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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230509T192658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T192814Z
UID:7216-1683936000-1684022340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:International Migratory Bird Day - second Saturday in May
DESCRIPTION:International Migratory Bird Day – is the second Saturday of every May. \nPHAS will celebrate it with our annual spring field trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge on 5/13/23.  Link to learn about International Migratory Bird Day \nhttp://birdday.org/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/international-migratory-bird-day-second-saturday-in-may/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T180000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230419T001711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230512T215600Z
UID:6793-1683963000-1684000800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS's Field Trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:Field Trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge\, May 13th \nThis is an annual event that Prairie Hills Audubon Society and Black Hills Group of Sierra Club sponsor every May – either the first or second weekend in May.  This year it is on Saturday the 13th — second Saturday. \nEvery May\, the second Saturday  is International Migratory Bird Day. http://birdday.org/ \nWe will meet in Rapid City at the Eastside Family Fare parking lot at 7:30 a.m. for folks wanting to car pool\, and at the Refuge HQ at 10:30 a.m. (give or take). \nContact Nancy for questions 605-787-6466 (land line) 787-2806 (cell)  or nhilding@rapidnet.com or jedediahbeadle@gmail.com\, ‭(605) 510-7989 (cell) \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/field-trip-to-la-creek-national-wildlife-refuge/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230515T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230615T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230502T060106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T215332Z
UID:7107-1684108800-1686873540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Climate Watch - Spring Season - May 15th-June 15th
DESCRIPTION:Climate Watch – Spring Season – May 15th-June 15th \nClimate Watch – The summer and winter seasons repeat each year.\nClimate Watch is sponsored by the National Audubon Society (NAS) & takes place during two distinct seasons—winter (January 15-February 15) and summer (May 15-June 15). Below is the alert about summer 2023\, the latest season . \nMay 15th- June 15th\, 2023 \nLike the Christmas bird count this is a chance to help create “citizen science” for birds. Climate Watch focuses on these target species: Eastern Bluebird\, Mountain Bluebird\, Western Bluebird\, White-breasted Nuthatch\, Red-breasted Nuthatch\, Brown-headed Nuthatch\, Pygmy Nuthatch\, American Goldfinch\, Lesser Goldfinch\, Painted Bunting\, Eastern Towhee\, and Spotted Towhee. \nThese birds are easy to identify\, have an enthusiastic constituency\, and Audubon’s climate models for these species offer strong predictions for range shifts for us to test. In future years\, Climate Watch may include additional target species threatened by climate change. We believe that western bluebird and painted bunting are not normally in SD. All the other birds occur in all or parts of SD. \nVisit this page to see where these birds are in SD\, and which are near you: \nhttps://www.sdakotabirds.com/species_main.htm\nLocation Climate Watch focuses on areas of predicted change for these 12 species at each location across the continent. Audubon provides volunteers with online mapping tools with a grid of 10 km x 10 km squares showing species-specific predictions for each square based on the climate models. A Climate Watch Coordinator can help select your location and survey square. If you are participating on your own\, use the online maps to decide in which square to do your surveys. You will be able to see which squares are already “claimed”. \nHow to count Volunteers should first make sure to read through all of the materials including the full protocol manual. The Climate Watch protocol is different than any other birding program. Then using the planning done with the online maps\, volunteers survey appropriate habitat for the target species within a square and conduct 12 point counts of five minutes each within one morning\, then record the number and species of all birds seen or heard within 100 meters. Participants send the data to the National Audubon Society. \nHow data will be used  Audubon’s 2019 climate change report\, ‘Survival By Degrees\, – https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees – reveals that up to two-thirds of North American birds are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. For example\, the beautiful Mountain Bluebird is vulnerable because in the vast majority of its summer range\, the climate conditions that this bird needs—temperature\, amount of rainfall\, and other environmental factors—will shift northward and eastward. This bird may be able to move into new areas over time\, or it may struggle to adapt. To test the report’s predictions\, Audubon has developed Climate Watch\, which aims to document species’ responses to climate change and test Audubon’s climate models by having volunteers in the field look for birds where Audubon’s climate models predict they will be in the 2020s. This information helps Audubon target our conservation work to protect birds. See the Climate Watch results page here to see our early reports and results from the data received by Climate Watch volunteers so far! \nLink to the Climate-watch program on the National Audubon Society web page \nhttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch \nClimate watch instructions for participants \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/participant-resources-climate-watch\nClimate watch for beginners webinar\, – this has much of the same info as our November meeting \nhttps://audubon.zoom.us/rec/share/xe9NAZTe6WVOf7fz2kbRAYAQMI66eaa8hCFL_fNZn0k3a8uNjHkvp4-EZzq7vlq_?startTime=1588186808000\n\nYou can call  or e-mail Nancy Hilding\, President of Prairie Hills Audubon Society for help with creating maps of the squares where you want to bird.  605-787-6466 (LL) or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/climate-watch-spring-season-may-15th-june-15th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230512T050501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230512T050501Z
UID:7259-1684314000-1684515600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Treaty Summit - hosted by Oglala Sioux Tribe
DESCRIPTION:2023 Treaty Summit – hosted by Oglala Sioux Tribe’s\, 5th Member’s Office \nMay 17th\, 18th & 19th\, 9 am-5 pm at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn\, Rapid City\, SD \nFor more info – 5th Member Justin Pourier – \, PH: 605-867-2439\nCELL: 605-441-6922 \nMain Office OST – 605-867-5821
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/treaty-summit-hosted-by-oglala-sioux-tribe/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230509T185918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T185244Z
UID:7212-1684328400-1684341000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:National Forest Advisory Board meeting May 17th\, 1 pm
DESCRIPTION:A National Forest Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for May 17th-  1 pm – 4:30 pm at Mystic Ranger District\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Rd\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 \nTopics on the meeting agenda include Long Eared Bat Listing – Reclassified as Endangered\, Black Elk Wilderness Area\, Fire Season 2023\, and Forest Plan Revision update. \nMeetings are open to the Public. The agenda will include time for public oral comments of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral comment must make a request in writing by at least three days before the meeting\, to be scheduled on the agenda. Requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Scott Jacobson\, NFAB Committee Coordinator\, Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, South Dakota\, 57702; or by email to scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov. \nFor info contact Scott Jacobson scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov \nor visit for agenda and details: \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-forest-advisory-board-meeting-may-17th-1-pm/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230518T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230426T194159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T035958Z
UID:6946-1684400400-1684512000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Hearing on Wharf's application to expand their mine
DESCRIPTION:Hearing on Wharf’s application to expand their mine. May 18th and 19th – DANR – Foss Building – Matthew Training Center\, Pierre\, SD\, Start Date/Time: 05/18/2023 10:00 AM\nEnd Date/Time: 05/19/2023 05:00 PM. \nWharf has been in operation since December 1982.  Previously it has been granted four additional mining permits to expand its operation: two in 1986\, one in 1998 and another in 2011.  With the latest expansion application they seek to add 48.2 acres to the mine. \nMore details on the hearing : \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/BME%20packet%20May%20%2018-19%202023.pdf \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67 \nRapid City Journal Article on: \nhttps://rapidcityjournal.com/danr-to-hold-hearing-on-future-of-wharf-mine-boston-expansion/article_b72d2994-f294-11ed-bfb2-c38c86bb8cc0.html
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/hearing-on-wharfs-application-to-expand-their-mine/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230415T195308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T152449Z
UID:6735-1684483200-1684515600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Celebrate Issue of Endangered Species Commemorative Forever® Stamps
DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Commemorative Forever® Stamps First-Day-of-Issue stamp ceremony on Friday\, May 19\, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. \nThere will be an event in  Wall\, SD  on Endangered Species Day\, May 19th\, 2023 to celebrate the issuance of a set of postage stamps featuring a set of endangered species\, including the black-footed ferret. \nIt will be sponsored by the Postal Service\, but Martha Williams\, the head of the USFWS\, will be there. Time-of-day is 11 am and it will last for about 45 minutes. It is expected to be  in the Wall Community Center. Wall Commuinity Center is located at 501 Main St\, Wall\, SD 57790\, two blocks away from the National Grassland Visitor center (location was moved due to expected weather).  Seating is at first come and first served.    Call the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands for more details – (605) 279-2126‬‬‬ ext 217. \nPostal Service announcement: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2023/0419ma-postal-service-spotlights-endangered-species.htm \nAbout stamps:     https://store.usps.com/store/product/stamp-collectors/endangered-species-first-day-cover-S_483816
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/celebrate-issue-of-postage-stamp-with-black-footed-ferret/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230509T193153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T194106Z
UID:7218-1684490400-1684497600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Webinar - Chemical Exposures Across the Life Course\, May 19
DESCRIPTION:Webinar – Chemical Exposures Across the Life Course\, \nMay 19\, 12:00-2:00 p.m. EDT  or 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. MT\nPresenters: Duke University\, University of Louisville\, and Wayne State University SRP centers. \nThe webinars are free and open to the public. You may register through the links below:\nhttps://www.clu-in.org/training/webinar/SRPPIR20/\nNIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) Progress in Research WEBINAR SERIES.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/webinar-chemical-exposures-across-the-life-course-may-19/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230521T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230422T064809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230519T040204Z
UID:6887-1684490400-1684713540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event
DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event \nThe competition will take place from Friday\, May 19th\, 2023 to Sunday\, May 21st. \nFriday\, May 19th is Endangered Species Day. People of all ages\, identities\, and skill levels to participate in this competition. People can create chalk art individually or to collaborate \nwith each other. \nTo be eligible for a prize\, your art must feature at least one threatened or endangered plant or animal species\, and it must be created with chalk. Artwork must be new (created within the previous week – no reusing photos of old chalk art). \nTo enter the contest\, you must post a photo of your chalk art on Instagram between 9:00am Pacific Time on Friday\, May 19th and 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday\, \nMay 20th.  You must use the hashtag #EndangeredSpeciesChalkArt and tag @endangeredspeciescoalition in your caption. \nThis grand prize winner will be awarded $250. Public vote winner gets $100. \nFive lottery winners  (random draw from entries) get chocolate. \nThis is the third annual chalk art competition by Endangered Species Coalition. Link to learn more: \nhttps://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230521T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230402T055457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T210316Z
UID:6537-1684515600-1684670400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union Spring meeting at Milbank
DESCRIPTION:The SD Ornithologist Union spring meeting will be held near Milbank\, SD at “Abby on the Hill” in Marvin\, SD. \nIt is on the weekend of 5/19/2023-5/21/2023.  The spring SDOU meeting focuses more on field trips.  Go to their web site for more details and the schedule:.  https://sdou.org/SDOU/NextMeeting.aspx
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-union-spring-meeting-at-milbank/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230311T024640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T183810Z
UID:6420-1684519200-1684530000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Day Celebration 2023
DESCRIPTION:2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act – which President Nixon signed into law on December 28th of 1973.  Endangered Species Day is set by Congress to be the third Friday in May. \nThis our 16th year of having a multi-group sponsored Endangered Species Day Celebration in Rapid City area.  This will be a Zoom meeting in the evening with lectures on endangered or threatened species in our state or the region. Time will be 6 pm – 9:00 pm MT. \n6:00 pm – Introduction by Sponsors \n6:10 pm – 7:20 pm – Speaker: Amity A Bass\, Field Supervisor\, North and South Dakota Ecological Services\, US Fish and Wildlife Service – She will speak on SD’s federally listed species with updates on changes to their status\, populations and/or habitats in the last few years and also about the 12 month findings (decisions to list – or not) to be decided in next few years. \n 7:20 pm – 8:30 pm – Speakers: Ellen Whittle\, Bat Project Manager for the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD)\, University of Wyoming and Renee Lile\, PhD Student in the Program of Ecology\, University of Wyoming – These two speakers will report on their research on our local northern long eared bats in the Black Hills/Bear Lodge. \n8:30-9:00 pm – Powerpoint by Eileen Dowd Stukel\, Senior Wildlife Diversity Biologist\, SD Game\, Fish and Parks – Eileen can’t come but she will provide a powerpoint on: our SD state listed species with updates on the down listing of the peregrine falcon in 2022\, on SD GFP’s Wildlife Action Plan Revision and also on the progress of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S. 1149) in the 118th Congress. For more information on RAWA by the NWF: https://affiliates.nwf.org/resources/recovering-toolkit/ \nNormally a bunch of conservation groups sponsor the event – this year  Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League\, The Norbeck Society\, Black Hills Chapter of Dakota Rural Action & Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club\, Magpie and Buffalo Organizing\,  South Dakota Citizen’s Climate Lobby have already confirmed sponsorship \nThe meeting will be recorded and recording link posted to PHAS web site\, a few days later \nZoom details. \nTopic: Endangered Species Day Celebration\, 2023\nTime: 6 pm-9 pm MT\, 5/19/23 \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose) \nDial by your location (as far as we know all work in western SD).\n+1 669 444 9171 US\n+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n+1 719 359 4580 US\n+1 253 205 0468 US\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n+1 689 278 1000 US\n+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n+1 305 224 1968 US\n+1 309 205 3325 US\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n+1 360 209 5623 US\n+1 386 347 5053 US\n+1 507 473 4847 US\n+1 564 217 2000 US\n+1 646 931 3860 US\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nFind your local number (especially international numbers): https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV \n\n\n\n\n\nLink to announcement of the meeting on our Facebook Page\n\nhttps://fb.me/e/KfeVFuz6
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-day-2023/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230523T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230523T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230524T041451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230524T041451Z
UID:7662-1684800000-1684886340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:World Turtle Day
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, May 23rd is World Turtle Day \nVisit Wikipedia former info. \nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Turtle_Day \nThe False Map Turtle is listed as threatened on SD’s list of threatened  & endangered species: \nhttps://www.sdherps.org/species/graptemys_pseudogeographica
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/world-turtle-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230524T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230525T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230429T210803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230429T212640Z
UID:7062-1684915200-1685034000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Native American Fish and Wildlife Society - Great Plains Regional Conference
DESCRIPTION:2023 NAFWS Great Plains Regional Conference\nMay 24- 25\, 2022 in Deadwood\, SD\nThe 2023 Great Plains Regional Conference will be held Wednesday \,May 24- Thursday\, 25\, 2023\, in Deadwood\, SD at the Deadwood Lodge. May 23rd and 26th are reserved as travel days. Make room reservations as soon as possible to receive a special rate for conference attendees. Early bird registration ends February 25th! \nRegistration\nAttendees with up-to-date Individual Membership and Representatives of Member Tribes are eligible for discounted registration. \nYou have the option to download the Registration Form and bring it to the conference with your payment as well. \nNon-members who pay the member price will be billed the difference. Contact Heidi McCann (hmccann@nafws.org) to verify your membership is up to date. \nComplete checkout below to register. Please fill out attendee details for each ticket purchased. \nMail checks to\nNative American Fish & Wildlife Society\n10465 Melody Dr.\, Ste. 307\nNorthglenn\, CO 80234 \nRegistration Fees\nNAFWS Member – $150\nMember Tribe Representative (Employee of Member Tribe) – $150\nNon-member (includes $50 membership)- $200 \nHere was an agenda for early April\, I suspect that earlier date got adverse weather postponement to May. Not sure of the May agenda and the exact start and end time on . \nhttps://www.nafws.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Great-Plains-FINAL-Conference-Agenda.pdf \nFor more information \nhttps://www.nafws.org/product/2023-great-plains-regional-conference/ \nor Jeff Kelly\,  jkelly@standingrock.org\, 701-226-5048
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-american-fish-and-wildlife-society-great-plains-regional-conference/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230530T044335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230530T185853Z
UID:7703-1685520000-1685552400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Bumble Bee Atlas Training
DESCRIPTION:Bumble Bee Atlas Training at SD Game\, Fish & Park’s Outdoor Campus West (OCW)\, Rapid City\,  SD\, May 31st. \nWe actually don’t know the start & end time of training on 5/31 – but OCW staff says the sponsors reserved the room from  8 am to 5 pm. \nHelp create a nationwide atlas of bumble bees. For more information on the Atlas: \nwww.BumbleBeeAtlas.org \nhttps://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/gptraining.html \nDaniel_Kim@fws.org\, \nKatie.Lamke@xerces.org\, \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bumble-bee-atlas-training/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230601T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230426T195423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T200335Z
UID:6949-1685520000-1685635200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Training on "Save our Streams" program of the Izaak Walton League
DESCRIPTION:Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America will be having a “Save Our Streams Creek Freaks” training this year!\n\n\nThe trainings will be for one day and you have  an option of going on May 31st or June 1st from 8 am to 4 pm. The event is at SDGFP’s Outdoor Campus  West (Rapid City) and you will have a hands on learning experience on stream ecology\, water quality monitoring\, and how to teach these things both in a classroom setting and in the field!\n\n\nTo register for this free one day training\, email Mark Boddicker boddicker@mt-rushmore.net !\nFor more info: https://www.facebook.com/people/Izaak-Walton-League-of-America-Rapid-City-SD-Chapter-105/100067603298358/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/training-on-save-our-streams-program-of-the-izaak-walton-league/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230402T223751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230402T233333Z
UID:6606-1685550600-1685552400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:May 31st\, Deadline to sign petition asking Biden to protect beavers on public land
DESCRIPTION:ACTION NEEDED – SPRING/SUMMER 2023     \nBelow find a link to a nationwide petition about protecting beavers on federal public (which is the short) and a longer more detailed letter (8 pages) signed by many environmental groups on same topic. \nPlease sign the petition & read the letter. \nSign Nationwide Petition on Beaver to Biden before 5/31/23 \nhttps://www.change.org/p/ask-president-biden-to-protect-beavers-on-public-land?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=e19f6c40-1d8b-11e6-9760-d3e5d013af27 \n Letter to Biden from environmental groups on 2/27/23 – 8 pages with lots of information on the issue:https://www.westernwatersheds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Biden-Beaver-Letter.pdf \n================== \nAs a second step – the information in the letter will help you to become an advocate for beavers  & you could write a short letter to SD GFP objecting to SD’s beaver trapping/hunting season. \nThis spring or early summer 2023  the SDGFP  Commission will be reconsidering their horrible beaver trapping season which is 12 months every place in SD except Black Hills where it is 12 months\, 6 months and 3 months depending on where you are. The Black Hills National Forest is 3 months. \nOn our events page we always have dates of next Commission meeting with commenting instructions. Written comments can be submitted via on-line form at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. .  Unless you want to talk or send directly to each Commissioner:   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/. SDGFP Commission meetings are normally the first Thursday & Friday of the month\, except for holiday conflicts & they normally skip August.  Letters received at on-line site by Sunday mid-night before the Thursday meeting\,  end up in that month’s Commission Book (public record). \nHopefully we will create an on-line petition for SDGFP sometime in April.  We also need a campaign to contact federal land managers locally in SD and ask them to object to 12 months of beaver  trapping/hunting on their public lands – areas like Buffalo Gap\, Pierre and Grand River National Grasslands\, Custer National Forest\, Army Corp of Engineers and BLM could be contacted. Federal agencies sign memorandum of understanding with GFP\, allowing GFP to regulate hunting/trapping on their lands.  However federal agencies can supersede that\, for example Buffalo Gap National Grasslands closed areas to prairie dog hunting\, that GFP wanted open. \nSD GFP has given them all the federal agencies (except the BHNF) 12 months of beaver hunting and last I asked the other federal agencies western half of SD had very few beaver. Only BHNF has a shorter season and there has been discussion of a moratorium of hunting/trapping in the Black Hills due to too few beaver seen.  Public lands are not like private lands as anyone can hunt on them\, where on private land some of the land owners might protect beaver. \n SDGFP would be finalizing the 2024-25 beaver trapping hunting rule changes (if any) likely in June or July with proposals in April or May. \nIf the Commission does nothing —  in SD we can petition for rule change – but might  need to done  by May or June Commission meetings. PHAS hopes to have an internal working meeting on this issue in spring – contact Nancy if interested in the beaver issue. \n.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-31st-deadline-to-sign-petition-asking-biden-to-protect-beavers-on-public-land/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230603T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230603T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230603T001209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T002337Z
UID:7734-1685750400-1685836740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:National Trails Day - 3 Hikes on the BHNF
DESCRIPTION:National Trails Day is a day set aside to celebrate America’s trail systems and their countless supporters and volunteers. \nFor more information about this national event\, visit www.americanhiking.org. \nSeveral SD state parks will be hosting trail-related events that day. SD GFP Custer State Park’s Little Devils Tower Hike:  https://gfp.sd.gov/events/detail/2366/ \n        The Black Hills National Forest is hosting three guided hikes on this special day and encourages outdoor enthusiasts to join the treks.\nMorning\, afternoon\, or evening\, easy to moderate trails\, the Forest is offering multiple options to #getoutside and #findyourforest. #NationalTrailsDay\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHikes on the Osprey Trail\, Hell Canyon Trail & Sundance Trail\, on Black Hills National Forest\n\n\n\n\n\nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/758485138964546/?ref=newsfeed
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-trails-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230604T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230603T080116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T080459Z
UID:7766-1685901600-1685908800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS networking meeting on predators & "varmints" in SD & nearby states/provinces
DESCRIPTION:PHAS networking meeting on predators & “varmints” in SD & nearby states/provinces. \nat 6 pm MT 6/4/23 \nThis meeting is by Zoom & is a working strategy meeting where attendees discuss tasks\, goals & objectives to create change in management of predators & “varmints”. There are no formal presentations likely. \nPeople can bring up predators & “varmints” issues in any nearby state/province\, but we are especially concerned about up coming wildlife agency Commission meetings on June 8th & 9th – These are happening in Nebraska\, S\,D. & Montana. Cougars &/or otters will have seasons discussed or set at these meetings.  SD’s beaver management &/or Nest Predator Bounty Program may also be discussed. \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/4129555909?pwd=SzlOSkVvcDFSdk16bWw2azdya0JzQT09\n\nMeeting ID: 412 955 5909\nPasscode: 787878\nOne tap mobile\n+17193594580\,\,4129555909#\,\,\,\,*787878# US\n+12532050468\,\,4129555909#\,\,\,\,*787878# US\n\nDial by your location (as far as I know all work in WSD)\n        +1 719 359 4580 US\n        +1 253 205 0468 US\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n        +1 669 444 9171 US\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 386 347 5053 US\n        +1 507 473 4847 US\n        +1 564 217 2000 US\n        +1 646 931 3860 US\n        +1 689 278 1000 US\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 305 224 1968 US\n        +1 309 205 3325 US\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 360 209 5623 US\nMeeting ID: 412 955 5909\nPasscode: 787878\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kezWBRWUmA\n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-networking-meeting-on-predators-varmints-in-sd-nearby-states-provinces/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230604T225500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230604T225800
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230602T185600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230602T185732Z
UID:7720-1685919300-1685919480@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission for June meet
DESCRIPTION:  \nSubmit written comments on-line before Sunday night at midnight CT \nWhen the Commission has public hearings on Thursdays (which they normally do) the deadline to submit written comments is Sunday at midnight of the time zone of the meeting. \nGo to the our alert on the June meetings for details – https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-june-2023/ \n  \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting.  Unless you want to contact each Commissioner directly (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/ \nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-to-sdgfp-commission-for-june-meet/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230605T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230605T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230503T014104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230504T022611Z
UID:7128-1685989800-1685998800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS members Zoom meeting - Lilias Jarding speaking about mining threats to the Black Hills
DESCRIPTION:Topic: PHAS June monthly meeting – Lilias Jarding of Black Hills Clean Water Alliance\, speaks on “Protecting Water in the Black Hills from Mining: Success Stories.“\nTime: Monday\, June 5th\, 6:30 pm\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\nDial by your location (as far as we know all phone numbers work in western SD)\n        +1 669 444 9171 US\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 719 359 4580 US\n        +1 253 205 0468 US\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n        +1 689 278 1000 US\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 305 224 1968 US\n        +1 309 205 3325 US\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 360 209 5623 US\n        +1 386 347 5053 US\n        +1 507 473 4847 US\n        +1 564 217 2000 US\n        +1 646 931 3860 US\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nFind your local number (includes international numbers): https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nancy-hilding-is-inviting-you-to-a-scheduled-zoom-meeting-topic-phas-monthly-meetings-time-this-is-a-recurring-meeting-meet-anytime-join-zoom-meeting-https-us02web-zoom-us-j-85433920233pwdqmx/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230608
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230529T194306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230529T194306Z
UID:7686-1686009600-1686182399@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Intertribal Agriculture Council Great Plains Regional Summit
DESCRIPTION:IAC Great Plains Regional Summit \nJUNE 6 – 7 | Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center\, Pierre\, SD \n​We haven’t seen the agenda\, so we don’t know the actual start and end times on each day. \nInformational sessions for Native American producers and Tribal entities in the Great Plains Region \nTOPICS: \n\n\nUSDA programs available to tribal entities and Native American farmers and ranchers \n\n\nAkiptan (CDIF) provides loans and technical assistance to those in Indian Agriculture \n\n\nUSDA Rural Development Program MPPEP (Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program) \n\n\nAn understanding of IAC and partners from UVE are collecting data by monitoring and assessing Tribal Lands placed in CRP/CREP. \n\n\nJune 6 – Lunch will be provided \nJune 7 – Breakfast & lunch provided \nLodging Information \nRamkota Hotel – Room block under (Group Rate) IAC Great Plains Summit\, 605-224-6877\, available until rooms are sold out \nGovernors Inn – Room block under (Group Rate) IAC Great Plains Summit\, 605-224-4200\, extended to May 28
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/intertribal-agriculture-council-great-plains-regional-summit/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230606T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230606T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230603T013630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T013659Z
UID:7738-1686066300-1686067200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comment Deadline to DANR on BHNF Beaver Dam Analog project
DESCRIPTION:Comment Deadline to DANR on BHNF Beaver Dam Analog project. \nThe South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has received an application for a Water Resource Enhancement or Restoration Project approval\, pursuant to Administrative Rules of South Dakota 74:51:01:60. The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to increase aquatic and riparian habitat along Silver Creek and Greens Gulch in the Black Hills National Forest through installation of beaver dam analogs and willow plantings in conjunction with on-going riparian management. This proposed project is approximately 1.5 miles long and would include approximately 75 beaver dam analogs within the reach. The beaver dam analogs would be built by driving untreated wooden posts to create structure support\, weaving willows onto the posts\, and then adding cobble and sod mats creating a semi-permeable structure. Riparian plantings of willows would accompany each beaver dam analog structure to improve stabilization of banks and provide riparian habitat. The proposed work will occur in Sections 1 and 2\, Township 2 North\, Range 3 East\, Lawrence County\, South Dakota \nWritten comments regarding this proposed project must be received by the department on or before June 6\, 2023.  We are not sure if the deadline is close-of-business or midnight CT\, but likely midnight for internet submissions. \nQuestions and/or written comments concerning this project should be  directed to Shannon Minerich at Shannon.Minerich@state.sd.us. Written comments may also be mailed to the following address: SD DANR WQ\, 523 E Capitol\, Pierre\, SD 57501\, or provided using the online comment form\, accessible via the “Comment Deadline” link provided at https://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx \nThere is a BHNF scoping letter on this project also.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-to-danr-on-bhnf-beaver-dam-analog-project/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230607T115000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230607T115900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230508T190115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T233550Z
UID:7189-1686138600-1686139140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline for written comments to NE Game and Parks Commission on cougar and otter seasons
DESCRIPTION:Deadline for written comments to NE Game and Parks Commission  that are proposed for the NE cougar and otter seasons. \nFor  more information contact Sheri Henderson at 402-471-5539 or sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov\, \nWritten comment deadline is received at 1 pm CT June 7th and you can send comments to Sheri Henderson’s e-mail (sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov). \nGo to our posting on the June 9th Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting for  more details.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-to-ne-game-and-parks-commission-on-cougar-and-otter-seasons/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230607T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230607T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230524T042535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230524T042535Z
UID:7669-1686181800-1686182340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Suggested scoping deadline on Lost Project timber sale at BHNF
DESCRIPTION:June 7th  2023 – just before midnight is the suggested deadline for scoping comments. \nThis project is near Newcastle & Jewel Cave. A Wildfire Resilience Categorical Exclusion & Decision Memo are expected. \nFor info.: \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=64158 \nThe preferred method to submit comments is via email at comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-hell canyon@usda.gov  .Please use “lost”in the subject line.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/suggested-scoping-deadline-on-lost-project-timber-sale-at-bhnf/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230602T193012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230617T000104Z
UID:7724-1686213000-1686243600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting - cougar hunting rules reviewed
DESCRIPTION:  \nUPDATE – In Montana\, the commission authorized a 40% cut in lion populations over 6 years in one large area\, and significant reductions elsewhere. The long timeline means there’s an opportunity to revisit this decision in coming years\, but they seem firmly committed to reducing populations. The 40% reduction means nearly doubling quotas (86% up). Full meeting recording: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting and media coverage: https://missoulian.com/mt-to-increase-mountain-lion-quotas/article_1cf08ff3-2822-5fbe-b6eb-85a8ff1e2508.html \nThey may be revisiting at the August meeting –  issues of female sub-limits or how to increase hunting activity so more quotas/limits are met . \n=================== \nHELENA – Montana Fish and Wildlife & Parks Commission met on June 8th at the MFWP headquarters in Helena\, with them meeting starting at 8:30 am. The formal comment period was open through May 11 up till just before midnight.  Commissioners at their individual e-mails\, and they may read them until the day before the Commission meeting. \n\nFor information about the meeting and a place to submit on-line comments: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting \nFor discussion of proposed rule: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/cs-mountain-lion-quotas-final.pdf  \nChanges to rule \n\n  https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/mountain-lion-regulation-changes.pdf \nPotential quotas\, \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/potential-quotas-by-lmu-combined.pdf \n\nMontana Alternatives \n\nThe first alternative is the status quo\, which includes all aspects of the 12.5 percent reduction in the Northwest Ecoregion as adopted by the commission in 2022.\nThe second alternative would achieve a 10 percent reduction statewide within six years if the quota were achieved\, although all quotas are not met currently. The quotas provided under the second alternative would have no numerical difference in the Northwest Ecoregion from the status quo alternative.\nThe third alternative would achieve a 20 percent reduction statewide within six years\nFourth alternative would achieve a 40 percent reduction statewide within six years.\n\nTheir justifications for these potential harvest increases are not well supported by science and are often just value statements – such as improving hunter satisfaction. \nHere is Mountain Lion Foundation’s alert on Montana season proposals: \nIt is a pre-fab letter and you can edit it\, or just hit send: Montana – Mountain Lion Foundation \nThey also wrote a blogpost on the issue: Breaking the Cycle – Mountain Lion Foundation \nIMPORTANCE TO SD \nThe management of lions in SE Montana is important to SD as we  have had at times  breeding populations and/or long term resident lions at the Custer National Forest lands or nearby state/private lands.  However with SD’s 365 day hunting seasons with hounds on the prairie in SD\, such populations likely won’t last well on the SD side. \nCuster National Forest exists in Montana and SD.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/montana-fish-and-wildlife-commission-meeting-cougar-hunting-rules-reviewed/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T115000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230513T040716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230609T022717Z
UID:7267-1686225000-1686268740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments due - Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) - Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project.
DESCRIPTION:Comments on Draft EA are due by June 8\, 2023 11:59 PM MST \nSolitario Zinc\, a Colorado company\, has proposed their Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project\, located along the west side of Spearfish Canyon from well south of Cheyenne Crossing to north of Bridal Veil Falls. \nThis project includes up to 25 core drilling sites for gold mineralization\, access road maintenance (as needed)\, and reclamation activities. One staging area would be used to store equipment and supplies. Drill sites are primarily located in previously disturbed sites along existing roads and trails. No new road or trail construction is proposed. No mining\, milling\, or processing is proposed as part of the project. The project would entail approximately 27 months of active drilling not including inactive periods\, over a total of 5 calendar years. \n\n\n\n\nThe Draft EA is available upon request and on-line at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62590. The easiest and most efficient way to submit comments is by going to the project webpage and clicking on the “Comment/Object on Project” link on the right side of the page:          https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=62590 \nComments may also be submitted by mail at: USDA Forest Service\, ATTN: Steve Kozel\, 2014 N. Main St.\, Spearfish\, SD 57783; telephone at: 605-642- 4622; fax at: 605-642-4156\, or comments can be hand delivered to the Northern Hills Ranger District office\, Monday – Friday\, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Mountain time\, excluding federal holidays.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-draft-environmental-assessment-ea-golden-crest-exploration-drilling-project/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-06-08-at-8.25.08-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230608T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T230000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230415T200245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230606T200158Z
UID:6737-1686225600-1686351600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission  Meeting - June 2023
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Meeting at Good Earth State Park- June 8th-9th 2023 \nThe SDGFP Commission meeting will be a hybrid meeting held in Sioux Falls and on Zoom\, \nMore information about the meeting including the agenda & proposals/petitions has been   posted here:   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\nThe agenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/June_2023_Agenda_(Public_Copy).pdf\nRules for river otter hunting/trapping\,  greater sage grouse hunting & rules for drawings for antelope & turkey licenses  will be proposed. (no hunting of sage grouse is proposed).\nSee links below to proposals.  PHAS has always objected to the otter season.\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_River_Otter.pdf\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_Sage_Grouse.pdf\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO_623_Turkey_and_Antelope_Draw.pdf\n\nSDGFP meetings are normally on the afternoon of the 1st Thursday and Friday in the month\, unless holidays preempt that. They skip August meetings.  Details about Commission meetings\, hyperlinks and contacts can be found in previous posts on Commission meetings for previous months. \nWritten Comments are due by midnight CT the Sunday before the meeting. \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting.  Unless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” <Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us>\, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” <Jon.Locken@state.sd.us>\,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” <Travis.Bies@state.sd.us>\, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” <Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us>\, “Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us” <Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us>\, “charles.spring@state.sd.us” <charles.spring@state.sd.us> \, and david.cull@state.sd.us\, and Jim White – whose e-mail might be jim.white@state.sd.us or james.white@state.sd.us\, \n  \nYou can testify in person or by Zoom at about 2 pm CT on Thursday\, it is suggested you let GFP know you want to testify in advance (but they allow folks who did  register to testify).. Open forum is for speaking on any topic\, the public hearing is just for rules up for finalization. \nTo conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible GFP  asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. However the hearing examiner normally allows for people who didn’t register to speak at the end – he calls for folks who did not register.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-june-2023/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230609T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230508T183529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230616T233919Z
UID:7181-1686297600-1686330000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting -  cougar & otter hunting season
DESCRIPTION:Alert on mountain lions and otters \n\nMOUNTAIN LIONS  \n\nUPDATE:  NGP Commission passed the proposed cougar hunting rule changes. https://kearneyhub.com/news/expanded-mountain-lion-season-approved-in-nebraska/article_f2a3e344-06ff-11ee-80aa-4737c86f0c64.html) \n============= \nNebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting at Alma\, Nebraska on June 9th\, will consider the annual changes to the Nebraska Mountain Lion Season (Title: 163   Chapter(s): 004   Section(s): 037).   The hearing will start at 8:15 am and be in Alma\, NE at the Alma Municipal Golf Coarse\, 102 Dick Brown Memorial Drive. \n “ a public hearing will be held at 8:15AM to consider amendments to Title 163\, Nebraska Administrative Code\, Chapter 4 Wildlife Regulations Section 037 Mountain Lions; to add areas open to harvest\, harvest limits\, adjust the number of permits that may be issued during the lottery\, and clarify checking requirements.” \nFor  more information contact Sheri Henderson at 402-471-5539 or sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov\, \nWritten comment deadline is received at 1 pm CT June 7th and you can send comments to Sheri Henderson’s e-mail\, \nChanges for the 2024 Season  \n\n• The number of permits issued per lion in the harvest limit has been increased from 50 to 80. This change is recommended by staff to increase local landowner/hunter satisfaction by increasing the probability of local hunters and landowners drawing a permit. \n• A Niobrara Unit has been created and a harvest of two mountain lions with a sub-limit of one female is recommended by staff. \n\nNebraska has breeding populations at Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills.   It used to only allow hunting at Pine Ridge. The staff has decided that Niobrara can now support lion hunting.  Pine Ridge is to have a harvest limit of 4 lions of either sex or 2 females and Niobrara is to have a harvest limit of 2 lions of either sex or 1 female. \nWhat Nebraska does with its’ lions is significant to lion populations on Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST)\, Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST) & Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) in SD.  OST has breeding lions & a hunting season for both tribal members & non-tribal folk & allows hunting with dogs w/ tribal guide.  RST likely has breeding lions & tribal members can hunt with furbearer license.  YST has resident lions and might have had breeding lions intermittently and there is no hunting. \nProposed NE regulation: – https://www.nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/2672.pdf \nPublic Notice: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6-09-2023-Public-Hearing-notice-1.pdf \nGame & Parks Commission\, P.O. Box 30370\, 2200 North 33rd Rd. Lincoln\, NE 68503-0370 \n— \nNebraska Game & Parks has a report called:    “Mountain Lion Recommendations” June 2023 . Ask Sam Wilson for a copy\, sam.wilson@nebraska.gov\, the report says: \n“NEGP’s population estimates from 2021 indicate approximately 33 total animals (adults and kittens) were present in the Pine Ridge at the time of the survey. In addition to the population in the Pine Ridge\, there are also resident populations in the Niobrara Valley and Wildcat Hills. On[e] instance of reproduction has been documented in northeast Nebraska but it will not be considered an established population unless additional resident females and instances of reproduction are confirmed. A few additional dispersing animals typically wander elsewhere in the state at any given point in time.”…. \nFor the Pine Ridge area population it says \n“The most recent population estimate (2021) for the Pine Ridge population is 33 total mountain lions\, including adults\, subadults and kittens. This estimate shows the population had been stable between the 2019 estimate of 34 animals and the 2021 estimate of 33. On target with staff goals for halting growth or moderately reducing abundance. “……. \n“A limit of four (4) lions is appropriate to meet the management objective and corresponds to a maximum harvest rate of 12% of the most recent population estimate. “ \nHow do they calculate that percent? It looks like 12% would be of all age groups\, as 4 lions is 12% of  34 lions. Scientists  recommend  killing by humans (by any means) of only of 12% -14% of adult and sub-adults if you want to sustain the population (doesn’t include kittens).  NGP has not provided us with a kitten count in 2023 – we have to go back to 2022 data to find a kitten count. \nThe Pine Ridge population estimate for 2022  year was  33\, with 10 adult females\, 5 adult males\, 4 each for sub-adult males & females and 10 kittens. So\, 23 were available for hunting.  12% of 23 is 2.76 lions\, 14% is 3.2 lions \nAbout the Niobrara population they write: \n“Resident reproduction has now been documented over nearly 100 miles of river valley and adjacent stream canyons. The Commission documented nine litters of kittens from six adult females over the previous 1.3yrs (Nov 2021 – Mar 2023). Twenty-one mountain lions have been marked (collared or ear-tagged) in the Niobrara Valley since 2019. The Commission presently has seven mountain lions with working collars in the Niobrara Valley (3 adult females and 4 adult males) and many additional unmarked animals have also been documented throughout the valley. Nine kittens were documented with the three collared females during the past year. Demographics of known individuals are consistent with a population of more than 20 mountain lions in the Niobrara Valley. “ \nIT also says: \n“A limit of two (2) lions with a sublimit of one (1) female is appropriate to meet the management objective and corresponds to a likely maximum harvest rate of <10%. ”   \nScientists  recommend  killing by humans (by any means) of only of 12% -14% of adult and sub-adults  if you want to sustain the population (this doesn’t include kittens). Thus we must subtract the 9 kittens and come up with 11 adult/subadults (11 adults/subadults is assumed as they don’t tell us the age of 4 lions.)   1.3 is 12% of 11 and 1.54 is 14%. \nWe worry about the small nature of this population and its’ sustainability. \nThe Mountain Lion Foundation has an 2023 discussion on this NE Lion management on their web page: https://mountainlion.org/us/nebraska/ \nHere is link to the OLD PHAS 2022 Alert – that has links to other alerts for NE cougars that can be used to write comments – as the issues stay the same\, except they have added Niobrara. Also Oglala Sioux Tribes harvest of lions has increased. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-hearing-on-mountain-lions-and-otter-hunting-seasons/ \nHere is a link to our generic page on mountain lions: https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ \n========================== \n2. NEBRASKA OTTERS \nChanges are also proposed to the Otter season order\, to make it easier for trappers to process otter trapping records/season status.  The details  will be found at below link under proposed orders. \n\n\n\n“Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Sections §§ 37-314\, 37-315\, 37-502\, 37-701\, a public hearing will be at 8:45 AM to consider amendments to Title 163\, Nebraska Administrative Code Chapter 4\, Wildlife Regulations Section 005 Wildlife-Game birds (not including turkey\, coots and migratory waterfowl)\, Furbearers\, Cottontail Rabbit to change the reporting and daily status checking requirements for a river otter harvest.” \n\n\n\nThey do mountain lion seasons as regulations and otters as Commission orders. \nThey have had 2 years of otter seasons and not many hunters\, relative to what NGP expected\,  are trapping otters.  Proposed otter order: https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CO5-35-day-6-17-22-2.pdf \n\n\n\nThey are getting rid of the failsafe\, that the season would close if 125 otters are trapped and they are just limiting the season by the season dates – not the number of otter taken. They are also limiting it by allowing only one otter per hunter . \n\n\n\n“C05.02E Only one (1) river otter may be harvested per season\, per valid permit holder.” \n\n\n\n“C05.02G2 River otter – Open Season: November 1 through the last day in February” \n\n\nThis clause would be deleted:  (except the season shall close three days after the harvest closing trigger of 125 river otters is met\, whichever comes first) \n\nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/rules-orders-regulations/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-meeting-cougar-hunting-season/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T093000
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230603T180312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230603T180635Z
UID:7794-1686384000-1686389400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Birding field trip at Chadron\, NE  - Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
DESCRIPTION:BIRDING TOURS IN NEBRASKA PANHANDLE\n\n\nJoin Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) to get to know the winged wonders that share our home. BCR will explore a different areas of the Panhandle from April to November\, covering many habitats with a chance to discover new birds each time. This program is intended for anyone interested in birding; from beginners to experts.  Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for two hours.\nRegister Here: https://bit.ly/3MWeC27 The next  trip is to Chadron State Park on June 10th at 8-9:30 am\nRegistration is limited to 15 people and closes on June 9th at 11:59 P.M.  Thanks to generous support from their sponsors\, this program is provided at NO COST!\nThey will be gathering at the Lagoon Shelter at Chadron State Park\, located at 15951 Gold Rush Byway\, Chadron\, NE 69337. For more information: delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org or 308-633-1013\n\nAll are welcome. BCR’s community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds\, beliefs\, colors and creeds to join in\, benefit from and contribute to our mission. They strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race\, color\, sex\, age\, national origin\, religion\, sexual orientation\, gender identity\, or other status.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/birding-field-trip-at-chadron-ne-bird-conservancy-of-the-rockies/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230610T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T154552
CREATED:20230603T173354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230610T013757Z
UID:7787-1686441000-1686441540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Scoping deadline for beaver dam analog project BHNF - Silver Creek
DESCRIPTION:Scoping deadline for beaver dam analog project BHNF – Silver Creek is June 10th (or 12th). \nPHAS supports this project – beaver dam analogs\, mimic beaver dams and help to retain surface and ground water\, store carbon\, clean water and provide for aquatic and terrestrial  habitat for other species\, especially birds.  They can result in recovery of beaver\, as beaver may move into the improved habitat that the analogs create. \nQuote from the FS:  \n“The stream channels and associated riparian areas of Silver Creek and its tributary Green’s Gulch have become degraded over time\, leading to channel cutting of the stream course\, drying of the riparian area\, and proliferation of non-native grass species such as bluegrass and timothy. The purpose of this project is to create a more complex and dynamic aquatic and riparian ecosystem on Silver Creek and Green’s Gulch and to restore stream health to proper functioning condition\, which would create habitat for native plants\, such as sedges and willows\, and wildlife\, such as beavers.” \nThis project is proposed by the Northern Hills Ranger District – see Anne Dunckel\, hydrologist\, 605-443-3073 \nFor more information and commenting instructions: – https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=64119 \nWHAT IS THE COMMENT DEADLINE? \nPlease note the on-line commenting page says the comment deadline is the 9th of June.  The scoping notice says the deadline is 30 days from the date of the letter\, which was May 11th\, 2023. That makes the deadline Saturday June 10th. Normal Forest Service day-counting rules allow you to move weekend deadlines to next working day (Monday\, June 12th). We forgot to call the Forest Service to straighten contradictions out. We believe the real deadline is likely Monday & we suspect  the FS is not all that finicky about scoping deadlines over a weekend.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/scoping-deadline-for-beaver-dam-analog-project-bhnf-silver-creek/
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