Wyoming Hunting seasons comment deadline
2025-04-02 16:59 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
The public comment period for Chapters 2 (General Hunting) , 5 (Antelope) , 6 (Deer), 7 (Elk), 8 (Moose), 9 (Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat), 11 (Upland Bird and Small Game), 14 (Migratory Game Bird & Light Goose), 15 (Wild Bison) and 20 (Wild Turkey) is now open through 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025.

Copies of the proposed regulations are available on the Game and Fish public meeting webpage. In addition, biologists’ presentations containing information on season proposals for each district will be posted on this page by March 22.
Interested public can review the proposed written regulations and presentations before submitting public comments through 5:00 pm April 2.
Comments can be made on the public meeting webpage, posting on-line, submitted in person at meetings or by mailing comments to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Regulations, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604. We have not verified this year yet, but in the past years WGFD deadlines, for submissions that were sent by mail, needed receipt in Casper on the deadline.
POSITIONS OF PHAS.
One should object to the greater sage grouse hunting season. The greater sage grouse should be federally listed under the ESA, but congress has passed riders on various bills, outlawing ESA listing.
On should object to dusky grouse hunting in the Black Hills/Bearlodge areas of the Black Hills. The dusky grouse is believed extirpated from the Black Hills/Bearlodge. Several SDGFP reintroduction efforts failed. PHAS has received an unverified sighting of a dusky grouse south of Tinton, SD. There should be no hunting of dusky grouse in the Black Hills.

BHNF Buffalo Forest Health project's scoping deadline
2025-04-03 11:50 - 23:59
Notice was published in the Pioneer on March 4th. BHNF Buffalo Forest Health project’s scoping deadline would thus be Thursday April 3rd.

A detailed project description and project maps are available for review on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=67248.

The preferred method is to submit comments by visiting the Buffalo project website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=67248) and clicking on the “Comment/Object on Project” link. You may also submit comments via email to Steve Kozel, Northern Hills District Ranger (steven.kozel@usda.gov) or Chris Stores, Northern Hills Ranger District resource planner (chris.stores@usda.gov), via fax at (605) 642-4156, or via US mail at:

SD Game, Fish and Parks Commission April Meeting at Pierre, SD and Zoom link
2025-04-03 12:00 - 2025-04-04 11:00
SD Game, Fish and Parks Hybrid Commission April Meeting at Pierre, SD and via Zoom link
The meeting will start at 1 pm CT on Thursday and end at noon CT (or earlier) on Friday.
Zoom Webinar: Click here to join the meeting ,
Meeting ID: 912 6417 6710, Passcode: [REDACTED]
Call In: +16699009128,,91264176710# US,
Video Conference ID: 91264176710@zoomcrc.com,
The agenda and various information on the meeting is or will be posted to this web page before the meeting-
https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/
Agenda (this has the Zoom links):
https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/April_Agenda_Final.pdf
Public Comments Already received:
https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PublicCommissionComments.pdf
The written comment deadline was Sunday (3/30/25) just before midnight CT. Go to March 30th alert on how to comment to Commission.
April written comment sending alert
https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/2025-03-30/
Commission’s submit public comment link –
https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/

Folks can testify at 2 pm at hearing and/or open forum in person or by Zoom. It is suggested you e-mail GFP staff person (Gail Buus at gail.buus@state.sd.us) in advance of the meeting to request remote testifying opportunity, but it is not required, as they always ask if anyone not registered wants to speak. You can get 3 minutes at the hearing on each rule finalization you wish to speak on and at the “Open Forum”. During hearings on finalizations you can only testify on the rule change proposal. During “Open Forum” you can testify on anything. Finalization hearings precede the Open Forum.
Also go to the Event’s Calendar posting on March 6-7th meeting for more information on issues. After the meetings we post a summary of what happened and the issues:.- https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-pierre-sd-and-zoom/
Also visit our mt. lion action alert web page
Issues we are concerned about for 4/3/25
1. Allowing hound hunting of lions on the prairie unit to originate on public and private land, with consent of owner. This would be a change from the status quo which allows hound hunting on private land and only on public land if the chase moves from private to public land. We oppose this rule change and urge folks to write or testify in opposition to this. Go to our web site on Mt Lions for talking points.
Link to PHAS comment letter on Mt.Lion Season proposal: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mt-Lion-PHAS-Comment-325_F.pdf
2. Allowing a rocky mountain sheep to be shot in the Deadwood unit – concern is that population is too low to support killing one. We are investigating this rule change.
3. Allow the SDGFP hunting area that supports the west river prairie elk season to be increased to overlap west river Lakota Reservations, so Caucasians can hunt elk on private land in-holdings within the reservations. The tribes oppose this. At the public hearing on 3/6/25 representatives from Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribes spoke against the rule change. We are investigating this rule change.
Link to PHAS comment letter on Prairie Elk Season proposal –https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/prairie-Elk-comment-PHAS-F.pdf

"Hands Off" mobilization - National Protests/events on 4/5/25
2025-04-05 11:00 - 14:00
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – SATURDAY, APRIL 5
“Hands Off” mobilization – National Protests/events on 4/5/25-
Quote from the organizing web page: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”…..
Events are being held in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Brookings and Pierre starting at 11 am or 12 am local times and each event may last for an hour or two.
Hands Off! Rapid City Fights Back
This is the link to the announcement of Founders Park at 11 am from Mobilize web site. It is still there Monday morning 3/31/25.
https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/765517/

Sat, Apr 5

11:00 AM — 1:00 PM MDT

Founders Park
Rapid City, SD 57701
=====

National Web site – where you can see a map of events nationwide, however we have posted a view of that map to this notice:
https://handsoff2025.com/?utm_source=centerforbiologicaldiversity&emci=93c8425c-b805-f011-90cd-0022482a9fb7&emdi=892bd342-380b-f011-90cd-0022482a9fb7&ceid=586032
We have been told verbally by a person claiming to being helping organize the Rapid City event, that the event in Rapid City will be a noon and at another location. We need to verify this statement and confirm time/location of event on Saturday.

50501 Protest Rapid City, near City Hall 12-2 pm "Remove, Reverse, Reclaim
2025-04-05 12:00 - 14:00
50501 Protest in Rapid City, near City Hall 12-2 pm, Title “Remove, Reverse, Reclaim
Quote from promotion:
“Unite against oppression, dictatorship
Rapid City will join with cities throughout the nation to defend freedom and protect our future at a peaceful protest, from noon-2 pm Saturday, April 5, on public sidewalks outside City Hall on Omaha Street.
“This is our moment,” organizers say. “We will NOT sit back while our rights, our democracy and our future are threatened.”
There is another protest at 11 am-1 pm at Founders Park, “Hands off” by Mobilize and Indivisible. See event announcement on this calendar

International Beaver Day - April 7th
2025-04-07 00:00 - 12:00
International Beaver Day is celebrated annually on April 7. The holiday was created in 2009 by Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife (B.W.W.,) a non-profit organization with members in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Beavers are a unique and important keystone species, having a great impact on the ecosystem.

Some Municipal and School Board elections can occur on 4/8/25
2025-04-08 07:00 - 19:00
In SD, Municipal and School Board elections can occur on three days (4/8/25, 6/3/25, 6/17/25) , depending on the City or School Boards choices from the date options the SOS offers.
https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/assets/2025MunicipalElectionCalendar.pdf
https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/assets/2025%20Documents/2025SchoolElectionCalendar.pdf
In Lawrence County – Spearfish, Lead & Deadwood municipal elections happen and also Lead-Deadwood School Board Elections.
I don’t know all the other towns or school boards holding elections on April 8th in SD,
but in Meade County – Summerset and Sturgis may chose that first date

SD Weed & Pest Control Commission April Meeting
2025-04-09 12:00 - 16:00
SD Weed & Pest Control Commission April Meeting
in Pierre at Capitol Lake Visitors Center
Start Date/Time: 04/09/2025 01:00 PM CT
End Date/Time: 04/09/2025 05:00 PM CT

https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=109

PHAS Monthly Board Meeting
2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:00
PHAS Monthly Board Meeting, these are held by Zoom at 6:30 pm. They are open to members and non-member friends by invitation. Contact Nancy if you want to come
605-787-6466, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com.
These are supposed to occur on the second Wednesday of the month but can be moved to different day if quorum can’t be attained, often then moved to the 3rd Wednesday or Thursday.

Western SD Hydrology Conference 2025
2025-04-10 08:00 - 18:00
The 2025 Western South Dakota Hydrology Conference will be held on Thursday April
10, 2025, at the Monument in Rapid City – 8am – 6pm MDT
Registration information:
Registration will open on February 5, 2025, at the conference Eventbrite website.
Professional development hours will be available to interested parcipants for sessions
attended. Registration fees include lunch and are $85 for professionals and $30 for
students and general public. For draft agenda and registration visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-western-south-dakota-hydrology-conference-tickets-1027131055637?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

-Organized by the National Weather Service, RESPEC, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, U.S. Geological Survey, and West Dakota Water Development District.

April 14th (or 13th) is the deadline to comment on ACE rules for Energy Emergency process for Sec 404 of the Clean Water Act
2025-04-14 21:50 - 21:59
April 14th (or 13th) is the deadline to comment on Army Corps of Engineer’s (ACE) rules for Energy Emergency process for Sec 404 of the Clean Water Act
Special Public Notice National Energy Emergency E.O. 14156 – use
of emergency processing procedures for Energy Emergency permits and use of
36 CFR 800.12(b)(2)

The Omaha District [ACE] posted a special public notice
<https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/4147898/special-public-notice-for-special-emergency-processing-procedures-under-eo-1415/>
to our [ACE] website on April 7, 2025 for the use of the special emergency
processing procedures for activities covered by the National Energy
Emergency declared in Executive Order (EO) 14156
<https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-02003/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency> for Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permits, which includes use of existing emergency procedures for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Quote from cited document:
” Special Public Notice for SPECIAL EMERGENCY PROCESSING PROCEDURES UNDER E.O. 14156 IN MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, AND WYOMING FOR SECTION 10 RIVERS AND HARBORS ACT AND SECTION 404 CLEAN WATER ACT PERMITS ISSUE DATE: April 7, 2025
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Northwestern Division has approved the use of special emergency processing procedures by the Omaha District in accordance with 33 CFR § 325.2(e)(4) for activities covered by the National Energy Emergency declared in Executive Order (EO) 14156. That EO was issued on January 20, 2025, under the President’s legal authorities, including the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1601 et seq.) and 3 USC § 301. For the reasons stated in Section 1 of EO 14156, the President has found that insufficient energy production, transportation, refining, and generation constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to our Nation’s economy, national security, and foreign policy and declared a national emergency on the basis of those findings. The President has directed agencies to use, to the fullest extent possible and consistent with applicable law, emergency USACE permitting provisions to facilitate the Nation’s energy supply. These special emergency processing procedures have been approved for activities associated with the identification, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy sources, including energy infrastructure, that require Department of the Army authorization under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and/or Section 103 of the Marine Research, Protection, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, where there would be an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss
of property, or an immediate, unforeseen, and significant economic hardship if the action
requiring a permit is not undertaken within a time period less than the normal time needed to process the application under standard procedures

To facilitate quick and effective communication given the 7-day comment
period under 800.12(b)(2) ( https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-VIII/part-800/subpart-B/section-800.12 ) the Omaha District intends to submit Section 106
documentation electronically. Emails regarding Section 106 for E.O. 14156
projects will include “E.O. 14156” in the subject line
=============

Here is legal review of Trumps attempt to change regulations for energy emergency:
https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2025/02/14/demystifying-president-trumps-national-energy-emergency-and-the-scope-of-emergency-authority/

Deadline to comment on BHNF's Frass Forest Health Project Environmental Assessment;
2025-04-17 23:50 - 23:59
Deadline to comment on BHNF’s Frass Forest Health Project Environmental Assessment;
“This project is to primarily salvage dead/dying timber and includes the installation of wildfire fuel breaks on National Forest Service lands in an area to the east of Pringle, SD, in Custer County, SD.” or “Project to primarily salvage harvest beetle infected and/or killed trees to reduce the extent of a rapidly spreading bark beetle infestation and recover value of beetle-hit trees; increase forest health resiliency and reduce risk of wildfire.”
Please be aware that scoping and comments are combined in this project: because of the urgency of salvage operations, the opportunity to comment will be seven days, from 4/11/2025-4/17/2025.

The most direct link to comment is at: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67387
To download information on the project including a draft EA – https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=67387

If you experience technical difficulties—due to the fact that Black Hills National Forest is transitioning to a new address—please try the following: visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills
and search for “Projects” – and follow the links to the Frass Forest Health Project. Once on the project page, the link to Comment/Object can be found under the “Get Connected” tab.

Person who sent out information on this project is Anita Swanson, Hell Canyon Ranger District anita.swanson@usda.gov, 605-673-9360
They have only given 7 days notice on this project

National Park Week - week long events
2025-04-19 00:00 - 2025-04-27 12:00
National Park Week – week long events

National Park Week (April 19-27) is a time to celebrate and enjoy our national parks, with many parks offering special events and activities. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited in national parks, as it disrupts their natural behavior and can be harmful.

National Park Week Events:

Free Entrance:
Many national parks waive their entrance fees during National Park Week, making it a great time to visit.

Special Events:

Parks often host ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and other activities to highlight the park’s natural and cultural features.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Some parks offer opportunities to volunteer during National Park Week, contributing to park maintenance and conservation efforts.

SD PARKS
============

Wind Cave National Park will celebrate National Park Week from April 19 to April 27, 2025, with free entrance to the park on the first day, April 19, and various activities throughout the week.

Here’s a breakdown of National Park Week at Wind Cave National Park:

National Park Week Dates: April 19 to April 27, 2025.

Free Entrance Day: April 19, 2025.

Activities: Wind Cave National Park will host a variety of activities throughout the week, including cave tours, exhibits, school events, and social media posts.

Cave Week: National Park caves are also celebrating Cave Week, which runs concurrently with National Park Week, with a focus on caves and karst.

Theme: The 2025 theme for National Park Week is “National Park Playlist”.

Other Free Entrance Days: Besides the first day of National Park Week, there are other free entrance days in 2025, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 20), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and Veterans Day (November 11).

Cave Tours: Note that there are no cave tours because the elevator is being repaired.

Visitor Center: Open Daily, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

=====

Badlands National Park will waive entrance fees on April 19, 2025, to kick off National Park Week, which runs from April 19 to April 27, 2025.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

National Park Week: This annual event celebrates the National Park Service and its parks, with the theme for 2025 being “National Park Playlist”.

Fee-Free Day: Entrance fees will be waived at Badlands National Park, and all other national parks, on April 19, 2025, to mark the start of National Park Week.

Other Fee-Free Days in 2025:

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day

August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day

September 27: National Public Lands Day

November 11: Veterans Day

================
National Monuments, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Wall, SD, The Missouri National Recreational River are part of the Park System and will also celebrate National Park Week and we suspect all will offer free attendance on 4/19/25 – but please verify for each of them.

Clean Up Rapid Creek event along rapid Creek
2025-04-19 10:00 - 13:00
On Saturday, the group 50501 will join Clean Up Rapid Creek at the Cherry Avenue Bridge at 10 a.m. to help clean the shores of Rapid Creek. This is part of nationwide protest/service effort.
Article – SD:
https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/04/18/day-action-demonstrations-planned-across-south-dakota/
Map of events-USA:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f-30Rsg6N_ONQAulO-yVXTKpZxXchRRB2kD3Zhkpe_A/preview
Article:
https://www.newsweek.com/anti-trump-protests-us-map-list-2061036

We don’t know how long the event will last, but have selected 3 hours randomly

Collaborating for Biodiversity Deadline for Artwork submissions is April 23rd
2025-04-23 21:50 - 21:59
Collaborating for Biodiversity’s deadline for art submissions is April 23rd

Collaborating for Biodiversity is a K-12 youth art project celebrating species protected by the Endangered Species Act. You are invited to submit artworks created in collaboration with two or more youth artists. We’ve created Collaborating for Biodiversity in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Endangered Species Day, Friday, May 16th, 2025.

Please go to the web site for eligibility guidelines. Eligibility and Guidelines
https://www.endangered.org/collaboratingforbidiversity/
Sponsors – Endangered Species Coalition can’t wait to see the collaborative artwork you create!

Collaborating for Biodiversity was inspired by the amazing artworks created collaboratively for the 2023 Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants call to youth artists, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.

Dates: January 22nd, 2025 Collaborating for Biodiversity Call to Artist submission platform opens
April 23rd, 2025 Call to Artist submission platform closes to entries
May 16th, 2025 Endangered Species Day 20th Anniversary and Flickr Gallery Launch
May 2025 (date TBD) All eligible images submitted to Collaborating for Biodiversity will be shown in a presentation at a meeting with members of congress in honor of Endangered Species Day 2025

Eligible species can be found on these pages:
LISTED species living or migrating within the United States and U.S. territories, or within the territorial waters of the U.S.:
Animals
Plants
DELISTED species living or migrating within the United States and U.S. territories, or within the territorial waters of the U.S.:
PROPOSED FOR LISTING species living or migrating within the United States and U.S. territories, or within the territorial waters of the U.S.:

We don’t know what the time-of-day for the deadline is. As it is not specified , we assume before midnight in some time zone.
This might be EST or the time zone you live in. You need to ask the Endangered Species Coalition for the time-of-day, the earliest time could be close of business EST.
We set the time-of-day as midnight EST and have sent off an e-mail asking for the actual time-of-day or the deadline.

2025 SD Division of Izaak Walton League of America Convention in Rapid City
2025-04-25 16:00 - 2025-04-27 11:30
The 2025 SD Izaak Walton League Convention will be held in Rapid City this year on April 25-27 , 2025
Convention will be held at the Rushmore Hotel located at 445 Mt. Rushmore Road downtown Rapid City.
Link to agenda – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/IKEs-2025-State-Conv-Agenda.docx
The deadline to register is 4/10/25. Registration is $75, which includes some meals. Guest’s meals are $15 and $40 depending on the meal. Link to registration form – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-IWLA-Ann-Conf-Reg-Form.docx
To reserve one of the reduced rates rooms, ask for the Izaak Walton League block of rooms before March 24 deadline. Rates will change after that date. Reserve your room by calling 605-348-8300.
For info.: Mark Boddicker, 605-863-2152 or boddicker@mt-rushmore.net

Bear Butte Forum in Sturgis
2025-04-26 08:30 - 12:00
Bear Butte Forum in Sturgis
This is an annual event where tribal folks are invited to meet with GFP about the management of Bear Butte, Non-tribal folks are also welcome.
I have not seen the time and location but it is normally at the Sturgis Community Center
from 8:30 to noon in one of the rooms. Please verify – I will try to get time and location verified before then

Earth Day 2025, Rapid City
2025-04-26 10:00 - 16:00
Earth Day 2025, Rapid City at Western Dakota Tech, 10 am -4 pm

BHs Raptor Center Annual Spaghetti Feed, April 26th
2025-04-26 16:30 - 19:30
Fly in for a family night of great food and raptors!
This is Black Hills Raptor Center’s annual family friendly, spaghetti dinner and silent auction! April 26th – food served 4:30-7:00 pm and and three raptor programs will be presented during the course of the evening. $10 fee asked for 1 dinner, Family is $30. Children up to 5 are free.
Held at Cathedral of Your Lady of Perpetual Help at 520 Cathedral Drive
For more details visit:
https://www.blackhillsraptorcenter.org/bhrc-fundraiser/

The mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center is to conserve and protect native birds of prey and their natural habitats through education, rehabilitation, and research.

Objection deadline for North Sand Environmental Assessment, BHNF
2025-04-29 11:50 - 23:59
Objection deadline for FONSI on North Sand Forest Management Environmental Assessment, BHNF is just before midnight on 4/29/25
https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1805706402518

For more information visit the project web page – https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/246546688222

Endangered Species Chalk Art Competition
2025-05-01 00:00 - 2025-05-18 22:00
Endangered Species Chalk Art Competition
The competition will occur from Thursday, May 1, 2025 to Sunday, May 18th. Friday, May 16th is Endangered Species Day

https://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/

People draw pictures of Endangered Species on side walks, parking lots , roads, garage floors etc.
you take a photo of your chalk art and post to
https://form.jotform.com/250779081878069

There are winners who get prizes.
You can however get chalk sets at WalMart, Hobby Lobby and Family Dollar and likely other places. There are very cheap sets, but those tend to be in pastels, that don’t resemble most wildlife colors. To get chalk that has deeper colors and has colors like wildlife, you need to buy better chalk sets such as Crayola sets or mix plaster of Paris with tempera paints.
Crayola chalk large set:
https://shop.crayola.com/toys-and-activities/64-ct.-ultimate-sidewalk-chalk-collection-5120640000.html
How to make your own chalk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hUt5ecZC2M

We are not sure at which midnight in what time zone they are closing the competition. It might be in closing at midnight in your time zone, or in EST. We have it ending at EST, but it might end in your time zone.

Water and Natural Resources Board May 1st meeting
2025-05-01 09:30 - 12:00
Upcoming Meetings

05/01/2025 | May Special Meeting

Start Date/Time: 05/01/2025 10:30 AM
End Date/Time: 05/01/2025 01:00 PM
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Description:
Location: DANR – Foss Building – Matthew’s Training Center
Documents:

Description
File Type
Upload Date

Agenda
Agenda
4/24/2025 2:52:06 PM

Full Packet
Document
4/24/2025 2:52:23 PM

Links:

Listen Live

Audio Files*:

There are no audio files for this meeting.

Field trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge
2025-05-03 07:30 - 18:30
Field trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge. We meet folks at the Refuge Headquarters at about 10 am. A car pool departs from Rapid City’s Eastside Family Fare (used to be Family Thrift) at 7:30 am. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Rapid City to Refuge & sometimes the car pool stragglers arrive a little bit after 10am.
This field trip happens every year and is jointly sponsored by Prairie Hills Audubon Society and Sierra Club, (Black Hills Group). It happens at a weekend in early May. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Rapid City to the Refuge.
If you want to drive over the night before, there is lodging in Martin and a small campground in north west part of Refuge at the Little White River Reservoir.
Link to the Refuge web site:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lacreek
For more information.:
Nancy Hilding – Prairie Hills Audubon Society, –
(605) 787-6466 (home land-line), 605-787-2806 (cell phone),
phas.wsd@rapidnet.com, http://www.phas-wsd.org,
Jay Davis – Black Hills Group of Sierra Club, (605) 348-5867,Jolie McCoy or Suzanne Martley – Black Hills Group of Sierra Club, (605) 430-2282; (605) 786-2496,
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064584225744

IMPEACH, CONVICT, REMOVE Rally by Indivisible - 2 pm, May 3rd in Rapid City
2025-05-03 14:00 - 15:30
May 3 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm UTC-6
IMPEACH, CONVICT, REMOVE Rally
City Hall 300 6th St, Rapid City, SD, United States

Indivisible Facebook page writes:
“Visit Rapid City” is hosting an event at the Elks Theater for the unveiling on the newest City of Presidents statue, Trump. Yes, they are putting up a statue of the “Felon-in-Chief.
We will be meeting at City Hall and walking together to Main Street Square.”

Indivisible normally has some sort of protest or community service event on Saturdays this spring, visit their Facebook or web site for their events/actions.

Idea Wild Auction at Journey Museum
2025-05-03 17:00 - 21:30
Idea Wild Auction at Journey Museum This event starts at 5 pm, we don’t know when it ends
30th Anniversary benefit auction
ideawild@ideawild.org
https://ideawild.org/events/

Written Comment Deadline SDGFP Commission May Meeting
2025-05-04 11:50 - 23:59
Written Comment Deadline for SDGFP Commission’s May Meeting
It is before midnight MT on Sunday night 5/4/25 – the web site to post comments to is: https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/.
Commission meeting is on Thursday-Friday at Custer State Park’s Event Barn & Zoom. When closer to meeting we will post more info on our May 8th-9th notice – https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-may-commission-hybrid-meeting-in-custer-and-zoom/ However you can testify remotely (Zoom) or in person at 2 pm MT on 5/8/25
We want people to write in in support of a moratorium on beaver trapping and hunting in the Black Hills Fire Protection District. We want them to write in support of a a reduction in the months of beaver hunting and trapping season outside of Black Hills from 12 months to 5 or 6 months.
Those reduced hunting/trapping months would be either November 1st to March 31st (5 months) or November 1st to April 30th (6 months). This allows trapping during the period of thick winter pelts, but ends it when species start breeding. The beaver start breeding in May. River otter (who are strongly associated with beaver ) become incidental take in beaver traps and they start breeding in April. Less months of beaver trapping means more beaver & otter on the landscape!
State law allows people whose property is harmed by conflict beaver to contact GFP and get permission to kill the beaver all year long.
We want folk to write in support of relocating northern river otter to western SD, which are now only exist east river. GFP has no plans to relocate some to the west river or improve habitat along west River’s rivers/streams to make the riparian habitat better for otters and to improve chances of natural migration from the Missouri River area.
Here is the petition for rule making on the beaver hunt/trap season that PHAS submitted to the Commission, asking for changes to beaver season.
https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/prairie-hills-audubon-society-2025-beaver-petition-PHAS.F.pdf
Here is an attachment to that petition:
https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/BH-Beaver-Information-Item-GFP-Dec-2023-final-1.pdf
You can also go to our web site under drop down from Campaigns, Wildlife, Beaver/Otter https://phas-wsd.org/beaver-and-river-otter/
or drop down from Alerts, Beaver https://phas-wsd.org/beaver-alert/
Here is a one page alert that can be printed – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/BeaverHunttrap-alertF2R.pdf
Here is a one page discussion of benefits of beavers that can be printed : https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Benefits-of-Beavers-2025.F2.pdf

Water Management Board Meeting May 5 2025
2025-05-07 08:30 - 11:00
Water Management Board Meeting May 5 2025
https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106

05/07/2025 | Water Management Board

Start Date/Time: 05/07/2025 09:30 AM
End Date/Time: 05/07/2025 12:00 PM
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Description: May 7, 2025 WMB Meeting
Location: DANR – Foss Building – Matthew Training Center
Documents:

Description
File Type
Upload Date

Agenda
Agenda
4/28/2025 11:16:13 AM

Board Packet
Document
4/28/2025 11:21:37 AM

Remote Participation Information
Document
4/28/2025 11:17:07 AM

Links:

Listen Live

Audio Files*:

There are no audio files for this meeting.

Scoping comments due on Imlay West Allotment Improvement Project, BGNG NNF
2025-05-07 23:50 - 23:59
Scoping comments due on Imlay West Allotment Improvement Project, NNF

Quotes from Forest Service letter:
” Project Area
The proposed actions for this project would take place in the Imlay West Pasture of the Imlay West Allotment on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland (Figure 1). This pasture is located approximately 20 miles Southwest of Wall, SD. The Pine Ridge Reservation borders this pasture to the south and Badlands National Park forms it’s western border.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the project is to allow livestock grazing as a vegetation management tool in the Imlay West Pasture. Currently there is no active vegetation management occurring within this pasture due to limited water sources and deteriorating fences. This project is needed to improve boundary fences and water sources to support livestock grazing.
Proposed Action
The Imlay West Allotment Improvement Project would include reconstruction or replacement of the existing boundary fences and cleaning out years of sediment siltation within two existing earthen stock dams. Fences would be constructed to Forest Service specifications to include proper signage, gates, and wildlife crossing friendly design (smooth bottom wire that is properly gapped). Sediment removed from dams will be added to the existing dam faces for extra reinforcement for future use. “
……
Comments To be most useful please submit your comments for the Imlay West Allotment Improvement Project by May 7th, 2025. Comments submitted via the project website(https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=68034) can be done by clicking on “Comment/Object on Project” on the right side of the webpage. Written comments may be mailed to Wall Ranger District, Attn: Jacob Rohrer, 710 Main St / PO Box 425, Wall, SD 57790. Comments may be submitted at (605) 279-2126. This jacob.rohrer@usda.gov. While we welcome comments on this proposal at any time, they would be most helpful if received within 15 days of the date of this letter

SD Game, Fish and Parks May Commission hybrid meeting, in Custer and Zoom
2025-05-08 13:00 - 2025-05-09 12:00
SD Game, Fish and Parks May Commission hybrid meeting, in Custer and Zoom,
When close to the date visit this page for agenda and documents presented to Commission: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/

Agenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_Public_May_2025.pdf
Date and Time: May 8, 2025, from 1-5 pm MT | May 9, 2025, from 8 am-12 pm MT

Meeting Location: Custer State Park Event Barn, 13389 US HWY 16A, Custer, SD 57730

You always need to inform Gail Buus at gail.buus@state.sd.us by 1 pm of the day of the hearing, if you plan to speak during the meeting. This helps GFP to accurately identify and call on speakers during the session.

Zoom Webinar: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/91264176710?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Call In: +16699009128,,91264176710# US Video Conference ID: 91264176710@zoomcrc.com

RESULTS OF MEETING
The Commission moved forward a rule change proposal of a moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills. They will vote on it at their June 5th-6th Commission meeting and written comments are due Sunday night June the 1st. Peoples comments in support of the moratorium are needed. https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-to-the-sdgfp-commission-june-meeting/
Beaver draft Action Plan was also released for comment. We are not sure of the Comment deadline but it might be in a month. – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/beaverActionPLan-May_2025_Commission_Book_-2.pdf
Written comments are due on a Northern River Otter Management Plan for staff review on May 23rd or for the June Commission meeting as the Commission votes on the Plan then.
Deadline to Comment on the draft “North American River Otter Action Plan, 2025-2029.”

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You could have testified in person or remotely by Zoom at 2 pm MT.
Written Comments were due 5/4/25 – the Sunday before the Thursday, before midnight MT posted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/
We will want people to testify in in support of a moratorium on beaver trapping and hunting in the Black Hills Fire Protection District. We want them reduce the months of beaver hunting and trapping season outside of Black Hills from 12 months to either 5 or 6 months.
Nov 1st-March 31st stops beaver trapping when river otters having babies and Nov 1st-April 30th, stops trapping when beavers start having babies.
This allows trapping during the period of thick pelts, but stops when the beaver start breeding in May. The river otter who are strongly associate with beaver and are incidental take in beaver trap. They start breeding in April.
State law allows people whose land is harmed by “conflict” beaver to call up GFP and get permission to kill the beaver all year long – so removing the 12 months season does not prevent landowners from removing “conflict” beaver year round.
We want folks to testify in support of northern river otter populations recovering western SD. Otter now only occur east river. GFP has no plans to relocate some west river or improve habitat along west River’s rivers/streams to make the riparian habitat better for otters. While otters are in the Missouri River and good habitat exists for them in the far western part of SD, the eastern part of western SD has low flow rivers and many degraded riparian areas. Please ask SDGFP to reintroduce otters west River, make this a comment on Northern River Otter Action Plan.
SD Game, Fish and Parks may be proposing increasing the harvest limit on the east river – river otter hunting/trapping season. This should be opposed as various monitoring data indicate a likely drop in the otter population.
Here is the petition for rule making on the beaver hunt/trap season that PHAS submitted to the Commission, asking for changes to beaver season. On May 8th-9th they will consider moving this petition forward – opening it to formal public comment and the rule making process with a vote on it on July 10th-11th.
https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/prairie-hills-audubon-society-2025-beaver-petition-PHAS.F.pdf
Here is an attachment to that petition:
https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/BH-Beaver-Information-Item-GFP-Dec-2023-final-1.pdf
You can also go to our web site under drop down from Campaigns, Wildlife, Beaver/Otter https://phas-wsd.org/beaver-and-river-otter/
or drop down from Alerts, Beaver https://phas-wsd.org/beaver-alert/
Here is a one page alert that can be printed – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/BeaverHunttrap-alertF2R.pdf
Here is a one page discussion of benefits of beavers that can be printed : https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Benefits-of-Beavers-2025.F2.pdf
Here is a link to video on value of beaver that we recommend

May 4th, 2025 written comment deadline –https://phas-wsd.org/event/written-comment-deadline-sdgfp-commission-may-meeting/

West River Spring [Bird] Migration Count
2025-05-09 00:00 - 2025-05-12 23:59
West River Spring [Bird] Migration Count

The annual West River Migration Count (WRMC) dates are May 9-12, 2025 and Vic Fondy will be coordinating the count. Similar to the Audubon Christmas Bird count, the WRMC is conducted during the second week of May to count both species and numbers of birds migrating thru Western South Dakota. The WRMC is conducted by counties. During the four day period, volunteers in Western SD from the Nebraska border to the North Dakota border will count migrating birds arriving or passing thru western South Dakota.
Vic Fondy-Coordinator WRMC <treasurecreek@gmail.com>, 605) 269-2553‬
