194200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP's species list for revision of Wildlife Action Plan DESCRIPTION:Wildlife Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft species list associated with the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan. \nThe South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan was last updated in 2015 and is revised every 10 years. This strategic planning document is designed to address the needs of South Dakota’s important habitats and representative plant and animal species. An approved Wildlife Action Plan maintains South Dakota’s eligibility for a federal funding match source called State Wildlife Grants. \nWildlife action plans focus on “species of greatest conservation need” but also address broader wildlife issues that can impact species and habitats. GFP has revised the state list of species of greatest conservation need and welcomes feedback on the draft list. The list includes rare species\, but also species for which South Dakota constitutes an important part of the species’ range or represents a unique or declining habitat. \nLearn more about the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan and the current revision process here. The draft species list can be found at the Wildlife Action Plan website and the management plan revisions site here. \nFeedback on the draft species list for the Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 will be accepted through August 20\, 2024. \nWritten comments can be sent to Wildlife Action Plan Revision Comments\, 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or emailed to swapcomments@state.sd.us. Comments must include your full name and city of residence and be received by the deadline. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfs-species-list-for-revision-of-wildlife-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240825T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240831T173000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240830T223814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240831T022557Z UID:14218-1724605200-1725125400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Wild 12 - 1 2 TH W O R L D W I L D E R N ESS CONGRESS - Rapid City\, SD DESCRIPTION:Wild 12 – The 12th World Wilderness Congress\, held in Rapid City\, both at the Dahl and the “Monument (Civic Center)” \nhere’s the link for the event: https://wild.org/wild12/ \nTo download document with information on speakers and schedule (the schedule is on page 18-31) \nhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bl83-tt0Hc7v6-FVeNeQBMPQ56fw78Fg/view \nIt starts on Sunday the 25th of August at 5 pm and ends at Saturday evening on the 31st of August  at 5:30 pm. \nSaturday 8/31/24 is at Fine Arts Theater of the Monument (Civic Center) 8-5:30 pm and “delegates reconvene to vote on/adopt WILD12’s resolutions and set the global wilderness conservation agenda for the next 4-5 years.” \nEvents are at both “the Monument” (Rapid City’s Civic Center) and at the Dahl Fine Arts Center\, you  need to check out the schedule to view all the events\, times and locations. \nA quote from the announcement of event: \n“This Congress was convened at the invitation of Philimon Two Eagle. In October 2022\, he spoke on behalf of the Oceti Sakowin and asked WILD to “bring the world to the Black Hills so that they can listen to the Lakota speak” about the interconnected burdens of environmental degradation and colonialism. \nPhilimon’s invitation also presented WILD and the global wilderness community with a unique opportunity to hold a sector-wide\, cross-cultural\, formal dialogue about the term “wilderness:” what it means to conservation and Indigenous Peoples\, as well as an objective assessment of its yields\, both harmful and beneficial. We embraced this challenge\, consulting with numerous Indigenous Peoples who met in working groups and as appointed advisors\, to better understand their approach to what conservation calls “wilderness.” What we learned is their terms encompass a far greater swath of reality and the cosmos than what wilderness\, at least as it has been defined by governmental bodies\, is permitted to be. Terms like Maka Sitomniya (Lakota)\, Ubuntu (Zulu)\, and Whanaungatanga (Māori) possess meanings that not only transcend the physical world\, but also stretch across time itself….” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wild-12-1-2-th-w-o-r-l-d-w-i-l-d-e-r-n-ess-congress-rapid-city-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240826T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240826T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240722T201453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T222212Z UID:14132-1724662800-1724684400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:CUP for wind/solar facility west of Badlands NP - Pennington City Planning Com DESCRIPTION:The review of the CUP application for a wind and solar facility near Conata Basin was continued from July 22nd to August 26th meetings  of the Pennington County Planning Commission.  We are not yet sure of the time the CUP will be on the agenda\, but we assume the meeting starts at 9 am.   Check the Pennington County web site\, when closer to the date for the agenda. \nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=2EDD9723-76E1-440D-99F8-7D7EBA54AF7F&Type=B_BASIC \nGo to the PHAS calendar’s July 22nd meeting notice for details. https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-hearing-on-wind-solar-farm-near-conata-basin/ \nWe were told the meeting room was three/fourth full of people on 7/22/24 who were in opposition to the solar/wind farm. As far as we know\, the environmental community did not much know about the CUP being at the July Commission meeting\, but the Citizens for Liberty (Tea Party) were very busy organizing against this facility. \nPacket for meeting on July 22nd go from page 92 to the end of the packet\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24_PC_Packet.pdf\n——————–\n13. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0022: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale solar energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n14. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0023: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale wind energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n\nOn the map of Pennington County look for a small blue rectangle. That is one of 3 parcels all next to each other\, that is the proposed site – URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/cup-for-wind-solar-facility-near-conata-basin-pennington-city-planning-com/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-22-at-3.18.44-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240901T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240901T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240530T032623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T192800Z UID:13244-1725234600-1725235140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to send written Comments to SD GFP Commission for September Meeting DESCRIPTION:Before midnight MT is the deadline to send written Comments to SD GFP Commission for their September Meeting. \nIf folks missed the comment deadlines of August 14th\, 16th and 20th on various wildlife action plans\, we suggest people still send in comments before this August 1st deadline\, as a copy of these comments will still be given to the Commissioners (who make the decisions). Go to those dates on the calendar for alerts.  Also go to Sept 5th-6th Commission meeting event item fo more info. Here is PHAS’s comments on the draft Mountain Lion Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \n\nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the most immediate 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 . \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nPHAS COMMENT LETTERS FOR TEMPLATES: \nHere is a copy of the first letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the  second letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nOTHER LETTERS \nHere are a copy of all the short letters about cougars in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mt.lion_.ACTION.PLAN_.PublicComment.Sept2024.MERGED.pdf \nHere is a copy of all the long formal letters about cougars in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/LONG.LETTERS1x.PublicComment.Sept2024.SDGFPComm-2.pdf \nHere is a copy of the MLF Letter: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-08-16-SD-Action-Plan-MLFcomments.pdf\n\nVisit or September 5th-6th Commission meeting event notice for more details\nSD Game Fish and Parks Commission Sept Hybrid Meeting- Rapid City URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-to-sd-gfp-commission-for-september-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-08-16-at-3.28.23-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240905T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240906T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240516T225134Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T154040Z UID:12732-1725541200-1725624000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish and Parks Commission Sept Hybrid Meeting- Rapid City DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish and Parks Commission September’s Hybrid Meeting is to be in Rapid City\, SD \nMore information will be posted here: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\, but  normally when closer to the date (maybe the Friday orvMonday before the meeting.) To see rule change proposals or petitions download the Commission Book once published. \n========== \nSeptember 5\, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. MT | September 6\, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. MTOutdoor Campus West — Rapid City\, SD | Livestream link \nZoom Meeting Link | To join via conference call\, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Webinar ID: 912 6417 6710 | Passcode: 970458 \nSeptember Agenda: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_September_5-6\,_2024.pdf \n============ \nRESULTS \nThe Commission adopted the proposed rules. They approved the Antelope Action Plan. They amended the proposed Mt. Lion Action Plan to drop population objectives down from 200-300 lions to 150-250 lions. This will result in overhunting of lions.  There will be another 30 day comment period\, with changes adopted (or not) at October meeting. \nThe SDGFP will have an Endangered Species Review on Friday morning\, likely after 9 am.  This may be the biennial review of the state’s threatened and endangered species list\, that is mandated by the legislature. It was expected in July\, but this is likely it.  The Commission puts or removes species on or off the list as rule making. \nRULE CHANGE FINALIZATIONS \nIn September there will be rule change finalization hearings on spring turkey season\, bobcat season and fishing regulations. To view these proposed rules view the Commission Book for the  July meeting or the Sept meetings: \nJULY \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/July_2024_Commission_Book.pdf \nSEPTEMBER \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/September_2024_GFP_Commission_Book.pdf \nGFP needs to reduce bobcat hunting in the Black Hills as the bobcat population is dropping below their objectives. They propose to change the unlimited take\, to just one bobcat per hunter/trapper in the Black Hills.  We support dropping the allowed take per hunter/trapper. Hound hunting of bob cats is allowed and we object to that. Trapping of bob cats is allowed and in SD there is a three and a partial day trap check time requirement.  Many states require 24 hour trap check times.  We ask for 24 hour trap check times or at least 30 hours as a compromise.  Bobcat Action Plan approved this spring https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Bobcat_Management_Action_Plan_2024-2028.pdf \nView bobcat season proposal to be approved in Sept: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/bobcatPropgfp.July_2024_Commission_Book-4.pdf   \n— \nGFP proposes reductions in out-of-state licenses for spring turkey hunting\, to address complaints of in-state hunters over excessive take of turkeys by out-of-state hunters.  The reduction offered is less than what the in-state hunters asked for. The South Dakota Wildlife Federation (SDWF) asked for  licenses for out-of-state folks to be limited to 22% of the number of total spring turkey licenses  or about 661 licenses and the GFP instead offered to  limit the number of nonresident licenses to 2\,225 one-tag male turkey licenses in the Black Hills hunting unit.  SDWF and others express concern for low turkey population numbers. \n— \nChanges to fish limits at Belle Fourche Reservoir \, Lake Oahe salmon snagging and reporting requirements for private fish hatcheries are proposed. \n=============== \nACTION PLANs \nAt the July Commission meeting they reviewed a draft Mountain Lion Action Plan\, which was to be put out for public comment. The public comment deadline is August 16th. The Commission must act at this meeting to approve the Acton Plan.  Info at this link https://gfp.sd.gov/management-plans/. To view  draft Mountain Lion Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/MtLion-ActionPlangfp.July_2024_Commission_Book-3.pdf \nFor talking points see our comments: – \nHere is a copy of the first letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the second letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of printed handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nPHAS may have an informal discussion meeting by Zoom in an evening just before the Meeting – contact Nancy if you want to attend that – 605-787-6466\, has.wsd@rapidnet.com \nWe always object to the 365 day year round hunting season on the Statewide/Prairie Unit. We object to hound hunting of lions on Custer State Park and the Statewide/Prairie Unit\, which is all of SD outside of the Black Hills Fire Protection District (BHFPD).  SD GFP does not manage for viable populations outside of the BHFPD. We believe that SDGFP should have objectives for viable populations of mountain lions at least on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations\, as both tribes manage for viable populations and due to Allotment Acts reservation properties in SD are checker boarded with mixed tribal and Caucasian ownership. GFP has jurisdiction over properties with Caucasian ownership. It should provide for connectivity corridors between the Black  Hills with Reservation properties. \nWe object to this goal in the Plan at the eleventh page: “Objective 2: Manage mountain lion populations for both maximum and quality recreational hunting opportunities\, considering all social and biological inputs.”  SD has an endangered species act and thus the legislature does not wish for populations of any native species to become extirpated.  We suggest this clause does not adequately balance the ecological benefits of mountain lions\, an apex predator and keystone species with benefits of  human recreation. Wildlife watchers exceed hunters in USFWS studies and their recreational needs also matter. The word “maximum” should be dropped.\n \nWhile the formal public comment period on the Plan ends August 16\, you can still send in written public comment for the Commission meeting by Sept 1st & testify at the meeting. \n============ \nPublic Comments Received \nThe Public Comments can be found in the Commission Book . The public comments start at page 101 and go on for about 100 pages. Comments on the Mt Lion Action Plan take up about 48 pages of 101.  The long formal letters written by groups are at the end of the public comments: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/September_2024_GFP_Commission_Book.pdf \nWritten comments for the Commission could have been submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the most immediate Commission 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.  We believe if you hand them comments directly\, in person at the meeting\, they are included in the meeting’s record. \nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. To 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. However they are polite and at the end of each commenting period\, normally ask if anyone who didn’t register wants to testify. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240908T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240908T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240906T200608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T203856Z UID:14363-1725796800-1725814800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Norbeck Society Annual Meeting Picnic DESCRIPTION:September 8: 12 noon – Norbeck Society annual meeting and potluck picnic \nWhere: The Chalet\, 9203 South High Meadows Drive\, High Meadows. \nDirections: From Sturgis Road (Hwy 79)\, between Black Hawk and Piedmont\, on the north edge of Summerset\, turn west onto High Meadows Road.  Continue up the  gravel road keeping right up the hill to High Meadows\, turn left at the T-junction\, and in 100 yards continue straight ahead on to the asphalt driveway\, and park next to the tennis court. \nBring:  Food to share and beverage of your choosing\, folding chair (optional) \nWe are not sure of the end time\, so have guessed at 5 pm end point. \nPlease join Norbeck Society (NS) to review their activities of the past year and to learn of plans for the next year\, our 20th!!!  NS would love to hear your opinions on what you would like NS to do to advocate for management of our public lands. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/norbeck-society-annual-meeting-picnic-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240914T084500 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240915T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240909T203804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T124350Z UID:14405-1726303500-1726412400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Help with Beaver Dam Analog Construction in Northern BHs Saturday\, Sept 14th & Sunday 15th DESCRIPTION:Build like a beaver and restore habitat \n—— \n What? Come play in the creek and help support watershed restoration! Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) are habitat restoration methods utilizing natural material to simulate a real beaver dam. Beaver dams help clean water\, provide fish habitat and support wildlife. Volunteers will be tasked with hammering stakes into the ground\, weaving branches and digging up sod and dirt. The goal of BDAs is to slow the flow of water and expand the local water table.  \nWhere?  \n Where? Silver Creek\, located just east of Rochford Road a little north of the town of Rochford. Directions and map on next page  \nLat Long is: 44.162900\, -103.714895  \nWhen? Sept 14 &  Sept 15th \, check in 8:45 am\, orientation and demonstration 9:00 am. If some folks need to leave early or to arrive late that is okay. Ends each day at about 3 pm. \nPlease RSVP to Black Hills Fly Fishers:  blackhillsflyfishers@gmail.com  \nFor questions – Bill Young (605) ‭‭‭391-1002 (there is no cell reception at Silver Creek) \n\n\n\nDirections – 1.5 hours from Rapid and Spearfish\, high clearance vehicle recommended From Rapid City  \n\nTake Hwy 44 to Hwy 385. \nAt 385 take a right. Travel 11.8 miles on 385 to the Custer Crossing Rd intersection. \nTurn left on Custer Crossing Rd. \nTravel about 4.8 miles and then turn left on Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C) \nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch. \nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area. \n\nFrom Spearfish  \n\nTake I-90 to Deadwood \nTake exit 17 and travel to Deadwood \nIn Deadwood continue on Pioneer Way to 85 Bypass towards Central City \nContinue on 14A past Lead. \nAbout 4 miles south of Lead take a left onto North Rochford Road \nTravel about 9.5 miles on North Rochford Road and then take a left onto Custer Crossing Rd. \nTravel about 1.4 miles on Custer Crossing and then take a right onto Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C). \nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch. \nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area.  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/help-with-beaver-dam-analog-construction-saturday-sept-14th/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-18-at-4.16.58-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240917T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240917T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240916T172944Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240921T013531Z UID:14542-1726597800-1726601400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Old-Growth Amendment Comment On-line Workshop on submitting comments to the FS on Old Growth due 9/20/24 DESCRIPTION:Sept 17th\, 6:30 pm Mt – On Line Workshop on submitting comments to the National Forest on Old Growth due 9/20/24 \nThis meeting is passed but a you-tube video recording of it exists – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXPKllTjrmw \nThe U.S. Forest Service has proposed a policy that could reduce the logging and destruction of old-growth trees in national forests. The comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for this amendment ends on September 20\, 2024. \nJoin Rocky Mountain Wild\, Environment Colorado\, and Wild Connections to learn about this opportunity to protect mature and old-growth forests. They will discuss how these forests are critical to protecting our climate\, the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed National Old-Growth Amendment\, and how to add your voice to request strong protections for this critical natural resource. Learn more at https://rockymountainwild.org/protect-climate-forests \nRocky Mountain Wild is  hosting a workshop tomorrow evening with  Environment Colorado and Wild Connections! Register here to save your seat! \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sdeygrj4vHtNBeOQhv5aFtovw7DCrDKto#/registration \nThe workshop is free\, but you do need to register to join sponsors. \nNote there is an environmentalist portal for submitting comments.\nhttps://www.climate-forests.org/take-action\n\nAlso go to our PHAS events calendar for 9/20/24/ for  notice on comment opportunity and other references \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-forest-services-deis-on-old-growth-amendments-to-forest-plans/ \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-old-growth-amendment-comment-on-line-workshop-on-submitting-comments-to-the-fs-on-old-growth-due-9-20-24/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240918T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240918T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240515T012903Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T170253Z UID:12669-1726664400-1726677000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest - Advisory Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest – Advisory Board meeting likely at Mystic Ranger District from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. \n9/16/24 – THIS MEETING IS CANCELLED AS THEY WAIT FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY UPPER LEVELS OF THE FOREST SERVICE. This  happens periodically\, as the Board has to appointed periodically and it takes a while  for the appointment process to work through. \nCheck for updates:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-advisory-board-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240918T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240918T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240913T185956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T202122Z UID:14424-1726686000-1726693200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Information Meeting on Proposed Mining near Custer (F3) DESCRIPTION:Information Meeting on proposed mining near Custer (F3)\, – the meeting is sponsored by Black Hills Preservation Project\, \nSeptember 18\, 2024  7:00 PM MT\, Custer High School Auditorium \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last\, but have guessed it will end at 9 pm MT \nFor more information contact Gary Placo – (605) 673-2197‬\, figarose2000@yahoo.com \n—- \nAlso for information – here is a link to Black Hills Clean Water Alliance page on F3 Gold proposed mining https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/?s=F3 \nF3 Gold \n \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/information-meeting-on-proposed-mining-near-custer-f3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/F3-Meeting-1-1.pdf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240919T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240919T203000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240908T171355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T115654Z UID:14396-1726768800-1726777800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Forum and Panel Discussion of Referred Law 21\, Rapid City DESCRIPTION:There is a moderated Public Forum and Panel Discussion of Referred Law 21.  It is at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in the Washington Room. Doors open at 6 pm and Forum is from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT.  This event is sponsored by Citizens for Liberty.   See the attached poster for details. \nAt our July Board Meeting\, the PHAS Board of Directors endorsed the referendum of Senate Bill 201 (Referred Law 21). We opposed SB 201 during the 2024 legislature. This is related to the fight in eastern SD over CO2 pipelines and local control vs. state control over regulations about pipelines as they go through local counties. Some Counties ordinances are more protective\, but SB 201 causes state laws/rules to supersede local ordinances\, when this regulatory conflicts exist. It is about use of eminent domain for private pipe lines. Dakota Rural Action has a web page on the fight over C02 pipelines in SD – https://www.dakotarural.org/our-work/carbon-pipelines/ \nHere is an article quoting DRA staff on referred law 21:  https://www.sdpb.org/environment/2024-09-06/recent-polling-shows-strong-opposition-in-pipeline-battles \nCitizens for Liberty said they would record the Forum and post to their Rumble Channel. I don’t have that link yet. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/forum-and-panel-discussion-of-referred-law-21-rapid-city/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-09-08-at-11.20.58-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T213000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240830T224302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T201001Z UID:14221-1726855200-1726867800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BH's Environmental Coalition quarterly movie - "Biggest Little Farm" DESCRIPTION:  \nBiggest Little Farm Movie Screening at the Dahl\nFriday\, September 20\, 2024 at 06:00 PM \nLink: https://www.blackhills.earth/biggest_little_farm_at_the_dahl \nSocial starts at 6pm with music by Shane Skinner and treats for you to enjoy. Music starts at 6pm and the movie begins at 7. \nThe event is free and open to all! \n“THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature’s conflicts\, the Chesters unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm\, its seasons\, and our wildest imagination. Featuring breathtaking cinematography\, captivating animals\, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call\, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.” \nBH’s Environmental Coalition is grateful for the Izaak Walton\, Rapid City Sustainability Committee and Citizens’ Climate Lobby who have helped bring this screening to Rapid City for free. \nWikipedia review https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Biggest_Little_Farm \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhs-environmental-coalition-quarterly-movie-biggest-little-farm/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-09-13-at-2.07.20-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T215000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T215900 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240621T153602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240920T193713Z UID:13737-1726869000-1726869540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Forest Service's DEIS on Old Growth - Amendments to Forest Plans DESCRIPTION:The United States Department of Agriculture has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for Amendments to Land Management Plans to Address Old-growth Forests Across the National Forest System. The Forest Service’s proposed old-growth amendment amends over 120 land management plans through one analysis and decision. The proposed amendment is intended to provide a consistent management framework to conserve and steward old-growth forests in response to rapidly changing climate conditions and other threats (e.g. wildfire\, insect and disease).   \n\n\nThe draft environmental impact statement and supporting documentation is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65356.   \nHOW TO COMMENT:\n\n\nComments on the DEIS will be accepted for 90-days\, starting the day after the publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) for the DEIS in the Federal Register. \n \n\n\nComments may be submitted online through the Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA) (preferred) or hardcopy.   \n\n\n\nSubmit comments via webform at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=65356.  \nHardcopy letters must be submitted to: Director\, Ecosystem Management Coordination\, 201 14th Street SW\, Mailstop 1108\, Washington\, DC 20250–1124   \n\n\n\nAs the CARA webform and hardcopy are the two platforms for accepting comments\, comments submitted outside these methods will not be prioritized for consideration and response; however\, they will be included in the project record. \nWe assume the time-of-day deadline is comments submitted on-line by 9:59 MT\, or 11:59 EST\, as the deadline is usually the time zone of address\, which is in DC\, but this needs to be verified. \nALTERNATIVELY USE A PRE-FAB FORM LETTER\n===================== \nFORM LETTER # 1 \nCBD form letter (pre-fab sign on letter) \nhttps://act.biologicaldiversity.org/gQivV6PZXk6NehW3THNZLw2?sourceid=1009609&utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&contactdata=pUxC9h2WSLpilHuDWye8ZVzK+nhcWDH5HaDJBWNxfAe3lKq6UmlR0nUmEDP%2fc29xoXh0IvwkZ47Sjd%2fWhBGD5L1VEtxvxFisHqphY8X0ACwnwM7MtK7ij6etQqXjmEhTurqBRwdryKv01Wxgv0LIMPkTURMtc5TmZbzJ0y1mn8vQgvsB4YUCgQWN+GmQjp7jhCQ89fvNDSzbhK7DXLjWz6xZuEOQrMNmhVpLuV1cAnk%3d&emci=ffa97720-7865-ef11-991a-6045bdd9e096&emdi=8b687a8c-f466-ef11-991a-6045bdd9e096&ceid=586032 \nFORM LETTER # 2\nNote there is an environmentalist portal created by Climate Forest coalition  for submitting comments – it has pre-fab comments.\nhttps://www.climate-forests.org/take-action\nLETTER TEMPLATE\nhttps://www.oldgrowthforest.net/add-your-comment\n===============================\nRESOURCES\n++++++++++++++++++++++\nYou can go to the Reading Room of the Forest Service and read letters that have been submitted. You type in the name of the organization or individual that submitted them.\nhttps://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//ReadingRoom?Project=65356\n\nHere are the 2 letters created by the John Muir Project on the DEIS that Prairie Hills Audubon Society signed on to:\n\nThe 36 page longer letter:  https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Biden-MOG-DEIS-JMP-et-al.-comments-17Sept24RFS-compressed.pdf\nThe two page shorter letter:  https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Organizations-Call-on-Biden-Administration-to-Protect-Mature-and-Old-Growth-Forests-from-Logging.pdf\nYou can go to the Forest Service reading room and see letters submitted by other environmental organizations.\n\n\nVIDEO\n“CROWN JEWELS” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl2RFcvTuqQ \n\n\n ARTICLES  or statements on Old Growth Forest amendments DEIS\, Comments due Sept 19th \nCenter for Biololgical Diversity’s Press Release: \nForest Service Urged to Strengthen Protections for Mature\, Old-Growth Forests in Draft Plan \nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/forest-service-urged-to-strengthen-protections-for-mature-old-growth-forests-in-draft-plan-2024-06-21/ \nEarth Justice’s Press Release: \n\n\n\nForest Service takes key step toward first national rule to protect mature\, old-growth trees\, forests.       \nhttps://earthjustice.org/press/2023/forest-service-takes-key-step-toward-first-national-rule-to-protect-mature-old-growth-trees-forests \nClimate Forests Discussion of DEIS effort: \nhttps://www.climate-forests.org/post/biden-administration-moves-to-protect-old-growth-forests \nClimate Forests provides educational material on benefits of old growth forest: \nhttps://www.climate-forests.org/copy-of-news-1 \nNational Audubon Society’s article \nhttps://ak.audubon.org/news/tongass-national-forest-and-new-old-growth-protections \nLinks to useful articles by Climate Forest relative to old growth\nInsects –  https://www.climate-forests.org/post/native-insects-and-mature-forests\n\nFire – https://www.climate-forests.org/post/mature-trees-are-fire-resistant \nBiodiversity – https://www.climate-forests.org/post/biodiversity-co-benefits-of-mature-forests \nCarbon sequestration –https://www.climate-forests.org/post/carbon-sequestration-and-storage-capacity-of-older-trees-and-forests\nRoads – https://www.climate-forests.org/post/effects-of-forest-roads-on-mature-and-old-growth-forests\n\nTEXT OF THE TWO ON-LINE COMMENT LETTERS \nCENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY FORM LETTER’s TEXT\n \n\nI urge the U.S. Forest Service to significantly strengthen its final record of decision on the national old-growth amendment to (1) ensure meaningful protections for the United States’ remaining old-growth forests and (2) lay a foundation that will increase the abundance and distribution of old-growth trees for future generations. \n \nThe agency’s proposed policy includes numerous loopholes that allow for continued — or even increased — logging of old-growth trees. Logging old-growth trees to save them from potential threats is a false solution. These climate champions are worth more standing.  \n \nTo successfully protect old-growth forests and trees\, the final national old-growth amendment must support a modified alternative 3 that does the following: \n \n– Eliminate exceptions and end *all* logging of old-growth trees in national forests. \n \n– Remove the economic incentive for logging old growth by prohibiting the sale\, exchange\, and milling of old-growth trees. This should prevent all but truly rare removals of such trees. \n \n– Set the stage for durable protections for mature trees and stands\, which is paramount to expanding the abundance of future old growth. To recover old growth that was lost to past mismanagement\, mature forests and trees must be protected from commercial logging. \n \nGiven the outstanding role mature and old-growth trees and forests play in curbing the climate and extinction crises\, the Forest Service must establish *meaningful* safeguards for their conservation. Failure to do so undermines the objectives of this amendment\, contravenes the direction of President Biden’s Executive Order 14072\, and ignores more than half a million public comments the U.S. Forest Service received following the advance notice of proposed rulemaking it published in April 2023. \n \nChief Moore\, I’m counting on you to listen to the public and end the commercial exploitation of the country’s oldest forests and trees. They should be left standing to store climate-heating carbon\, improve watershed health\, provide crucial wildlife habitat\, increase forest resilience to wildfires\, and act as a bulwark against climate-change impacts like flooding and drought.\n—\n===============\nCLIMATE FORESTS FORM LETTER’s TEXT:\n \n\nMature and old-growth trees and forests protect our climate by absorbing and storing carbon\, boost resilience to fire\, help regulate temperatures\, filter drinking water and shelter wildlife. Logging them deprives us of the benefits and beauty of our largest\, oldest trees.\n \nThe Draft Environmental Impact Statement fails to protect old-growth trees and forests. The proposal allows old-growth trees to be sent to the mill and allows agency staff to manage old-growth out of existence in pursuit of “proactive stewardship” goals. The draft also contains ambiguous language that could be used to justify continued commercial logging of old growth in the Tongass.\n \nThe final record of decision should:\n1.End the cutting of old-growth trees in all national forests and forest types and end the cutting of any trees in old-growth stands in moist forest types.\n2.End any commercial exchange of old-growth trees. Even in the rare circumstances where an old-growth tree is cut (e.g. public safety)\, that tree should not be sent to the mill.\n \nCutting down old-growth trees to save them from potential threats is a false solution. They are worth more standing.\n \nThe DEIS fails to protect mature trees and forests. Mature forests and trees – future old growth – must be protected from the threat of commercial logging in order to recover old growth that has been lost to past mismanagement. Protection of mature forests can be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with addressing the threat of fire. They must be protected to aid in the fight against worsening climate change and biodiversity loss. And they must be protected to ensure that our children are able to experience and enjoy old growth.\n \nWe urge you to take this opportunity to protect our oldest trees and forests. Failure to do so undermines the objectives of this amendment\, contravenes the direction of EO 14072\, and ignores 500\,000+ public comments the agency received on last summer’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-forest-services-deis-on-old-growth-amendments-to-forest-plans/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-05-16-at-6.59.29-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240923T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240923T205000 DTSTAMP:20260414T234050 CREATED:20240922T171842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T201502Z UID:14609-1727118000-1727124600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BH Clean Water Alliance's\, Rapid Creek Watershed's\, Sierra Club Meeting - Mining in Black Hills "Important Meeting" DESCRIPTION:BH Clean Water Alliance’s\, Rapid Creek Watershed’s & Sierra Club Meeting – Mining in Black Hills “Important Meeting” \nSeptember 23rd & pm Monday at Outdoor Campus West (OCW) \, Rapid City on Aventure Trail in northwestern side of  Rapid City. \nWhile the announcement doesn’t say this\, the Forest Service recently released the NEPA document on Pactola Mineral  Withdrawal and have a virtual meeting on that on Wednesday and a comment deadline in later October. (check our Calendar for event/deadline notices). \nWe are not sure which group(s)  is sponsoring this meeting \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last\, but OCW  closes its’ doors at 9 pm. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bh-clean-water-alliances-and-rapid-creek-watersheds-meeting-mining-in-black-hills-important-meeting/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR