BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240515T170044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T025622Z UID:12686-1718044200-1718053200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:June 10th\, PHAS meeting on the BLM's proposed amendments to their RMPs for greater sage grouse DESCRIPTION:Monday\, June 10th\, 6:30 pm MT by Zoom\, \nPHAS meeting on the BLM’s proposed amendments to their Resource Management Plans for the greater sage grouse. \n Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n—\n\n\n\n\nPHAS meetings are recorded and the link to the meeting recordings are posted to our recordings web page\, normally within a few days after the meeting & link is also provided below.\n\nTo listen to meeting recording: Zoom Cloud storage link for June 10th\, 2024\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kvl71QwPzr2KYCTavym9skTwXg65gdRWjVdRAMi9sdaiZv5rsvfFYMdBBSwudxnn.xxlb4ySuNgqE9_qK\nPasscode: 9s=&9guS\n\n=======================\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s June Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT \nLocation: by Zoom \nSpeaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project Topic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again” \nComments are due on  the Draft Environmental Impact Statement June 13th\, a Thursday.  For more information on DEISs:  https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ \nCome and learn how to comment and about the issues. \nPHAS has been in litigation over the BLM greater sage grouse management since 2016. For more information on our sage grouse campaign: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/ \nZOOM DETAILS \nTopic: PHAS monthly meetings\nTime: Recurring meeting codes – This time 6/10/24 at 6:30 pm MT – We always use these same Zoom codes for PHAS monthly  meetings.\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\n—\n\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n—\n\nDial by your location\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\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n\nExcerpt from our June Newsletter:\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s\nJune Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT\nLocation: by Zoom Speaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project\nTopic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again”\n\nThe Biden administration is joining previous administrations & once again offering amendments to the BLM Resource Management Plans for greater sage grouse in 10 western states\, including SD. The BLM had engaged in revising its’ greater sage grouse management in 2015 (under Obama) & in 2019 (under Trump)\, however sage grouse populations continue to drop\, losing nearly 80% of acreage between 1968 & 2023. Learn what the Biden Administration is doing or not doing to rectify the situation.\n\nTo protect the greater sage grouse Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians sued in 2016 in federal court to force better and more protective management on the BLM lands. The litigation is on hold\, waiting while Biden administrations rewrites its’ management plans. As a result of this litigation: 1) Trump amendments were enjoined\, 2) 10 million acres of critical sage grouse habitat temporarily protected from mining\, 3) the Biden Administration was forced to rewrite the previous administrations’ greater sage grouse management plans. Visit: https://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/\n\nBiden administration proposed new management rules are presented in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. There is an opportunity to comment ending Thursday June 13th\, 2024 & we hope you will comment.\nCome & learn about the issues from Erik and/or go to our web site’s page on sage ecosystem campaign or events/deadline calendar on June 13th to learn about issues & send an original or pre-fab form letter: https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ To join our Zoom Meetings for members\, we use this account: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233 Passcode: 534620\nOne tap mobile +16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620#\nUS Dial by phone: • +1 669 444 9171 US or +1 669 900 6833 US +1 253 205 0468 US URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/june-10th-phas-meeting-on-the-blms-proposed-amendments-to-their-rmps-for-greater-sage-grouse/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240511T231359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023742Z UID:12620-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BHNF Seeking Public Comments on Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project DESCRIPTION:Sundance\, WY\, May 10\, 2024 – The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to reduce fire hazard in the Moskee area of the Black Hills in Crook County\, WY. High fuel loading in this area poses a risk to surrounding lands and communities.\n \n\nThe Forest Service is proposing to treat up to 1\,304 acres of ponderosa pine\, grasslands and hardwoods. Pine forest varies from dense\, mature stands to open-canopy woodlands with an understory of grass or dense regeneration. Detailed maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020. \nOr for management projects generally:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n\n\n\n\nThe project would be implemented partly via Good Neighbor Authority agreements with the State of Wyoming\, as authorized by Title VIII of the 2018 USDA Farm Bill (Public Law 115–334). \n\n \nThe Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project\, including commenters’ names and contact information\, will become part of the public record Comments can be made using the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020 or through the U.S. Mail: Attn: Davis Project\, Bearlodge Ranger District\, P.O. Box 680 / 101 S. 21st St. Sundance\, WY 82729. The opportunity to comment extends through June 10\, 2024. Project status and discussions with collaborators and interested parties are available on the project web page.\n \nFor questions on the proposed project\, please contact Patrick Champa\, Bearlodge District Ranger\, or Ryan Tallmadge\, Bearlodge Ranger District assistant resource planner\, at (307) 283-1361\, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.\, mountain daylight time.\n \nFor more information on the Black Hills National Forest\, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or for a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-seeking-public-comments-on-davis-hazardous-fuels-reduction-project/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Davis-Project-Map-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240511T233218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023445Z UID:12624-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on BHNF Zeppelin Forest Health Project Draft Environmental Assesment DESCRIPTION:The Black Hills National Forest\, Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD)\, has announced the availability of the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Zeppelin Forest Health Project (Zeppelin Project)\, located west of Piedmont\, SD\, north of Dalton Lake\, east of Vanocker Canyon Highway\, and south of Elk Creek. You can view the draft EA on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845\n\nQuote from the BHNF:\n“The Zeppelin Project is being analyzed under the provisions of the Western Firesheds Emergency Action Determination (EAD)\, which is an authority provided by the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EAD authorities can be applied to projects that pre-emptively address the potential impacts of natural disturbances\, such as wildfire and insect infestation\, to nearby communities and National Forest System lands that have been identified as a high-risk fireshed. The Zeppelin project area is within a high-risk fireshed as identified by the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Implementation Plan. Projects with a goal of reducing hazardous fuels and increasing forest resiliency in high-risk firesheds can be authorized under the EAD to expedite implementation of the project by eliminating the pre-decisional objection process under 36 CFR 218. Implementation under the EAD requires approval from the Chief’s Office of the Forest Service. Use of the EAD for the Zeppelin project was approved by the deputy chief of the Forest Service on August 21\, 2023.\n\nComments on the draft EA will be accepted for 30 days beginning the first day after a legal notice is published in the Rapid City Journal. It is expected that the legal notice will be published on May 9th\, 2024. Assuming that date was met\, the comment period ends on a Saturday\, so comments will be accepted until the end of the next Federal working day (Monday). A timely submission will be determined as outlined in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(4). It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.\nAll written comments received\, including names and addresses of commenters\, will be placed in the project file\, and will become a matter of public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however\, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the commenter with subsequent environmental documents. Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action\, have a direct relationship to the proposed action\, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider.\n\nThe most efficient method of submitting comments on this draft EA is by visiting the project website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845) and clicking the “Comment/Object on Project” link. You may also submit comments to the project leader\, Chris Stores\, by mail\, email\, phone\, or fax to: Northern Hills Ranger District 2014 North Main Street Spearfish\, SD 57783 Telephone: (605) 642-4622 Fax: (605) 642-4156 chris.stores@usda.gov Office hours\, for those who wish to hand deliver their comments\, are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM\, Monday – Friday (except Federal holidays). Postal mail must be postmarked by deadline day (likely Monday\, June 1oth) Any questions regarding this project can be directed to Steve Kozel or  Chris Stores at the phone number listed above.”\n\nFor a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-bhnf-zeppelin-forest-health-project-draft-environmental-assesment/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Zeppelin_ScopingMap_ProposedAction_11x17_Color-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T230000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240605T163456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T013452Z UID:13423-1718100000-1718146800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meade County Commission reconsiders the Meade County Comprehensive Plan DESCRIPTION:Meade County Commission will reconsider the Meade County Comprehensive Plan with a hearing before the County Commission at at 10 am  Tuesday June 11th. \nNancy Hilding for PHAS attended the 6/3/24 hearing before the Planning Commission and testified to failure to having goals and policies to protect historic and cultural properties\, in its’ land use Goals (Goal IV\, page 32)\, its’ rural character\, natural resources and open spaces Goals (Goal III\, page 22) and/or its’ infrastructure Goals (Goal II\, page 18). Nancy asked for new goals of protecting such to be added. However the Planning Commission did not want to make more changes at this point.  The County Commission however still could make changes. \nBear Butte is very important to Native American Tribes in the Great Plains\, and Meade County has other historic/cultural sites.  Meade County has seen a lot of controversy over development related to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally around Bear Butte. \nRecently SDGFP\, while developing a shooting range in Meade County\, decided to forego federal grants\, because the SDGFP wanted to avoid completing consultation with tribes\, that was required by USFWS service for federal funding. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) and others found 8 sites eligible for listing as National Register of Historic Places and FSST considers the entire landscape a Traditional Cultural Property\, a place for ceremony and historical remembrance.  Visit for more info: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/ \nCompleting such consultation would have delayed  their construction plans.  Earlier the Meade County Commission decided not to have a clause about protecting cultural and historic properties in its’ shooting range ordinance\, but expressed concern  to SDGFP for protection of cairns (the first eligible for listing site found). \nYou can write the whole Commission  collectively  ℅  Rhea Crane or individually at https://www.meadecounty.org/commission/ \nLink to download the June 3rd version of the draft plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/664b8e8c41cd9f6f0cdcf28d/1716227729433/Meade+County+Draft+06-03-2024.pdf \nWe are not sure how long the discussion will take\, but unless a lot of people show up to testify\, we don’t imagine it would last longer than an hour. \nGo back to Monday June 3rd\, 2024 hearing announcement for more details and links. https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-meade-county-draft-comprehensive-plan-by-meade-planning-commission/ \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-commission-reconsiders-the-meade-county-comprehensive-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240613T095000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240613T215900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240314T225101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240614T000354Z UID:12064-1718272200-1718315940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on BLM's greater sage grouse RMP amendment's DEIS DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment on BLM’s greater sage grouse RMP amendment’s DEIS (3 volumes) is June 13th\, 2024.  They are giving us 90 days.  The time of day deadline is mountain time\, just before midnight on the 13th.\nWatch for updates on the time zone the midnight deadline will fall in. \nThe US Geological Survey found that the greater sage grouse population declined 80% between 168 and 2023. PHAS believes the proposed BLM RMO amendments need to be stronger. \nBLM says in it’s  press release: \n“WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing a draft plan to strengthen greater sage-grouse conservation and management on public lands\, informed by the best-available science and input from local\, state\, federal\, and Tribal partners. The draft plan is built on decades of partnership\, research\, and on-the-ground knowledge and experience in maintaining\, protecting and restoring healthy sagebrush habitats…. \nAlternatives in the proposal build on the most successful components of the plans that the BLM adopted in 2015 and updated in 2019. The draft plan incorporates new sage-grouse conservation science and lessons learned\, accommodating changing resources conditions while increasing implementation flexibility. The agency considered nearly 1\,900 comments gathered during an initial public scoping period and information shared by state\, local\, federal\, and Tribal partners in more than 100 meetings. There are 6 alternative and BLM prefers alternative 5. \nThe BLM will hold 13 public meetings to answer questions and take further comments on the draft alternatives and analysis. Information on public meetings will be posted in the events column on the main page of the BLM website. ” \nFor more info: \nhttps://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-proposes-stronger-greater-sage-grouse-conservation-plans \nTo access DEISs: \nhttps://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/570 \nWritten comments may  be submitted by email (BLM_HQ_GRSG_Planning@blm.gov) or physically at BLM Utah State Office\, ATTN: HQ GRSG RMPA\, 440 West 200 South #500\, Salt Lake City\, UT 84101.\n \nThe preferred method of comment is using the “Participate Now” function on this website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/530\n\n. Commenters are encouraged to comment using only one of the available approaches.\nMore information on how to comment on this draft will be posted at https://www.blm.gov/sagegrouse \nHistory – The Obama Administration rewrote the national BLM plans for greater sage grouse\, then Trump Administration rewrote those\,  environmental groups sued over both versions and Judge Windmill enjoined the Trump Administration’s BLM plans.  The Biden  Administration has released their version.    To access DEISs: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/570 \n\nQuote from Vol 1 of  Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement – On States covered:\n“The BLM’s land management plans (collectively referred to as resource management plans [RMP]) include goals\, objectives\, and management actions for managing GRSG habitat on BLM-administered public lands in ten Western states (California\, Colorado\, Idaho\, Montana\, Nevada\, North Dakota\, Oregon\, South Dakota\, Utah and Wyoming). These plans include management for GRSG Habitat Management Areas to provide for conservation\,\nenhancement\, and restoration of GRSG habitat. GRSG also occur in Washington but have limited distribution on BLM-administered lands and are primarily influenced by actions on private lands. Therefore\, GRSG in Washington are not included as part of this plan amendment.”\n=====================\nIt is suggested that folks from South Dakota or North Dakota and  Montana ask for 10.2  inch residual grass height after grazing by livestock is completed\, as our sage brush are smaller than other western sage brush and the sage grouse need the extra help from taller grass for cover.\n===========================\nOPINIONS OF NGOs\nWestern Watersheds Project\, Center for Biological Diversity\,American Bird Conservancy\, Advocates for the West\, — joint opinions of Biden’s BLM’s recommended amendments: https://www.westernwatersheds.org/2024/03/conservation-groups-give-a-thumbs-down-to-biden-administrations-proposed-sage-grouse-plan/\nAmerican Bird Conservancy opinions-\nhttps://abcbirds.org/preventing-a-greater-sage-grouse-vanishing-act/\n\nAlliance For Wild Rockies opinions\nhttps://allianceforthewildrockies.org/sage-grouse-collaborative-conservation-effort-an-on-going-disaster/\n\nNational Audubon Society’s opinions – https://www.audubon.org/news/choosing-plan-save-greater-sage-grouse\n\nCourt house news service article on BLM DEIS:\nhttps://www.courthousenews.com/conservationists-slam-federal-proposal-for-greater-sage-grouse-protection/\nNew York times article BLM DEIS:\nhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/14/climate/sage-grouse-protection.html\n====\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society web page on greater sage grouse (we are parties to litigation driving this rewrite).\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/\n===============\nON-LINE PRE-FABRICATED LETTERS\n=======\nCenter for Biological Diversity on-line Form letter:\nhttps://act.biologicaldiversity.org/rPSpp0z6-0CTls9dR4lTEw2?sourceid=1009613&utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&contactdata=0S94puVuWbjySSQjoztjYDAcr+HmE5P4j7yWogkT435FN1wkdwhDXzqRQUAg0jsc0qOwE6yEyRCgzWnxbPSlk+0GnKAIN1pAbyteXG9+ucrHDpw0S2HWhN9vCHX7AzLAl9REyK211kt8QE5fmkwgZRMowZ0YyI7N0bEIR1QTUO14knUbV79IsVpsdrkZtyq6NPlHV93p5tNxdzHAxCYW6%2f4g4WdfJQ0nXvQBjFM8w11O5BBtKcWesh4%2f2UEa6gTZ&emci=2bddef71-3212-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=af00c2fb-4414-ef11-86d0-6045bdd9e096&ceid=73046\nNational Audubon Society’s on-line Form letter – https://act.audubon.org/a/sage-grouse-habitat?ms=chapter-V02\nAmerican Bird Conservancy on-line Form letter\nhttps://act.abcbirds.org/a/take-action-greater-sage-grouse-comments?ms=web_story_sagegrouse_gen_thankyou_txt2&_gl=1*1i703x1*_ga*ODY5MDIxNDE4LjE3MTcyMDU1NTM.*_ga_02MTVGNQSR*MTcxNzIwNTU1NC4xLjAuMTcxNzIwNTU1NC42MC4wLjA.*_gcl_au*MTY4NzU3NjI5MC4xNzE3MjA1NTUx\nDefenders of Wildlife\nhttps://act.defenders.org/page/68792/action/1?supporter.appealCode=3WDE2408B1XX1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=061024_Sage-GrouseA2D_Nondonor&utm_content=061024+Sage-Grouse+A2D+-+Nondonor&ea.url.id=2610769\n+++++++++++++++++\nWATCH OUR MEETING ON THIS\n=========================\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s June 10th\, 2024 meeting on greater sage grouse & BLM’s rewrite of Resource Management plans. Erik Molvar of Western Watershed Projects speaking \n  Zoom Cloud storage link\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kvl71QwPzr2KYCTavym9skTwXg65gdRWjVdRAMi9sdaiZv5rsvfFYMdBBSwudxnn.xxlb4ySuNgqE9_qK\nPasscode: 9s=&9guS\n===================================== \n\nThe BLM held eleven (11) in-person open-house and two (2) virtual public meetings to provide information on the BLM’s current greater sage-grouse planning effort. All these meetings included a presentation on the planning effort and opportunities for questions about the planning effort and the Draft RMPA/Draft EIS. The meetings were scheduled in the following locations:  \n– Tuesday\, April 9 – Virtual meeting  \n– Thursday\, April 11 – Billings (MT)  \n– Tuesday\, April 16 – Reno (NV) \n– Wednesday\, April 17 – Craig (CO) and Lakeview (OR)  \n– Thursday\, April 18 – Cheyenne (WY)\, Boise (ID)\, and Ontario (OR)  \n– Monday\, April 22 – Rock Springs (WY)  \n– Tuesday\, April 23 – Worland (WY) and Salt Lake City (UT)  \n– Wednesday\, April 24 – Casper (WY) \n– Thursday\, April 25 – Virtual meeting  \nAdditional details on the times and locations/venues for these meetings was to be provided at least 15 days before the meeting.  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240617T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240617T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240609T004033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T004252Z UID:13523-1718664600-1718665140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Wharf Ground Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review- Intervenor filing deadline DESCRIPTION:Wharf Ground Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review- Intervenor filing deadline \n\n\n\nWharf Ross Valley\nGround Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review.\nLawrence County\n6/17/2024\n\n\n\nQuote from DANR: \n“Any interested person may file a petition to initiate a contested case and request a hearing on the Ground Water Discharge Plan renewal and the Department’s recommendation pursuant to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota Chapter 74:50:02 within 30 days of publication of this notice. If no petition to initiate a contested case is filed during the 30-day public notice period\, the Department’s recommendations on the Ground Water Discharge Plan renewal will become final at the close of this 30-day period.”.. \nAny person desiring further information may contact Matt Hicks at the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources\, Water Quality Program\, Phone: 605.773.3351; \nPublic notice – https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPPublicNotice.pdf \nApplication \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPApplication.pdf \nStaff Report \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPTechnicalReviewAnalysis.pdf \nConditions: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPPermitDocumentDRAFT.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wharf-ground-water-discharge-plan-renewal-and-water-quality-variance-review-intervenor-filing-deadline/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240619T115000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240619T115900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240526T005342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240526T030507Z UID:13147-1718797800-1718798340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Nebraska Game and Parks proposed rule changes to Mt. Lion season DESCRIPTION:Wednesday June 19th\, at 1 pm CT\,  is the deadline to submit written comments on Nebraska Game and Park’s proposed rule changes to its’ mt. lion seasons in Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills Units.  Go to our events calendar web page for  Thursday June 20- Friday 21 for more information. Thursday/Friday  are the dates the Commission will be meeting & that is where we have put the details. \n  \n  \nNebraska Game and Parks Commission June 20-21st\, 2024 meeting URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-nebraska-game-and-parks-proposed-rule-changes-to-mt-lion-season/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240620T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240524T031008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240625T172741Z UID:13031-1718870400-1718989200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission June 20-21st\, 2024 meeting DESCRIPTION:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a June 20-21st 2024 meeting at Ogallala \nRESULTS: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/commissioners-approve-a-2025-mountain-lion-season/ \n  \nMeeting at Petrified Wood Gallery\, 418 E 1st St.\,Ogallala\, NE\, 69153 \nVisit this web site when close to the date for the agenda.  At this site the Commission agenda is posted online before each meeting. and minutes from previous meetings also are posted after each meeting. \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/ \nFriday’s agenda\, (hearing for Mt lion season at about 8:30 am CT)) \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_JUNE_GeneralMeetingAgenda.pdf \nThursday’s afternoon agenda (information meeting ) \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-APRIL-Information-Meeting-Agenda-General.pdf \nSend comments to – sheri henderson \, Hearing contact phone \n402-471-5539 \nSheri Henderson\, Division of Administration\, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission\, 2200 North 33rd\, P.O. Box 30370\, Lincoln\, NE 68503 The written comment period will close at 1 pm CT on June 19th\, 2024 – you can still testify in person on Friday. \nThere is also an on-line petition about adding cigar hunting at Wildcat Hills at: \nhttps://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-sport-hunting-mountain-lions-Wildcats \nHere is a copy of PHAS comment letter: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/nebraska-Mt-lion-2024_FP2.pdf \nWe suggest folks object to scheduling hunting in Niobrara and WildCat Hills before a formal population estimate has been done.  We suggest folks object to the harvest caps set for all 3 units as too high. We write about this in our letter. \nWe watch the Nebraska Game and Parks around June\, as in this month they often propose new mountain lion hunting season.  Here are their proposed changes for 2024\, Amendments to Title 163\, Admin. Code Chapt. 4\,  –  Regulations Wildlife\, Section 037 on Mountain lions. \nFor mountain lions I think these are the existing rules: \nCurrent rule title 163: \nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/163%20NAC%204%20(05-05-2024)-4.pdf \nExplanat0ry statement of reasons to proposed rule changes \nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/3610d934-9605-4b98-b740-81b6f045a9d0.pdf \nHere is a link to find other related docs \nhttps://rules.nebraska.gov/docket \nHere is a link to review the Booklet that Nebraska Game and Parks created on this years Mountain lion population information. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/NE.Mountain-Lion-Booklet-June-2024.pdf \nIt looks like they are proposing increasing the harvest limit at the Pine Ridge Unit from 4 any sex/2 females  to 12 any sex/6 females (triple increase) \, looks like increasing Niobrara Unit from 2 any sex/1 female to 4 any sex/2 females (double increase)  and adding a new unit at WildCat Hills to 3 any sex/2 females. That appears in the sheet on explanation of rule changes. This seems like excessive increases. \nWe\, in SD\, care very much about NE cougar hunting as the Pine Ridge Ecosystem exists in 3 states – Wyoming\, NE and SD.  Also 3 of  the Reservations in southern SD\, that have mountain lions\, are north of various NE mt. lion populations (Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Missouri River) and we expect that dispersal from NE helps SD reservation populations. \nThere is  a shorter afternoon meeting on  afternoon of 20th and a longer meeting on 21st.  The public hearing is on the second day\, mountain lions at about 8:30 am CT. \nFor community for people who care about Nebraska lions –  visit Colin Croft of Gering Nebraska\, Facebook page “Nebraskans Living with Mountain Lions”. He has a petition opposing the new hunting unit at Wildcat Hills.\n \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-june-20-21st-2024-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240620T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240601T031336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T031336Z UID:13328-1718888400-1718989200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Annual Great Plains Conservation Network Meeting & Tour of Southern Plains Land Trust - Colorado DESCRIPTION:This year’s annual GPCN Steering Committee Meeting will take place on June 20-21 at Heartland Ranch in southeastern Colorado. Heartland is a 43\,000-acre nature preserve protected by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT). Located 35 miles southwest of Lamar in Bent County\, \nHeartland is home to a growing conservation herd of American bison\, as well as a reintroduction site for the critically endangered black-footed ferret. SPLT looks forward to welcoming you to Heartland to experience the beauty and expansiveness of Colorado’s shortgrass prairie! \nWe are unsure of meeting times\, having not seen an agenda\, so we just guessed at meeting start/end times on the 2 days \nThere will be a tour of the preserve on morning of 21st at 8 am -12 pm \nGPCN Annual Meeting and Tour of Southern Plains Land Trust URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/annual-great-plains-conservation-network-meeting-tour-of-southern-plains-land-trust-colorado/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T213000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240604T181500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T202753Z UID:13386-1719079200-1719091800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Documentary shown - "On Common Ground" DESCRIPTION:Documentary shown – “On Common Ground” at the Dahl Fine Arts Center\, Rapid City\, \nThis movie is a screening of a new documentary about regenerative farming. \nEvent presented by Isaak Walton League\, supported by Citizen’s Climate Lobby\, Black Hills Environmental Protection.  Social at 6 pm\, movie at 7 pm MT. We are not sure how many hours into the evening the event will last. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/documentary-shown-on-common-ground/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Common-Ground-Flyer-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240609T002724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240621T000222Z UID:13519-1719096600-1719097140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SD ambient air quality monitoring plan DESCRIPTION:DANR develops an annual ambient air monitoring network plan which is a review of the ambient air monitoring network each year. The 2024 Annual Plan is open for public comment through June 22\, 2024. \nLink to proposed Ambient Air Monitoring Annual plan\, https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/docs/Annual%20Plan%202024.pdf \nLink to submit comments \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/public/comment.aspx?d_comment=06/22/2024&name=South%20Dakota%27s%202024%20Ambient%20Air%20Monitoring%20Annual%20Plan&pntype=aq_nplan&description=DANR%20develops%20an%20annual%20ambient%20air%20monitoring%20network%20plan%20which%20is%20a%20review%20of%20the%20ambient%20air%20monitoring%20network%20each%20year.%20%20The%202024%20Annual%20Plan%20is%20open%20for%20public%20comment%20through%20June%2022\,%202024. \nWe are not sure of the time of day for the deadline\, but assume it is midnight Central Time. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sd-ambient-air-quality-monitoring-plan/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-06-20-at-5.55.24-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240609T005030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T010406Z UID:13526-1719355800-1719356340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for petitions contesting the BME recommendation on bentonite mine - Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC DESCRIPTION:Quote from DANR public notice: https://danr.sd.gov/Press/docs/publicnotices/MineralsMining/BPMSecurityNOF2.pdf \n“Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC\, 554 US Highway 212\, Belle Fourche\, South Dakota\n57717\, hereby gives notice that an application for a permit to mine bentonite has been filed\nwith the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for its proposed\nSecurity Project. … \nThe application is available for review at the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund Program\, 523 \nEast Capitol Avenue\, Pierre\, South Dakota\, or on the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund web\npage at http://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx.\nThe application is also available for public review at the Butte County Register of Deeds\noffice in Belle Fourche\, South Dakota. Comments may be submitted in writing or online at\nhttp://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx. Written objections to\, statements in support of\, or\npetitions to intervene and become a party to the proceedings pursuant to ARSD 74:29:01:09\nmust be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources no later than June 4\,\n2024. Information about the contents of a petition can be found in ARSD 74:09:01:01 at\nhttps://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/26972.\n         The permit will be issued by the department if no petitions to intervene are received and if the\ndepartment’s recommendation is for approval or conditional approval. The department will\nissue its recommendation on June 18\, 2024. If no petitions contesting the recommendation\nare received within seven days after the issuance of the recommendation\, the department’s\nrecommendation will become effective June 25\, 2024. The permit application will be\napproved\, conditionally approved\, or denied accordingly.\nPersons desiring further information may contact Eric Holm\, Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund\nProgram\, at (605) 773-4201 \nApplication: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/docs/BPMSecurityMinePermitApp1.pdf \nWe are not sure of time-of-day for deadline to file\, but we assume before midnight Central Time URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-petitions-contesting-the-bme-recommendation-on-bentonite-mine-bentonite-performance-minerals-llc/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T233000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240524T135913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240524T150002Z UID:13043-1719358200-1719359940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline on Furbearer Season (mountain lions & beaver)\, ND DESCRIPTION:There is actually no specific day for the deadline to comment to ND on their furbearer regulations except – “late June”\, so I just picked June 25th\, for late June.  The Department sends recommendations  to the Governor who issues a proclamation about the hunting seasons in mid July. \nND has a 365 day (year long) beaver trapping season statewide. \nYou send your comments to Stephanie Tucker –  \nCurrent regulations for cougars-  To view map:  https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/mountain-lion \nTo read cougar regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-mountain-lion \nTo read beaver regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-beaver URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-furbearer-season-mountain-lions-beaver-nd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240618T173839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T194941Z UID:13707-1719653400-1719669600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Elaine Ebbert Wonder-Crawl at Dugout Gulch\, BHNF\, Wyoming\, a tributary east of Sand Creek DESCRIPTION:This is an annual Norbeck Society event – the 15th year it happens. June 29th. 9:30 am \nPrepare for several hours of easy walking with many stops. Bring your own snacks\, lunch\, and beverages\, sunscreen\, good hiking footwear\, and plant books. Distance 1 – 5 miles. No dogs please. Dugout Gulch is a Black Hills National Forest Botanical Area home to unique relic boreal plants. Dugout Gulch is a tributary of Sand Creek located to the east of Sand Creek in the BHNF. As boreal forests retreated northward after the Ice Age\, moist\, cool areas like Dugout Gulch became holdouts for these unique plant communities known as “boreal disjuncts”. \nPLEASE RSVP: info@norbecksociety.com \nDIRECTIONS: From Spearfish\, SD\, or Sundance\, WY\, take I-90 to Exit 205 at Beulah.         Meet at the Beulah gas station at 9:30. Caravan will leave at 9:35. It may take at least 20 minutes to drive to Dugout Gulch\, due to speed limit on gravel roads \n  \nWe have no idea how long the hike will last\, but announcement says ” several hours”  so we chose 2:00 pm as a guess for the hike’s ending time\, which gives it a 4 hours duration. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/elaine-ebbert-wonder-crawl-at-dugout-gulch-bhnf-wyoming-a-tributary-east-of-sand-creek/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240618T174700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T174821Z UID:13710-1719791400-1719791940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Vote for the Norbeck Society in Thriving Communities Initiative poll DESCRIPTION:The Deadline is before July 1st. \nNorbeck Society friends and members are strongly encouraged to go to Thriving Communities Initiative – Black Hills Area Community Foundation (bhacf.org) and vote for “Beautiful Black Hills” which\, if chosen\, gives the Norbeck Society an avenue to pursue a grant. \nThe Norbeck Society steering committee has met with the BHACF to discuss funding opportunities for the Norbeck Society.  Our opportunities will be enhanced if “Beautiful Black Hills” is the chosen emphasis. \nThe Norbeck Society works to protect the Black Hills from unsustainable cutting by the BHNF\, a goal that PHAS supports. \nWe are not sure if the deadline is COB on June 30th or just before midnight\, but we are quesing at a midnight deadline URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-vote-for-the-norbeck-society-in-thriving-communities-initiative-poll/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240703T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240703T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240609T002102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T215239Z UID:13516-1720050600-1720051140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline\, BHNF Vegetation Management Project\, Antelope Canyon DESCRIPTION:Decision Memo was signed on July 11th\, 8 days after close of comment period.\nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/Decision_Memo_Signed_AntelopeCanyon20240711.pdf\nQuotes from FS scoping packet:\n\n“The Antelope Canyon project area is located approximately 15 miles south of the city of Custer\, SD\,\nand 7 miles northwest of Hot Springs\, SD. The eastern boundary of the project area borders Wind\nCave National Park\,”\n\n \n\n“This project is designed to create and maintain a wildfire resilient and sustainable forest with a\ncombination of non-commercial and commercial treatments designed to protect communities\nby lowering the intensity\, severity\, and effects of a wildland fire while providing a healthy forest\nand continuing to provide wildlife habitat.”\n\n\n\n“The Antelope Canyon project area lies within Management Area\n5.4 Big Game Winter Range Emphasis as identified in the Black Hills Land and Resource\nManagement Plan”\n\n\n\n“The project area is designated as Fire Regime Condition Class 1: vegetation patterns and time\nbetween wildfires resemble pre-settlement characteristics.”\n\nComment Deadline\, BHNF Vegetation Management Project\, Antelope Canyon\, Hells Canyon District. \nScoping comments are most useful if arrive by July 3rd\, 2024. For more information: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/267037239673 \n\n\n\nThe preferred method to submit comments is via the “Comment/Object on Project” link on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=66307. The project’s website is also a way to view a larger map of the project. Other ways to comment include by phone\,  605-673-9200\, or you can hand-deliver or mail your comments to the District office at 1019 N. 5th Street\, Custer\, SD 57730. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-bhnf-vegetation-management-project-antelope-canyon/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mapfrom-AntelopeCanyonProject_ScopingPackage20240529-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240711T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240712T120000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20231213T070734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T170143Z UID:9874-1720699200-1720785600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks July Hybrid Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s July Meeting is in Sioux Falls\, Thursday-Friday\,  July 11-12th\,  2024\, at  Good Earth State Park\, \nResults – Mt Lions: \nThe  GFP staff presented the Draft Mt. Lion Action Plan and a powerpoint about their mt. lion public opinion survey. The draft Action Plan did not change the population objective of 200-300. It did not recommend hound hunting in the Black Hills Fire Protection District (BHFPD) outside of Custer State Park. \nWe believe that the draft Action Plan is available for public comment and will be writing talking points on that in the future.  We wish a reduction in hound hunting of lions and a reduction in the year round unlimited harvest in the Prairie Unit (Statewide outside of BHFPD)\, with a recognition of need for sustainable populations on Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s reservations.  Due to various Allotment Acts Tribal lands can contain checker board land ownership patterns\, with SDGFP having jurisdiction over parts of the checker board. \nResults-  Turkey \nThe Commission rejected a petition to lower the non-resident turkey hunting licenses\, but instead redid the spring turkey season proposal to reduce the non-resident turkey hunting licenses\, but with a more modest reduction in number of licenses. \n=============== \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page closer to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\n\nAgenda https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_July_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \n\n\n\n\nCommission Book –  written material discussed at the meet is in the Commission book\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/July_2024_Commission_Book.pdf\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are proposals for changes to bobcat hunting season\, spring and fall turkey  hunting\, antelope hunting\, air gun use\, and park entrance licenses. The proposals can be found in the July Commission Book.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had anticipated that the SDGFP staff would bring forward a new draft Mountain Lion Action Plan for an approximate 60 day comment period\, with comments due in early Sept  (see our Sept Commission meeting event notices for Sept. 1st & Sept 5th-6th). There is a draft Mt Lion Action Plan in the Commission book and on the agenda as an information item. \nWe also anticipated that the GFP staff would be submitting a proposal for new cougar hunting season rules that would apply to the Black Hills Fire Protection District (outside Custer state Park) & would allow some small amount of hound hunting of cougars in the BHFPD – with comments due in early Sept.  They did not do so and did not propose that change in the  draft Action Plan. We don’t know what that means\, if they have dropped the idea\, will take direction from the Commission or are planning to bring it up in September. If you look at the public comments\, advocates for hound  hunting were organized to submit pro-hound hunting comments. \nWe urge people to object hound hunting of wildlife (not just cougars – bobcats are also hunting with hounds) & you can testify/comment against it at any of many Commission meetings\, but especially July 11th & September 5th. \nYou can object due to 1. animal cruelty to both  dogs and lions\, 2. not fair chase\, 3. provides huge advantage of success for hound hunters vs “boot” hunters – there are many more “boot” hunters than hound hunters  4. creates trespass risk\, 5. disturbs non-target wildlife\, livestock and other human users\, 6. contributes to commercialization of wildlife\, as folks can hire hound hunter guides to significantly increase hunting success. \n\n\n\nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting.\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” or Julia.Bartling@state.sd.us\, “charles.spring@state.sd.us”  \,\nThe two new commissioners  e-mails likely are:\nJim.White@state.sd.us or James.White@state.sd.us\, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-july-commission-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240716T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240716T193000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240716T181536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T214855Z UID:13864-1721151000-1721158200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meeting on F3 Gold Exploration near Custer DESCRIPTION:There is a meeting arranged by opponents of F3 Gold Exploration\, near Custer SD.  The exploration has been approved – the Forest Service issued a Decision Memo to approve exploration\, in later June 2024 and the exploration will occur on Forest Service lands \nThe meeting is at 5:30 pm at the Custer Library. \nWe actually don’t know how long the meeting will last and we don’t know who is arranging it\, but we were told about it\, by BHCWA. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meeting-on-f3-gold-exploration-near-custer/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240717T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240717T163000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240515T011707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240713T162702Z UID:12665-1721223000-1721233800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest - Advisory Board Meeting - CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest – Advisory Board July 2024 meeting IS CANCELLED \nIt likely would have been at Mystic Ranger District from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. \nNew terms for NFAB members have begun\, but the members have not yet been appointed for new term. \nCheck for updates:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-advisory-board/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240720T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240721T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240718T101606Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T102128Z UID:13884-1721466000-1721577600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Beaver dam analog building project\, northern Black Hills - DESCRIPTION:Saturday and Sunday\, July 20-21st. Join Black Hills Fly Fishers  to help build  beaver dam analogs in Silver Creek. Join for for as many hours/days as you can. Some volunteers plan on camping up at Silver Creek Saturday night to work both days. \nBDA is an acronym for Beaver Dam Analog\, a habitat restoration method utilizing natural products to simulate a real beaver dam.  Volunteers will be tasked with hammering stakes into the ground\, digging up sod and dirt for patching\, and finding small sticks that can be laid down in between to slow the flow of water and expand the water table.  The goal is to encourage riparian habitat development through artificial beaver dam installation. \nWhere? Silver Creek is located just east of Rochford Road a little north of the town of Rochford.  Lat Long is: 44.162900\, -103.714895. \nEstimated time from Spearfish and Rapid City are both about 1 hour and 15 minutes. See map in discussion for directions. The road to the site is a little rough so a car/truck with some clearance is recommended. \nDirections\nFrom Rapid City \n\nTake Hwy 44 to Hwy 385.\nAt 385 take a right. Travel 11.8 miles on 385 to the Custer Crossing Rd intersection.\nTurn left on Custer Crossing Rd.\nTravel about 4.8 miles and then turn left on Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C)\nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch.\nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area.\n\nFrom Spearfish \n\nTake I-90 to Deadwood\nTake exit 17 and travel to Deadwood\nIn Deadwood continue on Pioneer Way to 85 Bypass towards Central City\nContinue on 14A past Lead.\nAbout 4 miles south of Lead take a left onto North Rochford Road\nTravel about 9.5 miles on North Rochford Road and then take a left onto Custer Crossing Rd.\nTravel about 1.4 miles on Custer Crossing and then take a right onto Minnesota Ridge (Forest Service Road 203.1C).\nTravel about 2.5 miles to a four-way intersection and take a right down Greens Gulch.\nFollow the road down about 0.6 miles until you see the flagged parking area.\n\nWhen?\nSaturday July 20th from 9am to 4pm and Sunday July 21st 9 am to 4pm.  Volunteers are invited on both days and can attend both days or just attend one day.  BHFF appreciate any help people can give. Volunteer check in will begin at 8:30 am and a quick orientation and demonstration will start at 9:00 am each day. If folks need to leave early that is okay\, we just ask that everyone make it to the volunteer orientation at 9:00 am. \nPlease let BHFF know that you plan to attend- email us at blackhillsflyfishers@gmail.com to let BHFF know  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/beaver-dam-analog-building-project-northern-black-hills/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-18-at-4.16.58-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240722T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240722T130000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240721T174423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T222049Z UID:14118-1721638800-1721653200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Pennington County Planning Commission hearing on Wind/Solar Farm west of Badlands NP DESCRIPTION:Pennington County Planning Commissioners Meeting\nMonday\, July 22 at 9:00 am\n\nPennington County Administration Building in the Commissioners Meeting Room Downstairs\n130 Kansas City Street\n\n\nThe people that own the old Lemley Ranch are wanting to put in a wind and solar farm south of Buzz Johnson’s and on Highway 44 northwest and west of mile marker 75.\nIt is estimated that this will be near Imlay\, Conata\, & Interior which is west of Badlands National Park.\n\nThere is a hearing on this request July 22nd at 9 am. Meeting starts at 9 am\, but the wind/solar facilities are the 13 and 14th items on the agenda\, just after consent calendar items – we have no idea how long it takes to get through consent calendar\, but Wind/Solar project won’t be up exactly at 9 am. You can call the planning dept. for an estimate of when it would be discussed.\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24.pdf\nPacket for meeting. Discussion of project is from page 92 to the end (over 200 pages)\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24_PC_Packet.pdf\nLink to map of Pennington with one of the three parcels involved highlighted in blue \n——————–\n13. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0022: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale solar energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n14. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0023: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale wind energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-hearing-on-wind-solar-farm-near-conata-basin/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-22-at-3.18.44-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240723T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240723T000000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240723T210012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T230248Z UID:14133-1721692800-1721692800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz for counting Bumble bees DESCRIPTION:Please join other volunteers for the 6th Annual Backyard bumble bee count will take place July 23-August 1\, 2024! Each bumble bee record submitted during the Backyard Bumble Bee Count helps researchers learn more about how bumble bees are doing and how to protect them and the environment we share. All observations collected July 23- August 1 will be included. You need ani naturalist member acccount to participate. Visit web site for details: https://backyardbbcount.wixsite.com/bumblebeecount \nhttps://www.inaturalist.org/projects/backyard-bumble-bee-count   URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bioblitz-for-counting-bumble-bees/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240727T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240727T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240718T104433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240718T105016Z UID:13909-1722070800-1722096000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Tree protection event\, beaver/human conflict mitigation\, Rapid City\, DESCRIPTION:Tree damage mitigation along Rapid Creek in Rapid City\, Event sponsored by Black Hills Fly Fishers (BHFF) \nJoin BHFF July 27th to paint trees with sandy paint to deter beaver from killing specific trees. This is  for mitigation of beaver/human conflicts  and also habitat restoration. \nCivic Center parking lot\, east side. 9am. For info:  blackhillsflyfishers@gmail.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/tree-protection-event-beaver-human-conflict-mitigation-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240814T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240814T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240719T184105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240719T225347Z UID:13932-1723675800-1723676340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP's draft Antelope Action Plan DESCRIPTION:Deadline 8/14/24 to comment on SDGFP’s draft Antelope Action Plan \nPronghorn Antelope Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft Pronghorn Antelope Action Plan. \nThe draft Pronghorn Antelope Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide pronghorn antelope management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and measurable strategies to meet those management objectives. All individuals interested in pronghorn antelope management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the action plan by August 14\, 2024. \nThe draft Pronghorn Antelope Action Plan can be found here. \nDraft Action Plan:\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Pronghorn_ActionPlan_June_2024.pdf\n\nWritten comments on the plan can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted online. Comments must be received by the deadline and include your full name and city of residence. \nOn-line form:  https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfps-draft-antelope-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240817T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240602T222341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T002625Z UID:13350-1723827600-1723928400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:South Dakota Wildlife Federation Annual Board Meeting\, Rapid City DESCRIPTION:South Dakota Wildlife Federation (SDWF)  Annual Board Meeting\, Rapid City Saturday Aug 17th \nSaturday night there will be a banquet and small auction. All SDWF or Black Hills Sportsmen (BHSM ) members are free to attend\,  The door will open at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. There will be door prizes and conservation awards will be given. RSVP is required for Saturday. blackhillssportsmenclub@gmail.com  \nBHSM will also be sponsoring a cocktail hour Friday night 5 pm\, Aug 16th\, for the the SDWF board members at the Hilton Garden Inn bar. Members can attend that event also and meet the board members that spend a lot of time on issues that are important to SDWF and BHSM \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/south-dakota-wildlife-federation-annual-board-meeting-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T220000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240816T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240719T183923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T193358Z UID:13930-1723845600-1723849140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment deadline to SDGFP on draft Mountain Lion Action Plan DESCRIPTION:August 16th is the written comment deadline for SDGFP on  their draft Mountain Lion Action Plan\, however the Commission will make the decision on it at their Sept 5-6th Commission meeting. There are other later opportunities for written & oral comments associated with that meeting. \nSee also  our calendar’s notice of July 10th-11th and September Commission meetings Sept 5th-6th for more details – click on the event notices on those dates. We include action alerts in meeting notices  – https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/ \nMountain Lion Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft Mountain Lion Action Plan. \nAt the July Commission meeting they reviewed a draft Mountain Lion Action Plan\, which was to be put out for public comment.  Info at this link https://gfp.sd.gov/management-plans/. To view  draft Mountain Lion Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/MtLion-ActionPlangfp.July_2024_Commission_Book-3.pdf    \n“The draft Mountain Lion Action plan\, 2024-2028\, is a document that will be used by GFP to guide mountain lion management in South Dakota through identified management objectives and measurable strategies to meet those management objectives. All individuals interested in mountain lion management in South Dakota may provide suggestions and comments on the action plan by August 16\, 2024.” \nWritten comments on the plan can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or submitted online. https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \n  \nHere is a copy of the letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nGo to Sept 1st event notice to see all comments received by Commission \nGFP says comments must be received by the deadline (8/16/24) and include your full name and city of residence. \nWe suggest there is actually a second & later deadline of Sept 1st\, which is the deadline to send written comments to the Commission before the Commission meeting\, at which they will make decisions on the Action Plan. \nThe important part is the strategies and objectives on the last few pages (pages 10-11). \nWe may have an informal meeting to discuss this plan and bobcat season before Sept 5th.  Contact Nancy if interested in attending: nhilshat@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466. \nTALKING POINTS \nWe thank the staff and the C0mmission for deciding not to expand hound hunting of lions to the Black Hills Fire Protection District outside of Custer State Park\, but we fear that the hound hunters will continue to relentlessly push for this. \nHowever\,  we always \n\nObject to the 365 day – year round hunting season on the Statewide/Prairie Unit – which is all of SD that is outside of the Black Hills Fire Protection District (BHFPD).\nWe object to hound hunting of lions on Custer State Park and the Statewide/Prairie Unit.\n\nViable Populations on Reservations \nSD GFP does not manage for viable populations outside of the BHFPD. We believe that SDGFP should managed for viable populations of mountain lions at least on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations\, as both tribes manage for viable populations and due to historic Allotment Acts\, reservation properties in SD can be checker boarded with mixed tribal and Caucasian ownership. GFP has jurisdiction over properties with Caucasian ownership. \nGFP should provide for connectivity corridors between the Black  Hills with Reservation properties\, as small populations need immigrant lions to refresh population genetics. \nGFP should have a goal to cooperate with tribal governments to estimate populations of mt. lions within the checker board of tribal/state jurisdictions on Reservations. \nPro-Hunting Bias \nWe suggest folks read Goal 2 on the 11th page. We object to this goal in the Plan at the eleventh page: “Objective 2: Manage mountain lion populations for both maximum and quality recreational hunting opportunities\, considering all social and biological inputs.”   \nThe word “maximum” should be dropped and/or the entire sentence rewritten. We suggest this clause  makes human recreation dominant over ecology.  It does not adequately balance the ecological benefits of mountain lions\, an apex predator and keystone species with benefits of  human recreation. SD has an endangered species act and thus the legislature does not wish for populations of any native species to become extirpated. \nWildlife watchers exceed hunters in USFWS studies and a “harvested” lion or it’s tracks are not available for watching. Wildlife watchers exceed hunters in USFWS study that counts wildlife associated recreators nationwide at-home and away from home.  ( Visit: https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/document/id/2321/  and go to Table 2 on page 48  & Table 6 on page 51). \nSD is in the West North Central area\, which has 16\,677\,887 persons\, who are 16 years or older. 9% of these folks (or 1\,518\,281 persons) hunted. 58% of these folks (or 9\,744.740 persons)  wildlife watched.  Some people did both.  Of the wildlife watchers  – 4\,624\,145 wildlife watched away from home (28% of all persons)  & 9\,664\,190 wildlife watched around home (58% of all persons). Some people did both. \nThe locally generated statistics the SDGFP uses for number of wildlife watchers vs. hunters in SD\, does not count wildlife watchers at home\, while it counts hunters at home – thus it is unfairly biased/inadequate.  (Link to the Southwick study: SD-Fish-Wildlife-Boating-Economics-Southwick-6-30-22.pdf) This 2017 study at page 25\, table 29 shows 173\,825 wildlife watchers (residents – 89\,277 persons & non-resident  -84\,548 persons). All are only watching away from home. At page 8\, table 1 the study shows 103\,619  resident hunters & 112\,174 non-resident hunters or 215\,793 total hunters.  It does not delete at home hunting. \nSo the USFWS finds the number of hunters are only 15% of the number of wildlife watchers  but the 2017 Southwick study found wildlife watchers are just 80% of the hunters.  USFWS is only counting the west north central region’s people and Southwick is counting SD residents and non-residents. Southwick does not count at home wildlife watchers\, but USFWS does and in so doing more than doubles the wildlife watchers. \nVarious studies show over-hunting of lions creates more mt. lion v. human/livestock  conflicts. See You-tube video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ZD-PAKhSo \nHunting Regulation Complexity \nWe also object to this clause: “minimize regulation complexity”. The Department  in past has used the goal of simple hunting regulations to oppose changes to regulations designed to address animal cruelty issues. We assume they could also \nuse this goal of simplicity to oppose  changes needed for ecological reasons\, as maximizing hunting is “king” \nOLDER MT LION PLAN \nThere is also an older Mountain Lion Management Plan from 2019 that will more detail on mt. lions for reference: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/docs/LionPlan_FINAL_2019.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-to-sdgfp-on-draft-mountain-lion-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240822T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240716T181839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240720T121723Z UID:13866-1724142600-1724346000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:He Sapa Tribal Mining Summit DESCRIPTION:He Sapa Tribal Mining –  Protecting the Black Hills From Mining – Summit\nThe basic information is that it’s on August 20 – 22\nat Storm Mountain Retreat Center near Rockerville.\nMore details are pending.\nWe are just guessing at the time-of-day for the event.\nCheck Black Hills Clean Water Alliance web site or facebook pages for updates.\nWhen we learn more\, we will post it here. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/he-sapa-tribal-mining-summit/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/SaveTheDate-Registration-URL-7-24.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240820T225000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240719T184255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240719T184424Z UID:13934-1724194200-1724194200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SDGFP's species list for revision of Wildlife Action Plan DESCRIPTION:Wildlife Action Plan \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft species list associated with the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan. \nThe South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan was last updated in 2015 and is revised every 10 years. This strategic planning document is designed to address the needs of South Dakota’s important habitats and representative plant and animal species. An approved Wildlife Action Plan maintains South Dakota’s eligibility for a federal funding match source called State Wildlife Grants. \nWildlife action plans focus on “species of greatest conservation need” but also address broader wildlife issues that can impact species and habitats. GFP has revised the state list of species of greatest conservation need and welcomes feedback on the draft list. The list includes rare species\, but also species for which South Dakota constitutes an important part of the species’ range or represents a unique or declining habitat. \nLearn more about the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan and the current revision process here. The draft species list can be found at the Wildlife Action Plan website and the management plan revisions site here. \nFeedback on the draft species list for the Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 will be accepted through August 20\, 2024. \nWritten comments can be sent to Wildlife Action Plan Revision Comments\, 523 E. Capitol Ave.\, Pierre\, S.D. 57501\, or emailed to swapcomments@state.sd.us. Comments must include your full name and city of residence and be received by the deadline. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sdgfs-species-list-for-revision-of-wildlife-action-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240825T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240831T173000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240830T223814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240831T022557Z UID:14218-1724605200-1725125400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Wild 12 - 1 2 TH W O R L D W I L D E R N ESS CONGRESS - Rapid City\, SD DESCRIPTION:Wild 12 – The 12th World Wilderness Congress\, held in Rapid City\, both at the Dahl and the “Monument (Civic Center)” \nhere’s the link for the event: https://wild.org/wild12/ \nTo download document with information on speakers and schedule (the schedule is on page 18-31) \nhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bl83-tt0Hc7v6-FVeNeQBMPQ56fw78Fg/view \nIt starts on Sunday the 25th of August at 5 pm and ends at Saturday evening on the 31st of August  at 5:30 pm. \nSaturday 8/31/24 is at Fine Arts Theater of the Monument (Civic Center) 8-5:30 pm and “delegates reconvene to vote on/adopt WILD12’s resolutions and set the global wilderness conservation agenda for the next 4-5 years.” \nEvents are at both “the Monument” (Rapid City’s Civic Center) and at the Dahl Fine Arts Center\, you  need to check out the schedule to view all the events\, times and locations. \nA quote from the announcement of event: \n“This Congress was convened at the invitation of Philimon Two Eagle. In October 2022\, he spoke on behalf of the Oceti Sakowin and asked WILD to “bring the world to the Black Hills so that they can listen to the Lakota speak” about the interconnected burdens of environmental degradation and colonialism. \nPhilimon’s invitation also presented WILD and the global wilderness community with a unique opportunity to hold a sector-wide\, cross-cultural\, formal dialogue about the term “wilderness:” what it means to conservation and Indigenous Peoples\, as well as an objective assessment of its yields\, both harmful and beneficial. We embraced this challenge\, consulting with numerous Indigenous Peoples who met in working groups and as appointed advisors\, to better understand their approach to what conservation calls “wilderness.” What we learned is their terms encompass a far greater swath of reality and the cosmos than what wilderness\, at least as it has been defined by governmental bodies\, is permitted to be. Terms like Maka Sitomniya (Lakota)\, Ubuntu (Zulu)\, and Whanaungatanga (Māori) possess meanings that not only transcend the physical world\, but also stretch across time itself….” URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wild-12-1-2-th-w-o-r-l-d-w-i-l-d-e-r-n-ess-congress-rapid-city-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240826T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240826T150000 DTSTAMP:20260417T105037 CREATED:20240722T201453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T222212Z UID:14132-1724662800-1724684400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:CUP for wind/solar facility west of Badlands NP - Pennington City Planning Com DESCRIPTION:The review of the CUP application for a wind and solar facility near Conata Basin was continued from July 22nd to August 26th meetings  of the Pennington County Planning Commission.  We are not yet sure of the time the CUP will be on the agenda\, but we assume the meeting starts at 9 am.   Check the Pennington County web site\, when closer to the date for the agenda. \nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=2EDD9723-76E1-440D-99F8-7D7EBA54AF7F&Type=B_BASIC \nGo to the PHAS calendar’s July 22nd meeting notice for details. https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-hearing-on-wind-solar-farm-near-conata-basin/ \nWe were told the meeting room was three/fourth full of people on 7/22/24 who were in opposition to the solar/wind farm. As far as we know\, the environmental community did not much know about the CUP being at the July Commission meeting\, but the Citizens for Liberty (Tea Party) were very busy organizing against this facility. \nPacket for meeting on July 22nd go from page 92 to the end of the packet\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/07-22-24_PC_Packet.pdf\n——————–\n13. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0022: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale solar energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n14. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT / COCU 24-0023: Yarotek\, LLC; Mark Tippett – Agent.\nTo allow a utility-scale wind energy system in an Agriculture District in accordance with\nthe Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\nSE1/4 of Section 12\, T1S\, R11E; E1/2SW1/4\, Lot 3-4; SE1/4 of Section 7; T1S\, R12E;\nand GL 1-4; E1/2W1/2; E1/2 of Section 18\, T1S\, R12E\, BHM\, Pennington County\,\nSouth Dakota.\n\nOn the map of Pennington County look for a small blue rectangle. That is one of 3 parcels all next to each other\, that is the proposed site – URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/cup-for-wind-solar-facility-near-conata-basin-pennington-city-planning-com/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-07-22-at-3.18.44-PM.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR