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:20250309T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20251102T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20260308T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20261101T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20270314T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20271107T080000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T160000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T230035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T230750Z
UID:22592-1776506400-1776528000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Regional Meeting of the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance
DESCRIPTION:Regional Meeting of the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance\nSaturday\, April 18·  10:00am – 4:00pm\, Such provide\n\n\n\n\nPure Coffee Hub LLC\, 324 St Joseph St\, Rapid City\, SD 57701\, USA\, in the back room\nAnnual gathering of partners to foster collaboration\, share best practices\, and address local challenges.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBHCWA will be hosting a Regional Meeting for all the organizations and – where there are no organizations — all the communities that are involved with mining issues in the Black Hills region. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe agenda for a Regional Meeting includes three things. The first is that someone from each group or community will share a brief description of the issues that individuals\, organizations\, and governments face in their area in dealing with mining-related issues. The second is that people can talk and network and share more information over lunch. The third is that there is an opportunity to discuss what the various people/groups can do together to strengthen BHCWA work toward our common goals.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/regional-meeting-of-the-black-hills-clean-water-alliance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T140000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260219T024409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T024445Z
UID:22033-1776510000-1776520800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Earth Day\,\,Black Hills State University  April 18th\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:Earth Day\,\,Black Hills State University \nSaturday\, April 18\, 2026\, from 11 am- 2 pm on the Campus Green \n  \nFor info: \nGreg Strobel\nOutdoor Education Coordinator\nBlack Hills State University\nSpearfish\, South Dakota\n\n<Gregory.Strobel@bhsu.edu>
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/earth-dayblack-hills-state-university-april-18th-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T193000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T200249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T200709Z
UID:22579-1776529800-1776540600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Black Hills Raptor Center  2026 Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction
DESCRIPTION:Black Hills Raptor Center  (BHRC)\n\n\nBHRC 2026 Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction \n\n\n\n\nApril 18\, 2026 @ 4:30PM — 7:30PM Mountain Time (US & Canada) \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: 520 Cathedral Dr Rapid City\, SD 57701 \n\n\nFly in for a family night of great food and raptors!\nA delightful evening supporting the raptors you know and love. Feed your family\, enjoy birds\, and raise money for the operations of the Black Hills Raptor Center! \n\nBHRC will serve all you can eat spaghetti\, with salad\, bread\, beverage & a cookie for dessert. There is a vegetarian/gluten free option. \nNew this year: raffle items. Buy your tickets\, and put your tickets towards the items that appeal to you the most. We will also have a traditional silent auction that closes at 7pm \nThe Bake Sale will have plenty of homemade pies. \nBHRC is raffling a beautiful eagle themed raptor quilt\, made by Board member Steve Benn. Tickets are 10 for $10\, 30 for $20\, 75 for $50\, or 200 for $100. \nRaptor programs will be offered at 5pm\, 6pm and 7pm. BHRC again is joined by our friends from FARE and Reptile Gardens.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-raptor-center-2026-spaghetti-dinner-silent-auction/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T120000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T150751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T150751Z
UID:22575-1777105800-1777118400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Bear Butte Forum\, 2026\, Sturgis
DESCRIPTION:Bear Butte Forum\, 2026\, Sturgis\, Saturday the 26th of April \nAnnual event that is sponsored by SDGFP for GFP to talk about management of Bear Butte State Park with Native Americans\, but everyone is welcome.   8;30-12:00 at Sturgis Community Center on 1401 Lazelle Street. Sturgis\, SD 57785 .  For questions call Bear Butte State Park.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bear-butte-forum-2026-sturgis/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T150000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260219T025501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T025618Z
UID:22035-1777111200-1777129200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Earth Day Expo\, 2026\, Rapid City\, Saturday 4/25/26
DESCRIPTION:Earth Day Expo\, Saturday 4/25/26\, 10 am – 3 pm\, Rapid City \nAt Western Dakota Technical College\, 800 Mickelson Dr.\, Rapid City \nFacebook page – https://www.facebook.com/events/800-mickelson-dr-rapid-city-sd-57703-4018-united-states/earth-day-expo-2026/871883468974631/ \nWhat to expect at the 2026 Earth Day Expo?\n– Visit dozens of vendor booths\n– Recycle old electronics\n– Tour WDT’s hydroponics lab\n– Hang out with a few 4-legged friends\n– Have so much fun celebrating the third rock from the sun!\nHOST – SD School of Mines & Technology
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/earth-day-expo-2026-rapid-city-saturday-4-25-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260429T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260429T200000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260425T000736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T194035Z
UID:22675-1777485600-1777492800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Protecting South Dakota’s Wildlife: Bounties\, Predator Control\, Killing Contests
DESCRIPTION:Join Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Project Coyote\, and Humane World for Animals for this free\, educational webinar on Wednesday\, April 29 at 6:00 pm MT/7:00 pm CT: \nProtecting South Dakota’s Wildlife: How to promote coexistence with wildlife and help end the cruel bounties\, killing contests\, and predator control policies that target the state’s coyotes and other native species. \nSpeakers will discuss the vital ecological contributions and lives of coyotes and the ways that they and other wildlife in South Dakota continue to be cruelly and senselessly persecuted. We’ll review the history of bounties\, predator control policies\, and killing contests in the state\, as well as efforts by wildlife advocates\, environmental groups\, scientists and outdoor enthusiasts to make wildlife management more compassionate and science-based. We’ll conclude by discussing how South Dakota residents can get involved in protecting and coexisting with their treasured wildlife. \nTopic: Protecting South Dakota’s Wildlife\nDate:  April 29\, 2026\nTime:  6:00 PM Mountain / 7:00 PM Central \nUse this link to Join the Zoom meeting: \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/88209888007?pwd=EIOSSaQm7O9kpjD6neuSPJiwV9Mlvm.1 \nPasscode: 007644 \nMeeting ID: 882 0988 8007 \n\nOne tap mobile\n+19292056099\,\,88209888007#\,\,\,\,*007644# US (New York)\n+16469313860\,\,88209888007#\,\,\,\,*007644# US \nWe are not sure how long the meeting will last\, but we have guessed at 2 hours
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/protecting-south-dakotas-wildlife-bounties-predator-control-killing-contests/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-04-24-at-6.57.52-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260430T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260430T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T150303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T150355Z
UID:22699-1777550400-1777554000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Webinar on how future climate may reshape grassland bird habitat
DESCRIPTION:Mapping tomorrow’s grasslands: How future climate may reshape grassland bird habitat across the western Great Plains\n\nThursday  4/30/26… 12 pm MDT\nGreat Plains Conservation Network\, sponsored webinar.\n\nAdrian Monre speaking\n\n\nGrassland bird populations declined steeply as native grasslands have been lost and degraded. Future shifts in temperature and precipitation across the Great Plains are expected to alter vegetation\, with consequences for bird habitat. Because vegetation change depends not only on climate but also on existing plant communities and soils\, we modeled relationships between 27 grassland bird species and vegetation productivity across the western Great Plains. We then used projections of future vegetation productivity to map potential changes in bird distributions under multiple climate scenarios. These maps offer land managers a tool for understanding how local projects align with broader trajectories for bird habitat. \nAdrian Monroe is a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Fort Collins\, Colorado. Adrian’s work focuses on avian ecology in working landscapes\, examining how disturbance\, land management\, and restoration shape bird population trends\, distributions\, and ecosystem recovery across the Great Plains and Intermountain West. \n\n\nregister\nhttps://plainsconservation.org/mapping-tomorrows-grasslands-how-future-climate-may-reshape-grassland-bird-habitat-across-the-western-great-plains/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/webinar-on-how-future-climate-may-reshape-grassland-bird-habitat/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260501T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260517T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T234259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T191612Z
UID:22602-1777593600-1779062340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event Contest May 1st- May 17th
DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event Contest May 1st- May 17th \nVisit the web page to learn about it –  \nhttps://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/ \nEndangered Species Chalk Art Events \nThere is a nationwide competition that the Endangered Species Coalition sponsors every year – . There are prizes. This year the prizes  range from $25-$250 for best drawings of endangered species by chalk medium.  There are 5 age classes with first ($100) second ($50) and third ($25) prizes. There is a grand prize for most liked photo on social media of $250 and a $50 prize for best bat picture. There are lottery winners of T-shirts and  chocolates (just entering qualifies you for the lottery) \nLocations of drawings can be outdoors on sidewalks\, parking lots\, your garage –  etc (with permission to do so). \nBetween May 1st and May 17t\, PHAS will sponsor or help organize some events related to the Endangered Species Chalk Art Event competition – Events will be announced on our calendar and Facebook page. We have had two already – at Rapid City Earth Day and La Creek National Wildlife Refuge… We left chalk & handouts there (at the Refuge) We will have a chalk art event at the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Bash event at Bear Butte State Park on May 16th which occurs at 8-1 pm (we will supply chalk and guidance). Call Nancy at 605-787-6466\, nhilshat@rapidnet.com\,  \nPHAS will help sponsor an event on Endangered Species Day on May 15th\, It will at least be a Zoom meeting and perhaps a Face-to-Face meeting making it hybrid.  Here is a recording out our 2024 Endangered Species Day Celebration. It had reports from SDGFP and SD’s USFWS office on their threatened and endangered species and from Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe on their efforts for Endangered Species. \n\n\n\n\n\nESC.2024. 18-000124_Recording_1920x1080 copy \n\n\n\n\n\nHere are some PHAS handouts related to Chalk Art Event \nPHAS review of Chalk Art event for SD participants – a hand out you can print and hand out \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ChalkArt2026_FinalQQZ_AmericanBuryingBeetle-10.pdf \n\n\n\n\nHere is link to reference guide showing URL  links and QR codes of  IUCN red list\, federal\, USA state”s and a few tribes T & E species lists – All species on these lists can be drawn and submitted:  https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Claude_TE-_species_lists_reference.pdf\n \nHere is a guide to find  QR codes and URL links public domain\, free and creative commons photos  (html and pdf versions) https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/claudewildlife.plant3_image_resources.html%0A\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Claude.wildlife.plant3_image_resources-3.pdf\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuide to copy right issues with using photos in chalk art  (if you make money from your copy\, you can’t copy photos exactly if copyrighted) – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/chalk_copyright_v2_sources_first-2.z9.pdf  We doubt children would be copying exactly\, but that could be an issue for adults/ 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-chalk-art-event-contest-may-1st-may-17th/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/usfws-lesser-prairie-chicken-medium-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260501T225000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260501T225900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260421T175838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260502T041838Z
UID:22665-1777675800-1777676340@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:May 1st Deadline to comment of proposed waste water discharge to French Creek by Custer City
DESCRIPTION:Please provide comments to South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in opposition to  \nCity of Custer South Dakota DRAFT Surface Water Discharge (SWD) \nPermit No. SD0023281 \nPublic Notice: https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/CusterPNDraft.pdf \n================================================= \nComments may be mailed to:       South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources \n                                                Water Quality Program \n                                                Joe Foss Building \n                                                523 East Capitol \n                                                Pierre\, SD  57501 \n  \nComments may also be provided within the specified thirty (30) day comment period using the online\ncomment form\, accessible via the “Comment Deadline” links provided at http://danr.sd.gov/public. Any\nperson desiring a public hearing must file a petition which complies with the ARSD Chapter 74:52:05.\nIf no objections are received within the specified 30-day period\, the Secretary will issue final\ndeterminations within sixty days of the date of this notic \nLinks for posting to a comment portal –  http://danr.sd.gov/public \, ……….                     https://danr.sd.gov/public/comment.aspx?d_comment=05/01/2026&name=City%20of%20Custer&pntype=sw_npdes&description=The%20City%20of%20Custer%20is%20authorized%20under%20this%20permit%20to%20discharge%20to%20Flynn%20Creek%20and%20French%20Creek%20from%20its%20wastewater%20treatment%20facility%20located%20in%20Custer%20County. \n  \nDeadline for Public Comment: May 1\, 2026 \n  \nThe Public Notice\, https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/CusterPNDraft.pdf \nDraft Permit\, and https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/CusterPermitDraft.pdf \nStatement of Basis (for the Permit) https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/CusterSOBDraft.pdf \ncan be found on the DANR website. \nWe assume the deadline is just before  midnight Central Time\, normally that is when DANR deadlines with no time of day  specified are due – but we are not sure about time-of-day for the deadline. \n============================================================================ \n\nThe members of Preserve French Creek Inc\,  have requested our assistance in alerting PHAS members to the Notice inviting Public Comment on the City of Custer’s application to discharge its treated sewage wastewater into French Creek in Custer County\, South Dakota. \n \n\nPreserve French Creek NGO asks our members to oppose this Permit based on personal experiences\, knowledge of French Creek\, and the importance of retaining the current water quality of this valuable resource.  \n\nHere are a few other facts to also consider identifying in comments:\n\nNo Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement was completed with regard to French Creek\, only for the areas of the current City plant and discharge location construction.\n\n450\,000 – 750\,000 gallons of treated wastewater will be allowed to discharge into French Creek DAILY under this Permit.  Flows in French Creek in the first few miles of discharge are historically low during drier seasonal periods. Low flows have been consistently present in 2025 and 2026 due to lack of moisture and current drought conditions.  Flow rates used for this Permit came from a USGS monitor located approximately 22 miles downstream from the proposed discharge location.  French Creek flows at the monitor location are considerably higher. These higher water flow rates have been used to determine treatments and allowances not applicable to the flow rates where the initial wastewater discharge will occur (the first ten miles).\n\nShallow household drinking water wells are in close proximity to the selected French Creek discharge route.  Rock formations in the area allow creek waters to flow to and potentially penetrate well water.\n\nThe volume of wastewater discharge into French Creek will raise creek water temperatures and affect cold-water trout habitats as well as all flora and fauna currently known to exist in  the creek. Two fish\, the mountain (plains) sucker and long-nosed sucker\, identified as species that are “of greatest conservation need” and “threatened” by the SD Game\, Fish and Parks\, have been found in French Creek during the water monitoring study led by Dr. Scott Kenner and Robert Hrabik that began in 2024.\n\nNo pH levels are defined in the Permit to prevent Creek degradation.\n\nAmmonia nitrate levels in this Permit are not required to be met until July 1\, 2029\, causing damage to French Creek waters and habitats that will continue to exist after the lowest levels are required to be in place.\n\nThe State only recently reclassified French Creek as “full immersion” waters under the Sylvan Lake Complex and Custer SWD permits\, due to documentation of swimming and Baptisms occurring in its waters along with other recreational uses like wading\, floating\, and recreational gold-panning.  Full immersion waters should always be excluded from being polluted with sewage wastewater.\n\nSD Codified Law prohibits the pollution of state waters when other “reasonable” alternatives are available.  The City could have chosen to continue to discharge to its current location. However\, they have chosen to pollute new waters.  In the past Custer discharged its sewage wastewater directly into Stockade Lake\, until a mandatory clean up of the Lake was required in the 1980s\, then the City selected Flynn Creek as its next discharge location\, where no residences or businesses would be affected\, and has discharged its treated sewage wastewater to this location for the past 40 years. Now\, Custer is choosing to pollute a 3rd location\, French Creek\, to save the City and its residents money. Should the cost to Custer and its residents be the determining factor in allowing the pollution of yet another state waters when other alternatives\, including continuing to discharge to Flynn Creek\, and additional more environmentally friendly options could have been explored and pursued?\n\nVisitors to Custer State Park will be affected by the discharge into French Creek.  Blue Bell Lodge\, a restaurant\, event center\, park campgrounds\, and trails all have French Creek flowing beside them.  How will visitors be made aware of the presence of treated sewage wastewater in the Creek when in the Park?  How will visitors and park occupants be notified and alerted to planned and accidental discharges into French Creek that involve untreated wastewater?\n\nCuster State Park has more than 2 million visitors annually. These visits support local and state budgets\, school funds\, and businesses in the Black Hills. Will people continue to come to Custer State Park when they realize wastewater is being discharged into a previously clean French Creek?\n\nThere is no provision to provide signage or notify property owners and downstream users of the presence of treated sewage wastewater or incidents in this Draft Permit\, only plans related to informing City residents\, business and property owners.\n\nThank you studying this issue. Our voices for clean water in the Black Hills are louder together!\n\nFor more information contact\nLana and Royce Huber\n\nhublana08@gmail.com\,  (402) 389-0410 \n\nThey are members of Prairie Hills Audubon Society and  of Preserve French Creek\, Inc. and Preserve French Creek Foundation\, Inc. \n\n\nHere are some unique comments from PHAS on American Dipper–\n     We are an environmental group concerned about the protection of the American dipper in the Black Hills. It is non-migratory and lives year-round near fast moving\, clear\, rocky streams. The dipper once existed in French Creek\, Rapid Creek\, Box Elder Creek\, Elk Creek\, Bear Butte Creek\, Spearfish Creek and Whitewood Creek in the Black Hills. It now exists in Spearfish and Whitewood Creek (and some tributaries). Our Black Hills dipper are isolated from other dipper populations in the American west and are developing unique genetics that may warrant a sub-species classification\, however in 2009\, the USFWS wanted more research to prove that\, before listing as a Distinct Population Segment\, under the ESA.\n       This aquatic song bird is listed as a state threatened species under SD’s Endangered Species Act. It is a Forest Service sensitive species. We and 3 other groups petitioned in 2008 to have the Black Hill’s American dipper listed as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) under the federal Endangered Species Act\, but that petition was denied in 2009 by the USFWS.\n      The dipper is believed to have been lost in French Creek due to loss of water quality and perhaps loss of water quantity due to Stockage Lake. The dipper were prevalent in French Creek in 1920s but disappeared in 1930s\, perhaps due to Stockade Lake water quantity and/or quality impacts.\n         Prairie Hills Audubon Society wants to recover the American dipper in as many Black Hills streams as possible. It’s existence in only 2 drainages\, makes its’ existence vulnerable to major events such as floods or fires. We think Custer State Park (CSP) is supposed to be managed at least in part for wildlife and we want the Park and DANR to work towards protecting the water quality and quantity in the French Creek.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-1st-deadline-to-comment-of-proposed-waste-water-discharge-to-french-creek-by-custer-city/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T173000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260425T051240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T053017Z
UID:22688-1777707000-1777743000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Field trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge May 2nd
DESCRIPTION:La Creek National Wildlife Refuge Fieldtrip May 2nd \nSaturday\, May 2nd\, 2026 \nRapid City – car pool meets & organizes at 7:30 a.m. – Eastside Family Fare (Family Thrift) parking lot. We also meet again at 11:00 a.m. at the LaCreek NWR refuge headquarters (some people come from other towns or camp-out).  We believe it is a 2 and 1/2 hour trip from Rapid City to LaCreek. \nSponsored by the Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club and Prairie Hills Audubon Society.  This field trip happens every year\, either the first or second Saturday in May.   \nPlease bring food and water. There is no food at the refuge.    We normally engage in some group walks while birding and  drive around the refuge while making birding stops. Different cars will leave the Refuge to return at different times\, some earlier than others. \nFor more information.: Nancy Hilding – Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, – (605) 787-6466 (home land-line)\, 605-787-2620 (cell phone)\, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, http://www.phas-wsd.org\, Jay Davis – Black Hills Group of Sierra Club\, (605) 348-5867 \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/field-trip-to-la-creek-national-wildlife-refuge-may-2nd/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T203000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T164802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170240Z
UID:22702-1777741200-1777753800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:IdeaWild Annual Benefit Auction  at the Journey Museum
DESCRIPTION:IdeaWild Auction\, \nThe Journey Museum on May 2nd\, 2026! \nSaturday\, May 2nd from 5:00-8:30 PM \nFind the RSVP form here – \nhttps://ideawild.org/events/ \nIdeaWild looks forward to seeing you at The Journey Museum on May 2nd! \nMuseum at 222 New York St\, Rapid City\, SD. \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/ideawild-event-at-the-journey-museum-annual-benefit-auction/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260503T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260503T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T172258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T182049Z
UID:22577-1777852200-1777852740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Sunday night is deadline to submit comments to SDGFP Commission for May 7th meeting
DESCRIPTION:Sunday night at midnight MT (5/3) is the deadline to submit written comments to SDGFP Commission for  their May 7th meeting. Agendas have to be published 72 hours before the meeting. which would be on Monday\, but sometimes they publish agendas on Friday. That agenda will be posted to their “current meeting” web page \n  \nYou can send in written comments – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sunday-night-is-deadline-to-submit-comments-to-sdgfp-commission-for-may-7th-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260504T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260504T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260502T040045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260502T040950Z
UID:22793-1777906800-1777914000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Hearing on Injunction Request for mine exploration near Pe Sla'\, Rapid City 5/4/26\, 3 pm
DESCRIPTION:There is a hearing on Temporary Restraining Order for mine exploration near Pe Sla’\, in federal court in Rapid City 5/4/26.  Check the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance . Below is an alert from BHCWA: \n  \nATTEND THE HEARING TO GET AN INJUNCTION FROM THE FEDERAL COURT TO STOP THE ILLEGAL DRILLING ON MONDAY\, MAY 4\, 2026\, AT 3:00 PM MT. \nA lawsuit was filed April 2 by BH Clean Water Alliance\, NDN Collective\, and Earthworks. We hope it will force the US Forest Service to consider the important issues at Pe’ Sla\, which is a critical sacred landscape for Lakota people\, part of the watershed for Rapid City’s water\, and an ecosystem that is only found in our area. \nBefore the Court could act\, Pete Lien & Sons started drilling! So we asked for an injunction by the Court to stop the drilling. The company is Still Drilling! \nHelp pack the courtroom to show that we care about protecting our water and sacred landscapes – at the Federal Building at 515 – 9thStreet\, Rapid City. Remember to bring your ID and to check your pockets before entering.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/hearing-on-injunction-request-for-mine-exploration-near-pe-sla-rapid-city-5-4-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260506T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260506T133000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260430T025925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T030225Z
UID:22772-1778050800-1778074200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Water Management Board's May meeting 5/7/26 or 5/6/26
DESCRIPTION:SD Water Management Board’s May meeting is either  5/6/26 or 5/7/26\, (8:00 or 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM) \n  \nA meeting is scheduled for the Water Management Board on 5/6/26 or 5/7/2026 8:00 or 8:30 AM. Please visit the Boards and Commissions Portal to learn more about past and upcoming meetings!  We have seen conflicting reports of the date and the start time. \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-water-management-boards-may-meeting-5-7-26/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260507T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260302T090403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T231614Z
UID:22339-1778158800-1778241600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:May GFP Commission\, Custer & Zoom May 7-8\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:May GFP Commission\, Custer & Zoom on May 7-8\, 2026 \nDraft Agenda (Agendas are not final till 72 hours before the meeting)  – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/DRAFT_Commission_Agenda_-_May_7-8_Public_Copy.pdf \nAt Custer State Park (CSP)  – at Event Barn at CSP. This is off of Highway 16\,  please look up on a map or call CSP for directions \nDate and Time: May 7\, 2026\, from 1-5 pm MT and May 8\, 2026\, from 8 am-12 pm MT \nMeeting Location: Custer State Park Event Barn\, 13389 US HWY 16A\, Custer\, SD 57730\nWebinar Info: We will be using Zoom Webinar® for this meeting. As a participant\, you will not have audio or video capabilities by default.\nDuring the open forum and public hearing\, if you’d like to testify\, please ‘Raise Your Hand’ using the button at the bottom of the screen\,\nor by pressing *9 on your phone. To lower your hand via phone\, press *9 again. When it’s your turn to speak\, the meeting host will unmute\nyou\, allowing you to have audio but no video. If your phone is muted when called upon\, press *6 to unmute.\n• *9 to ‘Raise Your Hand’ or ‘Lower Your Hand.’\n• *6 to Unmute or Mute\nPlease inform Gail Buus at gail.buus@state.sd.us by 1 pm MT if you plan to speak during the meeting. This helps us to accurately identify\nand call on speakers during the session. Thank you for your cooperation!\nZoom Webinar: Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: 970458 \nWe think this is the Zoom link/ \nhttps://state-sd.zoom.us/j/91264176710?pwd=Vm00NEowdGV6N09Ib1hnVlJkMUF3Zz09#success\nCall In: +17193594580\,\,91264176710# US  \nVideo Conference ID: 91264176710@zoomcrc.com \nThey are actually polite and if you forgot to register to testify\, they ask at the end of each segment\, if anyone not registered wants to testify. \nVisit this link\, the Friday or Thursday a week before the meeting\, for  the Agenda\, – mhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nOften some fur-bearer season rule change proposals are presented at the May Commission meeting\, but they are none  shown on the agenda thus far.. \nAt Commission meetings at 2 pm they often have hearings on proposed changes to administrative rules (hunting /fishing/trapping seasons) and there will be two finalizations this month (see agenda).  They always have an “Open Forum” after the hearing. You can testify for 3 minutes on each proposed rule change and for three minutes at the “Open Forum”. At the “Open Forum”\, you can raise any issue.  As these meetings are hybrid\, you can testify in person or by Zoom. \nWe ask folks to testify against the Coyote Bounties\, the Nest Predator Bounty Program (renamed to Youth Trapping Recruitment Program) and SD trapping rules that allow 3 and partial day trap check time for West River land sets\, 2 and a partial day trap check time for East River land sets and 5 and a partial day trap check time for water sets or that trapper ID should be required.   If you want\, testify against hound hunting of mountain lions. If you want testify for use of science in decision making and not mythology. \nWe will discuss these issues at our  Zoom meeting on April 29th\, 2026. \nApril meeting minutes – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/April_2026_Minutes_.pdf \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-gfp-commission-custer-zoom-may-7-8-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260321T012107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T012107Z
UID:22502-1778284800-1778371140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:World [International] Migratory Bird Day is the second Saturday in May
DESCRIPTION:World [International] Migratory Bird Day is the second Saturday in May. \nWorld Migratory Bird Day is officially celebrated on the second Saturday of May in Canada and the US\, and the second Saturday of October in Mexico\, Central and South America\, and the Caribbean. \nIn 2026\, WMBD conservation theme highlights the importance of community science (also known as citizen science) to migratory bird conservation. \nVisit: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/world-international-migratory-bird-day-is-the-second-saturday-in-may/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T200246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T203011Z
UID:22715-1778313600-1778331600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Rapid Creek Clean Up event - Second Saturday
DESCRIPTION:Every second Saturday there is a Rapid Creek Clean up event\, normally at about 10 am or so. The will be an clean up event – & it will be organized from the parking lot behind  Little Ceaesars Pizza\, off of West Main St.  at  the time of 10:45 am  on May 9th\, . \nIt is being done in coordination with a yoga event by Loam Yoga\, at 2050 W. Main ST. # 3\, which will delay the  normal start time of the clean up\, by 45 minutes. \nFree yoga & stretching/movement  work outs from 8:00 am till about 10:30. \nSee – Loam Yoga\, \nFor info go to Facebook page – “Clean Up Rapid Creek” \nhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Clean-up-Rapid-Creek/61557424842679/?checkpoint_src=any \nor Jeff Anderson – jandy5750@gmail.com \nWe are not sure of the end time. Please verify
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-creek-clean-up-event-second-saturday/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260509T173000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260501T185515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T185515Z
UID:22783-1778342400-1778347800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Dewey-Burdock Comment Jam
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/dewey-burdock-comment-jam/
LOCATION:Rapid City Public Library\, 610 Quincy St.\, Hoyt Room\, Rapid City\, SD\, 57701\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260514T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260514T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260421T183147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T183147Z
UID:22669-1778801400-1778803140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:COMMENT DEADLINE DEWEY-BURDOCK URANIUM PROJECT - SEND TO BLM
DESCRIPTION:COMMENT DEADLINE DEWEY-BURDOCK URANIUM PROJECT – SEND TO BLM \n  \nYOUR PUBLIC COMMENT NEEDED BY MAY 14th \nThere is a new opportunity for you to do something to oppose plans to mine radioactive uranium in Custer and Fall River Counties. Public comments on part of the proposed Dewey-Burdock mine are due to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by May 14\, 2026. \nThe Dewey-Burdock mine is planned by enCore Energy through its subsidiary\, Powertech. Powertech intended to start mining in 2009\, but determined public and tribal government resistance has meant that it hasn’t started yet. \n\nThe entire Dewey-Burdock mining project should be forbidden\, because it would contaminate groundwater with radioactive and toxic uranium and heavy metals.\n\n\nThe BLM should choose the “No Action Alternative” for this proposed project.\n\n\nA lot of the analysis for this project is based on documents that are over ten years old. Analysis needs to be based on recent information.\n\n\nThe Draft EA lists some of the legal approvals that the proposed Dewey-Burdock project would need. It skips the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.\n\n\nIt skips the Fall River County ordinance forbidding uranium mining.\nIt skips tribal ordinances.\nIt skips South Dakota water permits.\nIt does not mention that the proposed permits are under legal challenges.\n\nFor more information about this project\, tips on how to comment\, and links to the BLM comment page\, please go to: \nhttps://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/federal-level-comment-notices/ \nThere is a lot of information about this project available on Black Hills Clean Water Alliance (BHCWA) website here: \nhttps://bhcleanwateralliance.org/dewey-burdock-project/ \nFollow BHCWA to stay up to date. \nWe are not sure of the time-of-day comments are due on the 14th. We assume comments are sent to a BLM office in the Rocky Mt Time Zone\, but we are not sure. Sometimes federal comments are due at midnight EST\, sent to Washington DC.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-dewey-burdock-uranium-project-send-to-blm/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260515T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260515T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260321T012747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T231517Z
UID:22507-1778803200-1778889540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Endangered Species Day is the third Friday in May
DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Day is the third Friday in May \nSince 2006 in western SD we have had an multi-group sponsored Endangered Species Day\, except for the first year of Covid epidemic. \nWe normally have it on the evening of the third Friday\, but sometimes have day time activities on Friday and/or Saturday in addition to the evening event. It is normally 6 pm to 9 pm Friday nigh and has 3 speakers.  Since Covid we had it as a Zoom meeting\, but may return to have a hybrid meeting. \nContact Nancy Hilding at 605-787-6466 (LL) for phas.wsd@rapidnet.com to see what is happening.  Prairie Hills Audubon Society has a grant to create Endangered Species Chalk Art Events between May 1st and May 17th and create or buy chalk to give away. For information on chalk art and Endangered Species Day: \nhttps://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/ \nENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION: \nhttps://www.endangered.org/ \nThis years theme:  Celebrating America’s Wildlife Comeback Stories.\nChampioning the Endangered Species Act. \nThis theme highlights the powerful stories of recovery and success made possible by the Endangered Species Act. Species like the California Sea Otter\, the Whooping Crane\, and the American Alligator have all rebounded thanks to this landmark conservation law. \nThis year’s event marks the 21st Annual Endangered Species Day\, now celebrated globally to mark the importance of protecting threatened and endangered wildlife and their habitats.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-day-is-the-third-friday-in-may/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260515T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260615T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T234811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T234811Z
UID:22604-1778803200-1781567940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:National Audubon Society's Climate Watch Season
DESCRIPTION:National Audubon Society’s (NAS)  Climate Watch Season \nHelp the NAS document effects of climate change on birds\, by doing birding using a specific protocol\, in a set of fixed locations\,  on a day between May 15th- and June 15th.   Visit NAS web page for details – https://www.audubon.org/community-science/climate-watch
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-audubon-societys-climate-watch-season/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260425T002121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260502T041517Z
UID:22677-1778918400-1778936400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park
DESCRIPTION:Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park\, Sturgis\, SD  \nMay 16th\, 2026 \n8 am-1 pm \nCelebrate South Dakota’s migratory birds together. All ages and experience levels are welcome.  Follow the signs and meet up for a fun filled day!  Activities: Scavanger hunt\, Bird banding bracelets\, Activities for kids\, Bird Banding demos\, Bird Ambassadors!\, Bird Bingo\, Prizes!\, Guided Birding\, \nBear Butte State Park’s web page – https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/bear-butte-state-park/ \nState park’s location web page _ https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/bear_butte_overview.pdf \nThe Bird Bash is outside on grass near the Park headquarters. \nPHAS will have a table at the  Bird Bash – we will also bring chalk for folks to participate in the Endangered Species Chalk Art Event.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bird-bash-at-bear-butte-state-park/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T133000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T200909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T201903Z
UID:22722-1778922000-1778938200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Clean up Rapid Creek event - food\, bear and Creek clean up\, May 16th\,
DESCRIPTION:On May 16th will be a grander Creek Clean up event than normal. \nThere will be a breakfast and/or “Trout not Trash” Beer release at 9 am \, Creek Clean Up from 10 am and then beer drinking event  again from 12:30 pm on. (We think) \nWe are not sure of the locations or end-time for the event\, but have guessed at 1:30 pm\, please verify \nThis might be a Black Hills Fly Fishers event? – please verify the sponsor \nI am not sure of locations but Lost Cabin Beer Co. on 1401 W. Omaha St. #3\, Rapid City will be involved…but watch the Facebook page for updates. \nhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Clean-up-Rapid-Creek/61557424842679/?checkpoint_src=any \nOr ask Jeff Anderson – andy5750@gmail.com or Bill Young – guinnessmarsh@gmail.com
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/clean-up-rapid-creek-event-food-bear-and-creek-clean-up/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260518T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260522T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260417T222953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T223206Z
UID:22585-1779094800-1779469200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Public Hearing about an application to explore underground for uranium near Craven Canyon
DESCRIPTION:The public hearing about an application to explore underground for uranium in the Black Hills has been rescheduled to May 18 through May 22\, 2026. \nThe hearing will take place in Hot Springs at the Mueller Civic Center. It had previously been scheduled for this week (April 13th-17th)  but was postponed. \nI assume details will be posted here \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67 \nExact details of hearing not yet known by us \nThe motion for a change of venue to Hot Springs  – for mid April 2026 hearing on proposed uranium exploration near  Craven Canyon – was granted on 3/18/26 by the Board of Minerals & Environment. The new  venue/location of hearing on Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation Uranium Exploration Permit Application; EXNI 453. \n. Watch for update on details.  There are two different processes going on for approval requests to explore for uranium near Craven Canyon. One is to explore on private land and is being considered/reviewed by the SD Board of Minerals and Environment. Another request is to explore on Forest Service lands and is being considered/reviewed by the Forest Service.  This notice is about the request on private land. \nWe don’t know yet the exact start and end time of hearing on any day. We have guessed at start and end times. \n  \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/public-hearing-about-an-application-to-explore-underground-for-uranium-near-craven-canyon/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260612T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260613T160000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260425T003751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T004030Z
UID:22683-1781254800-1781366400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Open House at the Great Plains Botanic Garden. South of Hermosa\, June 13 & 14\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:June 12-13   •   Open House – Log Cabin Visitor Center at the Great Plains Botanic Garden\, Friday & Saturday – June 12 & 13\,  at 9:am-4:pm  \nOpen House at the Great Plains Botanic Garden. \nEvent will be cancelled in case of serious rain making our grounds muddy.\nWe are a short distance east of Hwy 79 five miles south of Hermosa SD. The physical address is 14229 Windbreak Road\, Hermosa\, SD. Follow Hwy 79 five miles south of Hermosa\, turn east on Windbreak Road\, which is just a bit north of mile-marker 55 on Hwy 79.\nCome see how our Penstemon Display is doing\, the ongoing expansion project for the Cactus Garden\, the Grass Blocks being installed and stroll through more of the grounds on our Trail of Two Hills. \nVolunteer members will be on hand to show you around.\nThe bookstore in the Log Cabin Visitor Center will be open and offering free coffee and snacks.\nBring your human friends\, but not your pets. Sorry\, no pets are allowed at the Botanic Garden. Bring your camera\, sunscreen\, hat\, sturdy shoes and so on. We have non-refrigerated bottled water available. \nFor other Great Plains Native Plant Society news visit their web site: – https://www.gpnps.org/  \, https://www.gpnps.org/events.php
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/open-house-at-the-great-plains-botanic-garden-south-of-hermosa-june-13-14-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260613T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260615T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T171626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T191702Z
UID:22710-1781352000-1781542800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Greenway Day Events\, Rapid City\, June 13-15th
DESCRIPTION:Greenway Day Events\, Rapid City\, June 13-14th \nGo to Rapid City Parks web and Facebook pages for more information – Visit www.FriendsOfRCparks.com \nFriday June 13th is the kick off with a race.  Saturday June 14\, Family Friendly activities\, Sunday June 15th\, West Blvd Summer  Festival\, \nTIME-OF-DAY???   We are not sure of the time of days for all events and \n are just guessing at a beginning of 12 pm on Friday and an end point 5 pm on Sunday. \n  When closer to event and an agenda is published\, we can up-date the time of events on the 3days
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/greenway-day-events-rapid-city-june-13-15th/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260615T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260615T235900
DTSTAMP:20260506T220222
CREATED:20260427T194203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T194220Z
UID:22712-1781566200-1781567940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Benchmark Vegetation Management Project\, Black Hills National Forest. Comment deadline unknown
DESCRIPTION:There will not be a comment period on the Benchmark Vegetation Management Project until the future – MID MAY \nHere is a quote from the Forest Services Letter we received on this project \n“This letter is intended to give you early notification of the Benchmark project. It is not initiating a \ncomment period. Information about this project can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website \n(https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/68498). A comment period will be offered with the \nrelease of the Draft Environmental Assessment\, which is expected to be available in mid-May.”….. \n========= \nThe Benchmark Project is being analyzed under the provisions of the Emergency Action Determination \n(EAD) under Section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. EAD authorities can be \napplied to projects that pre-emptively address the potential impacts of natural disturbances\, such as \nwildfire and insect infestation\, to nearby communities and National Forest System lands that have been \nidentified as being in an emergency situation. The Benchmark project area is in such a landscape as \ndetermined by the Secretary of Agriculture. The EAD provisions expedite implementation of eligible \nprojects by eliminating the objection process under 36 CFR 218.……… \n========= \n“The Black Hills National Forest\, Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD)\, is preparing an environmental \nassessment (EA) for the Benchmark Vegetation Management Project (Benchmark Project)\, located south \nof Lead-Deadwood\, SD\, west of Vanocker Canyon Road\, north of Benchmark Road and Custer Crossing \nRoad\, and east of Rochford Road. \nThe purpose of the Benchmark project is to implement forest management actions to provide commercial \ntimber to local industry\, reduce hazardous fuels\, and reduce the risk of insect infestation.” \n— \nWe assume a 30 day comment period will be offered in mid May\, which would make the comment deadline mid June. We are assigning a comment deadline of June 15th\, 2026\, but that is theorectical. WE DON’T YET KNOW THE DEADLINE \nInformation can be found on the project webpage at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/68498
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/benchmark-vegetation-management-project-black-hills-national-forest-comment-deadline-unknown/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR