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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220520T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220520T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220428T051618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220521T183603Z
UID:4246-1653069600-1653080400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:2022 Endangered Species Day Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 20th Endangered Species Day Celebration -\, by Zoom at 6:00 pm MT \nScroll down for Zoom hyperlink and codes \n\nSpeakers – \n6 pm – Introduction by Sponsors \n6:15 pm – Eileen Dowd Stukel – Senior Wildlife Diversity Biologist\, SD Game\, Fish and Parks – will discuss Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA). \nRAWA exists now as House and Senate bills that have made it out of committees and await scheduling for floor votes.   The  bills that would give a great deal of money (almost 1.4 billion /year) to state and tribal governments to work to protect “at risk” wildlife & plants.  For more info. on RAWA by the NWF  – https://affiliates.nwf.org/resources/recovering-toolkit/ \,   \n7:05 pm – Melissa Smith\, Govt. Relations\, Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance & Executive Director\, Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife\, Pat Clark\, GLWA\, Madison Audubon Chapter & Lewiston Outing Club – will speak about – wolves: “Wolves and Wildflowers” \n Most wolves in the USA were delisted by the Trump administration in November 2020. But due to a February2022 court decision\, they are currently re-listed under the Endangered Species Act in much of the USA (but not in the northern Rockies). Link to discussion of change: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/breaking-federal-judge-restores-protections-wolves  Melissa will give history of listing/delisting actions\, review wolf recovery needs & also discuss wolf ecology & lives of wolves.  \nShort Break \n8:00 pm – Bradley Phillips – Wildlife Biologist\, Black Hills National Forest\, Dr. Riley F. Bernard\, Ph.D.\,Assistant Professor Depart. of Zoology and Physiology\, University of Wyoming – Brad & Riley will speak about northern long eared bat. \n The bat is at risk due to a disease – whitenose syndrome. It has been listed as threatened\, but the USFWS proposed in March 23rd\, 2022 Federal Register to list it as endangered and the USFWS is currently accepting comments on the change to listed status – deadline: 5/23/22. . https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-03/proposal-reclassify-northern-long-eared-bat-endangered   We have the bat in SD\, but especially in the Black Hills.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n————— \nLink to recording of the meeting on Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/712389823 \n  \n\nAll PHAS Zoom meetings are recorded & a link to the recordings are posted to our web page under Resources and Recordings menu items.  The Public is welcome. \nEndangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s wildlife and wild places. Started in 2006 by the US Congress\, Endangered Species Day is the third Friday of May. We have celebrated ESD in Rapid City w/ a multi-group sponsored event for 15 years. \n Co-sponsors of Endangered Species Day Celebration 2022\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society\, The Norbeck Society\, Western Watershed Projects\, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance\, SD Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby\, Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America\, Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance\, Black Hills Chapter – Dakota Rural Action\,  Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club\, Center for Biological Diversity
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2022-endangered-species-day-celebration/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220523T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220523T220000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220428T060250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220521T214735Z
UID:4255-1653292800-1653343200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:May 23rd Deadline to Comment on USFWS proposal to list the northern long eared bat as endangered
DESCRIPTION:May 23rd is the deadline to Comment on USFWS proposal to list the northern long eared bat as endangered. \nLink to the Federal Register Notice: \nhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-03-23/pdf/2022-06168.pdf \nLink to USFWS press release: \nhttps://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-03/proposal-reclassify-northern-long-eared-bat-endangered \nLink to 1/28/20  Judges order in a lawsuit\, that forced USFWS to reconsider upgrading the bat from threatened to endangered: \nhttps://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/northern_long-eared_bat/pdfs/Northern-Long-eared-Bat-Opinion-and-Order.pdf \nCenter for Biological Diversity on White-nose syndrome – https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/bat_crisis_white-nose_syndrome/index.html \nRecent article about $$ saved from having bats on the landscape and how much we are losing due to WNS: https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/natural-resources-energy/2022-05-19/disease-killing-millions-of-bats-costs-u-s-ag-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-a-year-study-shows \nUSFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before May 23\, 2022. Comments submittedelectronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES\, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m.Eastern Time on 5/23/22 \n(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\,enter FWS–R3–ES–2021–0140. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting page\, in the panel on the leftside of the screen\, under the Document Type heading\, check the Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You maysubmit a comment by clicking on ‘‘Comment.’’(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS–R3–ES–2021–0140\, U.S. Fish andWildlife Service\, MS: PRB/3W\, 5275 Leesburg Pike\, Falls Church\, VA 22041–3803.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-23rd-deadline-to-comment-on-usfws-proposal-to-list-the-northern-long-eared-bat-as-endangered/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220524T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220524T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220525T011623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220525T011623Z
UID:4487-1653379200-1653411600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Test
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/4487/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220602T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220603T130000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220516T190916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220517T042558Z
UID:4377-1654171200-1654261200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:June 2022 SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Meeting - hybrid
DESCRIPTION:The SD Game\, Fish and Parks June Commission Meeting will be both by Zoom and face-to-face (In Aberdeen\, SD) .  The meeting will be 1 pm-5 pm MT on Thursday June 2nd\, and 8 am-12 am MT on Friday June 3rd\, Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. The deadline to send in written comments to the full Commission for the June meeting\, is midnight CT on the Sunday beforehand (5/29/22). They also can be sent to Commissioners at their individual e-mails at any time: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/ \nYou can give oral testimony (remotely or in person)  at the public hearing on rule proposals and/or open forum  \, starting at 2 pm CT on Thursday. It is requested you e-mail rachel.comes@state.sd.us in advance if you wish to testify remotely (but it is not required). \nFor details\, agenda and Zoom links for  the meeting\, visit this link about 6 days before the meeting: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nThese proposals may be up for finalization\, but please check the agenda when it is published. \n\nAntelope (Firearm & Archery)\n\nLicense Allocations\nMap\n\n\nArchery and Muzzeloader Season\nCWD Regulations\nFall Turkey\n\nLicense Allocations\nMap\nTags\n2020-2021 vs 2022-2023\n\n\n\n\nCSP Bison Hunt\n\nTrophy Bison\nNon-Trophy Bison\nTrophy Bison and Non-Trophy Bison Fees\n\n\nMourning Dove\nTurkey Recruitment License (April proposal)
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/june-2022-sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-hybrid/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220603T165000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220603T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20230804T003720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230804T005836Z
UID:8398-1654275000-1654275600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:COUGAR AND WOLF ALERT - WYOMING - Comment deadline WGF 6/3/22
DESCRIPTION:COUGAR AND WOLF ALERT – WYOMING \nTo PHAS members and friends \nIMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED – Deadline to take action on Friday June 3rd. \nWyoming’s cougar & wolf rule making\, Comments due June 3rd \nWyoming is doing their triennial review/rewrite of their Mt Lion hunting regulations\, their  annual review of wolf hunting regulations and also rules on take of non-game wildlife. \nPublic comments are due June 3rd by close of business\, the Commission meeting is in July  & various public meetings were held in mid May (5/9/22-5/19/22) in various locations around Wyo. At this point comments must be submitted on-line by Friday 6/3/22 by COB or verbally at a  Commission meeting in mid July\, face-to-face or maybe remotely if they should allow virtual connection in July. July 18-20th\, Wyoming Game & Fish Commission meeting\,- Evanston\, Wyo.  – For more info on that meeting: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/about-us/game-and-fish-commission \nWYOMING COUGARS \nWe  (PHAS) object to the current Wyo. Black Hills lion season as too aggressive. \nWhat Wyoming Game and Fish is proposing for cougars: \n\nWyoming Game and Fish (WGF) divides the state into 33 cougar hunting areas and re-evaluates the hunting season every 3 years. They allow hound hunting. For the next three years – Wyoming GF proposes hunting season that will  increase the cumulative take of mountain lions by 11 lions/year\, increasing the harvest limits in 4 districts by  a range of 1-5 cougars. Harvest limits are not to be reduced in any district.\nIt subtracts some land of hunting Area 22 (Ten Sleep) – moving land to Area 28 (Crowheart Butte)  (This  move is mostly about private in-holdings within the Wind River Reservation – it ismaking a contiguous area of an anomalous indent into the Reservation  – I.e. most of the land absorbed by 28 is private parcels who may or may not allow hunting on their land)\nPolitics at play: Advocates of aggressive cougar harvest often express desire to maximize ungulates on the landscape for the hunters to shoot — those hunters don’t want to share enough of the prey with lions.\n\nCougar hunting area map: map https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Regulations/2021-ML_BW.pdf \nProposed Wyoming cougar hunting rule: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get Involved/2022 July Regulations/CH-42-Draft-05-06-2022-3.pdf \nTalking points: \n\nThe leading cause of reduction in deer population is quality of winter range. It is a mistake to blame cougars for depressions of deer populations.\nBy [my][our] values – all predators need respect – cougars are designed by nature to eat ungulates & other prey\, that is their purpose and role.\n Larger predators affect behavior of ungulates and thus the ungulate’s impact on habitat.\nHumans need  to share the prey with the non-human predators\nWGF has not made statistics and reports on 2021 cougars population trends available on-line\, just at face-to-face meetings without virtual connections\, thus it is hard for many folks\, who did not go to those meetings\,  to evaluate the proposed changes or the failures to make needed change.  See statement of Reasons – https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get Involved/2022 July Regulations/Stmt-of-Reasons-2022-CH-42.pdf\nWe believe that WGF aggressively manages the 3 Black Hills cougar areas  as a cougar sink. (Areas numbers 32\, 30 & 1 and they have a cummulative harvest limit of 61 lions )  We are upset on-line public doesn’t  have the Wyoming population trend statistics to look at in 2022.  WGF is relying on SD to grow cougars and for SD to export them by natural migration to Wyoming to be shot. SD mountain lions are likely decreasing in number due to SD’s harvest rates.   In SD we allow a Black Hills harvest limit of 60 lions either sex or 40  females. A third of the Black Hills habitat is in Wyoming.  Article on SD harvest: https://www.bhpioneer.com/local_news/report-mountain-lion-harvest-mortality-rates-could-lead-to-declining-population-in-hills/article_ccd44ce2-e651-11eb-bd80-33fe57d4f570.html Those of us in SD & NE Wyoming object to over-harvest in the Black Hills in both states\, although Wyoming is much worse than SD.\nArea 24 (and maybe some of north edge of area 25) has the Wyoming extension of the Pine Ridge Ecosystem\, an ecosystem that exists in Wyoming\, Nebraska and SD.  Area 24 is also the prairie to the west of the Black Hills and there are some uplifts in it’s NE corner that generate lions and Area 24 has unlimited harvest  and we object to that.\nWe want more cougars in the Black Hills and the Pine Ridge  Ecosystem.  We want the chance to see their tracksor glimpses of themon the landscape.\n\nThis link has the info for proposed rule changes for Chapter 42- Wyomings mountain lion rules and wolf hunting rules: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings  – This link also has the schedule for future public meetings meetings\, commenting directions & you can hyperlink to proposed rules up for changes –  for Chapter 42 is the mountain lion hunting & 47 is wolf regulation. Below each proposed rule change\, is a link for on-line commenting on that rule. \nTo comment: \nMountain lion commenting link is: https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \nPostal mail comments to: \nWyoming Game and Fish Department\nWildlife Division\nATTN: Regulations\n3030 Energy Lane\nCasper\, WY 82604 \nOn Friday June 3rd it will be too late to “snail mail” – We think the postal mail deadline must be received in Casper on June 3rd. We suspect received before COB. \nTo see the Wyoming Game and Fish (WGF) Commissioners and their e-mails. You can always e-mail Commissioners directly: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/Game-and-Fish-Commission/Meet-the-Commissioners \nWYOMING WOLVES: \nRemember to comment to WGF by Friday June 3rd  at COB. \nWGF’s wolf commenting  link is: https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \nProposed wolf regulations: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/2022%20July%20Regulations/CH-47-Draft-05-04-2022-3.pdf \nWolf hunting rules also at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings \nSee map of  Wyoming and wolf hunting regions: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Wolves-in-Wyoming/Wolves-and-Wyoming-Laws-and-Regulations \nWGF Commission has the authority today\, to change the wolf hunting rules in a couple areas of Wyoming\, but not in other areas. The Wyoming legislature set the parameters for wolf regulations in most of the state – the predator zone.  If you want that “Predatory Animal Management Area’s “management changed you need to talk to the Wyoming legislature or get the northern rockies wolves re-listed under the Endangered Species Act. \nThe WGF’s proposed rule results in no cumulative change to the  number of wolves allowed to be taken in “Wolf Trophy Game Management Area” & “Seasonal Wolf Trophy Game Management Area”\, but it changes  the allowed take in 6 out of 14 individual hunt areas within the Trophy Game Management Areas (some hunt areas increase and some decrease) WyomingUntrapped has a map of the Trophy Game Management Area’s subset areas. \nHere is WyomingUntrapped’s  2022 grey wolf alert w/ talking points: https://wyominguntrapped.org/news/raise-your-voices-up-for-public-comment-gray-wolf-hunting-regulations-2022/ \nArticle/info on wolves by Wyoming Game and Fish: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/Wyoming-maintains-stable-gray-wolf-populations \n=================== \nCOMMENTING To USFWS on wolves \nFolks can also help the Wyoming wolves by sending comment letters to the USFWS asking for the  northern rockies population to be re-listed under the Endangered Species Act.   Grey wolves (except Mexican wolf sub-species) were de-listed by Trump in late 2020. In February 2022\, a  judge ordered the re-listing of all grey wolves\, except in the northern rockies . \n2 listing petitions have been filed for resisting (June and July 2021) and received a positive 90 day finding and now await a 12 month finding. \nHere is the link for an action alert on protecting wolves in the northern Rockies w/ pre-fab online letter to support emergency listing: https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/stnIOQExdE2KHAxapy3B6A2?sourceid=1008066 \nOther links \nhttps://wolf.org/headlines/environmental-groups-ask-feds-for-emergency-re-listing-of-northern-rockies-wolves/ \nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/endangered-species-act-protection-sought-for-wolves-in-northern-rockies-2021-05-26/ \nRelist Wolves Now: https://www.relistwolvesnow.org/ \n=== \nCalling really matters to advocate for Gray Wolves. \nhttps://doi.gov/contact-us\nTo reach Interior Secretary Haaland (she’s the boss of Martha Williams@ USFWS)\n(202) 208-3100\, Ext 3\, \nPlease leave your Name\, City/County\, State\, Tele # \nAsk her to grant emergency listing of Northern Rocky Mtn Gray Wolves & perhaps share a personal story of what wolves mean to you. Phone calls are tallied\, they show interest in the future of Wolves\, and amount of calls are related to the Secretary. \nPlease Call the White House Comment Line: Tues\, Wed\, Thurs (202) 456-1111 \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/cougar-and-wolf-alert-wyoming-comment-deadline-wgf-6-3-22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220604
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220623
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220604T215857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220604T215857Z
UID:4511-1654300800-1655942399@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Forest Officials Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Exploration Drilling Project Near Nemo by June 22
DESCRIPTION:Forest Officials Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Exploration Drilling Project Near Nemo\nThe Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is asking for public comments on a proposed exploration drilling project near Nemo\, SD. \nThe project would include up to 32 exploratory drilling sites to search for iron minerals on National Forest System (NFS) land. Each drill site would measure approximately 30X50 feet\, for a combined estimated acreage of 1.25 acres. Drill holes would be approximately three inches in diameter and be drilled to a depth of around 200 feet. \nAccess to the drill sites would be along NFS roads and motorized trails 8254\, 8256\, and 8257. \nThis proposed project is for exploratory drilling\, not mining. A separate environmental analysis would be required for any proposed mining activity to occur in the future. \nThe proposed location is densely forested terrain with scattered rock and brush. All sites would be reclaimed following drilling activities. The project is expected to last one year or less. Should project activities go beyond that time\, additional environmental analysis may be necessary. \nA public meeting is planned for this project at the Nemo Community Hall\, 12746 Nemo Rd. Nemo\, SD\, on Wednesday\, June 8\, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 pm. \nAll public comments on the proposed action will be considered prior to making a final decision. Comments must be submitted by June 22\, 2022. \nPlease submit comments to Steve Kozel at 2014 N. Main St.\, Spearfish\, SD 57783. You may also submit comments via e-mail (comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-northern­-hills@fs.fed.us)\, online (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62237)\, by telephone (605-642-4622)\, or fax (605-642-4156). Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Steve Kozel or Chris Stores (Natural Resources Planner) at the phone number listed above\, Monday through Friday\, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (MT). When submitting comments electronically\, please include the project name in the subject line. \nFor more information on Black Hills National Forest\, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/forest-officials-seeking-public-comments-on-proposed-exploration-drilling-project-near-nemo-by-june-22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220604T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220604T113000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220428T045803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T045803Z
UID:4244-1654327800-1654342200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:June 4th\, PHAS Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Jedediah Beadle our Field-trip Chair\, will lead a field trip on June 4th. Destination is undecided but we will meet at Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City at 7:30 am. Jedediah (207) 310-4665\,  jedediahbeadle@gmail.com; \, Nancy Hilding 605-787-6466\, nhilding@rapidnet.com\,
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/june-4th-phas-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220608T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220608T193000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220604T220425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220604T220425Z
UID:4513-1654709400-1654716600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Meeting Proposed Exploration Drilling Project Near Nemo Wednesday\, June 8\, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 pm
DESCRIPTION:The Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is asking for public comments on a proposed exploration drilling project near Nemo\, SD. \nThe project would include up to 32 exploratory drilling sites to search for iron minerals on National Forest System (NFS) land. Each drill site would measure approximately 30X50 feet\, for a combined estimated acreage of 1.25 acres. Drill holes would be approximately three inches in diameter and be drilled to a depth of around 200 feet. \nAccess to the drill sites would be along NFS roads and motorized trails 8254\, 8256\, and 8257. \nThis proposed project is for exploratory drilling\, not mining. A separate environmental analysis would be required for any proposed mining activity to occur in the future. \nThe proposed location is densely forested terrain with scattered rock and brush. All sites would be reclaimed following drilling activities. The project is expected to last one year or less. Should project activities go beyond that time\, additional environmental analysis may be necessary. \nA public meeting is planned for this project at the Nemo Community Hall\, 12746 Nemo Rd. Nemo\, SD\, on Wednesday\, June 8\, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 pm. \nAll public comments on the proposed action will be considered prior to making a final decision. Comments must be submitted by June 22\, 2022. \nPlease submit comments to Steve Kozel at 2014 N. Main St.\, Spearfish\, SD 57783. You may also submit comments via e-mail (comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-northern­-hills@fs.fed.us)\, online (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62237)\, by telephone (605-642-4622)\, or fax (605-642-4156). Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Steve Kozel or Chris Stores (Natural Resources Planner) at the phone number listed above\, Monday through Friday\, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (MT). When submitting comments electronically\, please include the project name in the subject line. \nFor more information on Black Hills National Forest\, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meeting-proposed-exploration-drilling-project-near-nemo-wednesday-june-8-2022-from-530-730-pm/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220613T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220613T130000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220428T185135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220702T012308Z
UID:4277-1655107200-1655125200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:June 13th - Draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance - Continued Pennington County Planning Commission
DESCRIPTION:ONGOING MEETINGS ON DRAFT HARD ROCK MINING ORDINANCE – PENNINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION\nUPDATE – Draft Ordinance approved by Planning Commission on 6/13/22 – Next Hearing at Pennington County Commission Meeting on July 5th\nJune 13th @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm\nIt takes a while to review and write ordinances. In addition to Feb 9th hearing\, it has also since been heard or continued on February 28th\, March 28th\, then April 25th\, then May 23rd at 9 am before the same Planning Commission. The Planning Commission approved the draft that can be found in the Planning Commission packet (see below). It will now go to\nthe full Pennington County Commission.\n\nWhere Commission Chambers\, 130 Kansas City St\, Rapid City\, SD 57701\, USA (map)\, Remote virtual testifying is an option if you ask far enough in advance.\n\n Link to commission packet on – Ordinance is at the end\, at page 468 onward\nhttps://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/05-23-22_PC_Packet.pdf\n\n\nTo find Hard Rock Mining Ordinance stuff –\n1.  to see draft ordinance go to page 468 page of above May 23rd packet for ordinance\, as existing before May 23rd\n\nWatch to see PC Planning Commission agendas for  June 13th at link –\nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=0BDE4776-77A9-4CE6-B532-2FCF96ECC01A\n\nHere’s the link to the BOC Calendar –  https://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=3E3A7706-9490-449E-8420-57421F31A1E1\n\nBlack Hills Clean Water Alliance\, likely has an alert about this issue on their web and/or Facebook pages & likely provides talking points. https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/\nNote: If unable to attend the meeting in person\, teleconference/Zoom is an option (PHAS asked for Zoom meeting option).  Contact plz@pennco.org or the Planning Department at 605-394-2186\, about 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.\nSend written comments at least 24 hours in advance also – which for a Monday meeting is on Friday\, as staff must add to Commission’s packet before the weekend.\n\nFolks can attend by Zoom on 6/13/22\, however if you wish to testify\, you needed to get staff your contact info  and type into chat that you want to testify.\n\n\n\n\n\nPennington County is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \nJoin Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7755207200?pwd=eHBoNGoyRXVkekk2dFhZaEJwRVdEUT09 \nMeeting ID: 775 520 7200 Passcode: 1234 One tap mobile +12532158782\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Tacoma) +13462487799\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Houston) \nDial by your location         +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)         +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)         +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)         +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 775 520 7200 Passcode: 1234 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbmmOjDnGm
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-23rd-draft-hard-rock-mining-ordinance-continued-pennington-county-planning-commission/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220615T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220615T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220613T160808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220615T174018Z
UID:4516-1655294400-1655294400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission hearing on mountain lions and otter hunting seasons
DESCRIPTION:Nebraska Game & Parks June Commission meeting – at the Holiday Inn Express 2605 Plum Creek Parkway Lexington\, NE. \nJune 17 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm\n\n\nAll interested persons may attend and testify orally or by written submission at the public hearing. (June 17th\, 2022)\n\n\nJune 15th – Interested persons or organizations may submit written comments prior to the hearing\, which will be entered into the hearing record if they: 1) include a request to be included as part of the hearing record; 2) include the name and address of the person or organization submitting the comments; and 3) are received by 1:00 p.m. CT June 15\, 2022 by Sheri Henderson at the Lincoln office\, 2200 North 33 rd Street\, Lincoln\, NE 68503-0370.sheri.henderson@nebraska.gov \n\n\nNE MOUNTAIN LIONS \n“Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Sections §§37-301\, 37-304\, 37-308\, 37-308.01\, 37-314\, 37-228\, 37-404\, 37-405\, 37-411\, 37-426\, 37-452\, 37-473\, 37-613\, a public hearing will be held at 8:45 AM to consider amendments to Title 163\, Nebraska Administrative Code Chapter 4\, entitled Wildlife Regulations\, Section 037 Mountain Lions to make changes to season and auxiliary dates and adjust the number of permits issued during the lottery.”  – Notice of hearing \nhttp://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/6-17-22-Public-Hearing-Notice.pdf \nNebraska has 3 areas of population (Pine Ridge\, Scotsbluff\, Niobrara) and only allows hunting in Pine Ridge Area.  The Pine Ridge ecosystem exists in Wyoming\, Nebraska and SD and hunting is allowed in all 3 states with SD and Wyoming allowing unlimited take in Pine Ridge areas and Oglala Sioux Tribe lands allows with 20 lion any sex/10 lion female harvest limit. \nThe proposed Nebraska changes to cougar hunting season are minor – they are reducing number of licenses to increase hunter satisfaction\, some date changes that are proposed that are not significant.  So it is basically the same as last year.  The population estimate for this year (based on date from May-June 2021)  is 33\, with 10 adult females\, 5 adult males\, 4 each for sub adult males and females and 10 kittens. This is very similar to last year (estimate was 34 lions with 22 adult/sub-adults).  Highest estimate was 59 lions in 2017. \nPursuant to research\, Washington State had adopted a “harvest” rate of 12% to 16% of adults and sub-adults\, as the harvest levels that result in a sustainable population.  The Nebraska’s Pine Ridge cougar habitat is more isolated than Washington State’s and these percentages may need to be lower in Nebraska due to Pine Ridge population’s relative isolation.  12% of 23 lions is 2.76 lions\, 14% of 23 lions is 3.22 lions and 16% of 23 lions is 3.68 lions.  \nLast year HSUS and MLF objected to the harvest limit and HSUS had an alert. Nebraska  (scroll down for  HSUS webinar and alert of HSUS from last year). \nGame & Parks Mountain Lion web page: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/mountainlions/ \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/mountainlionhunting/ \nColin Crofts Facebook on Nebraska Lions \nhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/426003722258026   \nMountain Lion Foundation on Nebraska lions: \nhttps://mountainlion.org/us/nebraska/ \nNebraska GP Rule Proposal: \nhttps://www.nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/2546.pdf \nhttps://www.nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/details.cgi?proposal_id=2546 \nNebraska GP Existing Regulations \nhttps://www.nebraska.gov/rules-and-regs/regsearch/Rules/Game_and_Parks_Commission/Title-163/Chapter-4.pdf \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/regulations/ \nNebraska Mountain Lion Management Plan – http://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NE-Mountain-Lion-Management-Plan.pdf \nScroll down for  hyperlinks to old references and webinars/power points. Nancy Hilding (nhilding@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466) has copies of the powerpoint shown by NEGP staff at Commission meeting in the spring on this issue. \nNE RIVER OTTERS \nNebraska Game and Parks\, in order to avoid the hassle of rule making\, has created a new  rules to allow them to change seasons via “orders” which are not subject to rule making process. In April they proposed to increase otter harvest limit from 75 to 125 on June 17th. Otters were listed as state threatened or endangered and then delisted in 2020. First post delisting hunting season was last year.  Population is estimated at 2000. \nProposed Orders on Furbearer – CO-5 \nhttp://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CommOrder5-6-11-21-35-day.pdf \nThis above link is rather obscure – hard to find.  The Public Notice does not explain\, so you have to search out the proposed orders on web site (see above link). \nNews article about first river otter trapping season (2021) \nhttps://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraskas-first-otter-trapping-season-ends-after-78-animals-snared/article_e627e1a6-e5d7-554e-8e21-da3d6db930bd.html#tncms-source=signup \nNGPs website on otters \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/riverotter/ \nNancy Hilding (nhilding@rapidnet.com\, 605-787-6466) has copies of the powerpoint shown by NEGP staff at Commission meeting in the spring on this issue. \n  \n======= \nSOME OLD OLD OLD 2021 REFERENCES/ALERTS\, – population estimates are very similar. \nNebraska’s Sam Wilson 2021 you tube video on last year’s proposal for Mt Lion season \n (YEAR OLD 2021 – not up to date) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn41qmiUxc0&t=579s \nHumane Society of the US Zoom webinar Nebraska Mountain Lions = from last year  spring 2021 (THIS IS A YEAR OLD-not up to date) \nLink to recording for that webinar \nOLD WEBINAR  ( YEAR OLD 2021 – not up to date) _ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r09jJhTinsI \nHSUS- Nebraska mountain lion – talking points for comments ( YEAR OLD 2021 – not up to date) \nOLD ALERT –  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I3xOzBA0SYk3cZvOPPvFsAdGzZUlLmiq/view?usp=sharing \nOLD COMMENT LETTER – PHAS Comment letter from 2021 \n\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-hearing-on-mountain-lions-and-otter-hunting-seasons/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220616T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220616T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220614T230240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220614T230240Z
UID:4544-1655398800-1655398800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Zoom meeting on lead pollution from hunting
DESCRIPTION:Wildlife for Future Generations\, Zoom meeting. \n6 pm Central Time on Thursday 6/16/22 \nUS Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released proposed regulations that begin the process to ban lead ammo and tackle on National Wildlife Refuges across the country. The Biden Administration’s proposall lays the groundwork for additional lead prohibitions on refuges and provides a precedent that will be utilized to ban lead ammunition and tackle on all public lands where hunting and fishing occur. \n\n\n\nSchedule \n6:00 pm: Introduction by our team and wildlife updates \n  \n6:15 pm: Mark Naniot – Mark Naniot has been active in the wildlife rehab community since getting lost walking home from kindergarten. An older neighbor kid was supposed to walk him home on the first day of kindergarten but did not. Like any five-year-old\, Mark believed he could do it himself. But he got lost. He knocked on the door of a house to ask for help. The nice lady\, Edie Johnston called his mom then asked him if he wanted to see her birds while they waited. She was a wildlife rehabber rehabbing from her home. Her home was just one street over from his. Mark was hooked and helped her every chance he got until he was 18 and could volunteer at a larger wildlife center. Before coming to Rhinelander\, he worked for Idaho Fish & Game as a Law Enforcement aid\, USFS as a wildlife tech doing grizzly bear research and at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. \nHe & his wife\, Sharon\, live off-the-grid in a solar home with their many dogs and two cats. Mark is an advanced wildlife rehabber that served on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Rehabilitation Committee from 2000-2010 helping shape wildlife rehab in Wisconsin into a profession. He’s been an International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council instructor since 2010\, sharing his knowledge and passion of wildlife rehab with students across the country. In May of 2015\, Newsline 9 & Marshfield Clinics awarded Mark the Jefferson Award. \nYou can see his recent news article here: https://www.waow.com/news/a-plea-for-hunters-to-make-the-switch-to-non-lead-ammo/article_4700650b-66f5-503b-aea9-f2f2d3ee826d.html \n  \n6:40 pm: Melissa Smith – Presentation on current legislation on Lead ammunition and tackle and how to comment on federal register\, and state policy \nGovt. Relations\, Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance (GLWA)\, Executive Director\, Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife \n7:00 pm: Q &A and your chance to comment online to GET THE LEAD OUT!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nJoin Zoom Meeting \nHyper link to go to meeting: \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/96624716122?pwd=U25OZ0wvQksrZU4reE5PK1J2NTQ0QT09#success \n  \nMeeting ID: 966 2471 6122 \nPasscode: 854398 \nOne tap mobile \n+19292056099\,\,96624716122#\,\,\,\,*854398# US (New York) \n+13017158592\,\,96624716122#\,\,\,\,*854398# US (Washington DC) \nThis meeting will be recorded and posted to glwa web page under ADVOCACY TOOLS \n \n\n\n\nFacebook announcement \nhttps://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheWisconsinWolf/photos/a.568306583182724/5796888353657828/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/zoom-meeting-on-lead-pollution-from-hunting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220628T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220628T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220511T130337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220628T053149Z
UID:4343-1656421200-1656435600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Meade County Commission Public Hearing on Section Line Relocation at GFP proposed shooting range.
DESCRIPTION:Meade County Commission Public Hearing on Section Line Relocation at GFP proposed shooting range (near Elk Vale Road and Elk Creek) at 1 pm on Tuesday June 28th\, \n\nGo to Board docs for details and agenda of the Commission meeting\, using this link.\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/Public \n6/28 agenda is posted – go to 1 pm hearing and  see various documents related to issue to download \n\nPetition to relocate section line\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CE5PN6653F56/$file/GFP%20Petition%20to%20relocate%20Section%20Line%20ROW.pdf\n\nTopo  Maps\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CFPQEM68F795/$file/RC%20Shooting%20Range%20-%20Section%20Line%20ROW%20Relocation%20-%20Basic%20-%20FINAL.jpg\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CFPQET68FD0B/$file/RC%20Shooting%20Range%20-%20Section%20Line%20ROW%20Relocation%20-%20Imagery%20-%20FINAL.jpg\n\n\ntwo Aerial Maps\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CE5N485E10F6/$file/GF%26P%20Section%20Line%20Area%20Map.pdf\nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CE5UT27D888B/$file/GF%26P%202’%20Contour%20Map.JPG\nMeade County Commission\,  1300 Sherman Street STE 212 | Sturgis\, SD 57785\, staff contact Jerry Derr\, jderr@meadecounty.org\, 605-720-1625\, You can look up Commissioners and send them a message at: https://www.meadecounty.org/commission/\n\nGo to our alerts page for more information on the issue\n\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/\nWe have a recorded  Zoom meeting on the shooting range issue\nVimeo link: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/694666859
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-commission-public-hearing-on-section-line-relocation-at-gfp-proposed-shooting-range/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220630T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220630T233000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220613T161444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220613T161747Z
UID:4518-1656576000-1656631800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:ND Game and Fish Dept Comment deadline (approximate) North Dakota Mountain Lions and otters sent to
DESCRIPTION:North Dakota’s Governor decides on hunting seasons after reviewing recommendations by the wildlife agency. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHunting season are set via Governor’s Proclamation (https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t20-1c08.pdf)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll proclamations are published online and can be found here https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/proclamations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Wildlife agency will send those recommendations off in mid July.   There is no formal comment deadline. We just suggest 2 weeks early so staff has time to read them and think about them. \nAs of late May\, no changes were thought to be planned from last years season. Both cougars and otters will be reviewed. \nNorth Dakota Game and Fish Department \, \n100 N. Bismarck Expressway\, \nBismarck\, ND 58501-5095 \nc/o Stephanie Tucker\, \nGame Management Section Leader and Furbearer Biologist \nStephanie Tucker <satucker@nd.gov>\,
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nd-game-and-fish-dept-comment-deadline-approximate-north-dakota-mountain-lions-and-otters-sent-to/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220703
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220726
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220704T030222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220704T030222Z
UID:4878-1656806400-1658793599@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Snapshot South Dakota Photo Contest Ends July 25
DESCRIPTION:Snapshot South Dakota\nSnapshot South Dakota is a department sponsored contest that is focused on capturing the beauty of our outdoor resources in South Dakota. \nSubmit Photos\n  \n2022 Categories\n\nWildlife\nLandscapes\nOutdoor Families\n\nJudging will consist of one “Best in Category” for each category and one overall “People’s Choice\,” resulting in four winners. \nRules\nPhotographers are eligible to enter up to 3 photos. \nPhotos deemed inappropriate will not be eligible for People’s Choice voting. \nDeadline to submit photos for the summer period will be July 25. Voting for People’s Choice will begin in early August. \nPeople’s Choice\nAll eligible submitted photos will be added into a photo album on the official GFP Facebook page.  Photographers are encouraged to direct their friends\, family and fans to the album to “Like” their photo(s).  The photo with the most “Likes” will be award “People’s Choice.” The “People’s Choice” photo and photographer will be removed from the remaining categories moving forward. \nWinning Photos\nWinning photographers and photos will be showcased with appropriate credits in the South Dakota Conservation Digest\, GFP social media platforms and other GFP publications. Winning photos may also be selected for the cover of the South Dakota Hunting Handbook\, Fishing Handbook\, Boating Handbook and Park Times. \n\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/pages/snapshot-south-dakota/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/snapshot-south-dakota-photo-contest-ends-july-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220705T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220705T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220701T184352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220705T191220Z
UID:4663-1657017000-1657040400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County Commission Hearing on Draft Hard Rock Ordinance
DESCRIPTION:Where: Commission Chambers\, 130 Kansas City St\, Rapid City\, SD 57701\, USA (map)\, \nThe meeting starts at 9 am\, but the Draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance is the last item on the agenda & won’t be reviewed before 10:30 am. \nUPDATE – The Commission did not make a final decision but continued review of the draft ordinance to next July meeting\, –  July 19th\, at the end of the agenda. They expressed interest in a final decision on Ordinance maybe on August 16th\, but I expect  we need to see what happens on July 19th. Both sides (pro and anti mining) expressed need for more time and review.  Commission wants clarity on whether they can be more stringent than state law or rule.   So please continue to send written comments and plan to attend on July 19th. The staff want the written comments to arrive by Wednesday at 4 pm the week before the hearing. \nAgenda: https://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/%7B94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0%7D/uploads/July_5_2022_BOC_Agenda.pdf\nPacket (go to page 234 of 307) :\n https://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/{94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0}/uploads/7-5-22_Meeting_Packet_-_Public.pdf\nProposed Ordinance\nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=D3321D22-3F49-4FF9-9340-1996C4689769\n\n\nBHCWA has an updated alert w/ talking points-  an alert at https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/\n\n\nFolks can send written comments to staff before 5 pm July 1st & it will be forwarded to Commission pcboc@pennco.org\nBH  Clean Water Alliance’s alert with e-mails at home for 3 of 5 Commissioners\, you can send to those over the weekend.\nOtherwise written testimony can be brought to the hearing or you can give oral testimony at the hearing.\n\nYou can attend in person\, but a zoom hyperlink  is available for remote viewing & testifying. Scroll down for the Zoom link.   Folks can just watch on Zoom\, but if you want to testify remotely by Zoom\,  let staff know ASAP but before 8 am on Tuesday – pcboc@pennco.org\n\n\nThe main concern is that the Planning Committee stripped off good items – such as request for Socio-economic study like Lawrence County requires in their ordinance\, because the Pennington County States Attorney said the requirement of such study would conflict with state law. I am not sure which state law she means\, but SDCL 6-12-5. gives counties authority to make ordinances more strict than state unless otherwise restricted. SDCL 45-6B-4 limits ordinances so as not to conflict with state law with respect to mining. Does adding a new requirement (that does not exist in state mining law)\, conflict with that state law? Why can Lawrence  County do this but not Pennington?.  Question – is all that the County allowed to do is to xerox the state law and duplicate/back-up DANR enforcement? If that is the case\, we need the law amended.\nTo see Lawrence County’s Mining Ordinance:\nhttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lawrencecounty/latest/lawrencecty_sd_land/0-0-0-3178#JD_TitleIIChapter20\n Above we refer you to BHCWA web page for more information and talking points on issues BHCWA has been following..\nPHAS will be asking them to add a section protective of threatened and endangered species.\n\n\nNo County in SD can adopt an ordinance without 2 readings (state law) so there will be another  second “reading” of the ordinance and likely folks will be allowed to comment then also.\n\n\nPHAS has an old alert (6/13/22) at https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-23rd-draft-hard-rock-mining-ordinance-continued-pennington-county-planning-commission/\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPennington County is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. \nJoin Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7755207200?pwd=eHBoNGoyRXVkekk2dFhZaEJwRVdEUT09 \nMeeting ID: 775 520 7200Passcode: 1234 One tap mobile +12532158782\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Tacoma) +13462487799\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Houston) \nDial by your location         +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)         +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)         +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)         +1 669 444 9171 US         +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)         +1 646 931 3860 US Meeting ID: 775 520 7200 Passcode: 1234 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbmmOjDnGm
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-commission-hearing-on-draft-hard-rock-ordinance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220707T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220708T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220629T090808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220704T030644Z
UID:4641-1657198800-1657281600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission Meeting - July 7 & 8\, hybrid - Spearfish & Zoom
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission Meeting – July 7 & 8\, hybrid meeting: face-to-face in Spearfish & Zoom. Meeting will run about 1-5 pm Thursday & 8-12 on Friday- at the Holiday Inn Spearfish-Convention Center located at 305 North 27th Street\, Spearfish\, SD 57783 \n THURSDAY – Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93713121496?pwd=THN2QjNTNHpndEk3ZlRSb1g4RStwZz09  \nor join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 937 1312 1496 Passcode: 226616  \nFRIDAY – Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/98046248876?pwd=akIvVnpZM3hjamN2OVRtaDB5TGR0Zz09  \nor join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 980 4624 8876 Passcode: 375387  \nTo conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible SDGFP  asks those wishing to testify remotely “to register by 1:00 MT pm the day of the meeting by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing” \nA public hearing will be held at 2:00 pm (mountain time) on July 7\, 2022. For rules to be finalized: https://rules.sd.gov/detail.aspx?Id=705   An “Open Forum” time period  follows the rules hearing  (you can comment on any topic here).  Folks are normally given 3 minutes to testify at the Forum and also per rule or per set of  rules. \nAgenda  & other info. (such as rules being finalized) – is is posted here: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/   \nAgenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/July_2022_Agenda_(Public_Copy)_.pdf \nWritten comments are due 4 days earlier & can be uploaded at an on-line comment portal:   https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ –  if there is  a Thursday hearing & if you want the Commission  to read your comments before their meetings\, (which are normally on Thursdays) – – submit by midnight CT on Sunday before the meeting.  Comments can be given to Commissioners directly as individuals\, at each’s contact address/phone  any time:  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  \nFinalizations include: Antelope\, Archery & Muzzleloader season\,  CWD rules\, Fall Turkey\, Mourning Dove\,  \nTurkey Recruitment \nInformation Items will include the Nest Predator Bounty Program & river otter season info\, Wildlife Action Plan Revision
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-commission-meeting-july-7-8-hybrid-spearfish-zoom/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220718T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220720T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220428T052610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220715T190249Z
UID:4248-1658131200-1658336400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Hearing on Wyomings triennial review of cougar and wolf hunting rules- July 18-20th (July 19th)
DESCRIPTION:July 18-20th Commission hearing – Hyrid format \nWyoming is doing their triennial review/rewrite of their Mt Lion hunting regulations\, their  annual review of wolf hunting regulations and also rules on take of non-game wildlife. The mountain lion and wolf and non-game sections will be reviewed on the afternoon of the 19th\, maybe starting at 3:40 pm MT (estimated) and folks can sign up to give oral testimony remotely by Zoom at specific time slots allocated for those topics on the agenda. Public speaks after staff\, during approximate & estimated time allotted for item.  The 18th is a field trip. \nView Agenda & get Zoom codes: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/About%20Us/Commission/Revised-July-2022-Commission-Agenda\,-Comment-Form\,-Instructions.pdf\nPublic comments were due June 3rd by close of business\, the Commission meeting is in July  & various public meetings were held in mid May (5/9/22-5/19/22) in various locations around Wyo. Written comments were due  submitted on-line by Friday 6/3/22 by COB or in the future verbally at a  Commission meeting in mid July\, face-to-face or maybe remotely if they should allow virtual connection on July 18-20th – – they normally do that and you need to sign up in advance for remote testifying listing the topic(s) you want to testify on\, Wyoming Game & Fish Commission meeting\,- Evanston\, Wyo.  – For more info on that meeting: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/about-us/game-and-fish-commission \nWYOMING COUGARS \nWe  (PHAS) object to the current Wyo. Black Hills lion season as too aggressive. \nWhat Wyoming Game and Fish is proposing for cougars: \n\nWyoming Game and Fish (WGF) divides the state into 33 cougar hunting areas and re-evaluates the hunting season every 3 years. They allow hound hunting. For the next three years – Wyoming GF proposes hunting season that will  increase the cumulative take of mountain lions by 11 lions/year\, increasing the harvest limits in 4 districts by  a range of 1-5 cougars. Harvest limits are not to be reduced in any district.\nIt subtracts some land of hunting Area 22 (Ten Sleep) – moving land to Area 28 (Crowheart Butte)  (This  move is mostly about private in-holdings within the Wind River Reservation – it ismaking a contiguous area of an anomalous indent into the Reservation  – I.e. most of the land absorbed by 28 is private parcels who may or may not allow hunting on their land)\nPolitics at play: Advocates of aggressive cougar harvest often express desire to maximize ungulates on the landscape for the hunters to shoot — those hunters don’t want to share enough of the prey with lions.\n\nCougar hunting area map: map https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Regulations/2021-ML_BW.pdf \nProposed Wyoming cougar hunting rule: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get Involved/2022 July Regulations/CH-42-Draft-05-06-2022-3.pdf \nTalking points: \n\nThe leading cause of reduction in deer population is quality ofwinter range. It is a mistake to blame cougars for depressions of deer populations.\nBy [my][our] values – all predators need respect – cougars are designed by nature to eat ungulates & other prey\, that is their purpose and role.\n Larger predators affect behavior of ungulates and thus the ungulate’s impact on habitat.\nHumans need  to share the prey with the non-human predators\nWGF has not made statistics and reports on 2021 cougars population trends available on-line\, just at face-to-face meetings without virtual connections\, thus it is hard for many folks\, who did not go to those meetings\,  to evaluate the proposed changes or the failures to make needed change.  See statement of Reasons – https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get Involved/2022 July Regulations/Stmt-of-Reasons-2022-CH-42.pdf\nWe believe that WGF aggressively manages the 3 Black Hills cougar areas  as a cougar sink. (Areas numbers 32\, 30 & 1 and they have a cummulative harvest limit of 61 lions )  We are upset on-line public doesn’t  have the Wyoming population trend statistics to look at in 2022.  WGF is relying on SD to grow cougars and for SD to export them by natural migration to Wyoming to be shot. SD mountain lions are likely decreasing in number due to SD’s harvest rates.   In SD we allow a Black Hills harvest limit of 60 lions either sex or 40  females. A third of the Black Hills habitat is in Wyoming.  Article on SD harvest: https://www.bhpioneer.com/local_news/report-mountain-lion-harvest-mortality-rates-could-lead-to-declining-population-in-hills/article_ccd44ce2-e651-11eb-bd80-33fe57d4f570.html Those of us in SD & NE Wyoming object to over-harvest in the Black Hills in both states\, although Wyoming is much worse than SD.\nArea 24 (and maybe some of north edge of area 25) has the Wyoming extension of the Pine Ridge Ecosystem\, an ecosystem that exists in Wyoming\, Nebraska and SD.  Area 24 is also the prairie to the west of the Black Hills and there are some uplifts in it’s NE corner that generate lions and Area 24 has unlimited harvest  and we object to that.\nWe want more cougars in the Black Hills and the Pine Ridge  Ecosystem.  We want the chance to see their tracksor glimpses of themon the landscape.\n\nThis link has the info for proposed rule changes for Chapter 42- Wyomings mountain lion rules and wolf hunting rules: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings  – This link also has the schedule for future public meetings meetings\, commenting directions & you can hyperlink to proposed rules up for changes –  for Chapter 42 is the mountain lion hunting & 47 is wolf regulation. Below each proposed rule change\, is a link for on-line commenting on that rule. \nTo comment: \nMountain lion commenting link is: https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \nPostal mail comments to: \nWyoming Game and Fish Department\nWildlife Division\nATTN: Regulations\n3030 Energy Lane\nCasper\, WY 82604 \nOn Friday June 3rd it will be too late to “snail mail” – We think the postal mail deadline must be received in Casper on June 3rd. We suspect received before COB. \nTo see the Wyoming Game and Fish (WGF) Commissioners and their e-mails. You can always e-mail Commissioners directly: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/Game-and-Fish-Commission/Meet-the-Commissioners \nWYOMING WOLVES: \nRemember to comment to WGF by Friday June 3rd  at COB. \nWGF’s wolf commenting  link is: https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/WGFD_WebSurvey/CommentOnly.aspx \nProposed wolf regulations: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/2022%20July%20Regulations/CH-47-Draft-05-04-2022-3.pdf \nWolf hunting rules also at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Public-Meetings \nSee map of  Wyoming and wolf hunting regions: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Wolves-in-Wyoming/Wolves-and-Wyoming-Laws-and-Regulations \nWGF Commission has the authority today\, to change the wolf hunting rules in a couple areas of Wyoming\, but not in other areas. The Wyoming legislature set the parameters for wolf regulations in most of the state – the predator zone.  If you want that “Predatory Animal Management Area’s “management changed you need to talk to the Wyoming legislature or get the northern rockies wolves re-listed under the Endangered Species Act. \nThe WGF’s proposed rule results in no cumulative change to the  number of wolves allowed to be taken in “Wolf Trophy Game Management Area” & “Seasonal Wolf Trophy Game Management Area”\, but it changes  the allowed take in 6 out of 14 individual hunt areas within the Trophy Game Management Areas (some hunt areas increase and some decrease) WyomingUntrapped has a map of the Trophy Game Management Area’s subset areas. \nHere is WyomingUntrapped’s  2022 grey wolf alert w/ talking points: https://wyominguntrapped.org/news/raise-your-voices-up-for-public-comment-gray-wolf-hunting-regulations-2022/ \nArticle/info on wolves by Wyoming Game and Fish: \nhttps://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/Wyoming-maintains-stable-gray-wolf-populations \n=================== \nCOMMENTING To USFWS on wolves \nFolks can also help the Wyoming wolves by sending comment letters to the USFWS asking for the  northern rockies population to be re-listed under the Endangered Species Act.   Grey wolves (except Mexican wolf sub-species) were de-listed by Trump in late 2020. In February 2022\, a  judge ordered the re-listing of all grey wolves\, except in the northern rockies . \n2 listing petitions have been filed for resisting (June and July 2021) and received a positive 90 day finding and now await a 12 month finding. \nHere is the link for an action alert on protecting wolves in the northern Rockies w/ pre-fab online letter to support emergency listing: https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/stnIOQExdE2KHAxapy3B6A2?sourceid=1008066 \nOther links \nhttps://wolf.org/headlines/environmental-groups-ask-feds-for-emergency-re-listing-of-northern-rockies-wolves/ \nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/endangered-species-act-protection-sought-for-wolves-in-northern-rockies-2021-05-26/ \nRelist Wolves Now: https://www.relistwolvesnow.org/ \n=== \nCalling really matters to advocate for Gray Wolves. \nhttps://doi.gov/contact-us\nTo reach Interior Secretary Haaland (she’s the boss of Martha Williams@ USFWS)\n(202) 208-3100\, Ext 3\, \nPlease leave your Name\, City/County\, State\, Tele # \nAsk her to grant emergency listing of Northern Rocky Mtn Gray Wolves & perhaps share a personal story of what wolves mean to you. Phone calls are tallied\, they show interest in the future of Wolves\, and amount of calls are related to the Secretary. \nPlease Call the White House Comment Line: Tues\, Wed\, Thurs (202) 456-1111 \n  \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society has an alert up on the web site and any updates will be posted to the events/alerts web page –  https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-on-wyomings-triennial-review-of-cougar-and-wolf-hunting-rules/ \nIf you want a copy of a draft report on the Wyoming Mountain Lion population trends\, I got a copy from WGF \, but this is  not published on-line at this time. So if you want that\, ask me to send it.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-on-wyomings-triennial-review-of-cougar-and-wolf-hunting-rules/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220719T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220719T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220705T203721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220725T033146Z
UID:4915-1658226600-1658250000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County continued hearing on the proposed draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance
DESCRIPTION:Where: Commission Chambers\, 130 Kansas City St\, Rapid City\, SD 57701\, USA \,\n The meeting will likely start at 9 am\, but the Draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance will be  the last item on the agenda & likely won’t be reviewed before 10:30 am (please check agenda when it is published).\nUPDATE FROM July 19th Meeting\nCommission took public testimony & continued till Sept 6th\nUPDATE FROM July 5th Meeting\n– The Commission did not make a final decision but continued review of the draft ordinance to next July meeting\, –  July 19th\, at the end of the agenda. They expressed interest in a final decision on Ordinance maybe on August 16th\, but I expect  we need to see what happens on July 19th.  Both sides (pro and anti mining) expressed need for more time and review.  Commission wants clarity on whether they can be more stringent than state law or rule.\n         So please continue to send written comments and plan to attend on July 19th.\n\nProposed Ordinance\nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=D3321D22-3F49-4FF9-9340-1996C4689769\n\n\nBHCWA has an  alert w/ talking points-  an alert at https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/\n\n\n The staff want the written comments to arrive by Wednesday at 4 pm the week before the hearing. – it will be included in the packet to Commission – send to: pcboc@pennco.org\nBH  Clean Water Alliance’s alert with e-mails at home for 4 of 5 Commissioners\, you can send to those if you miss the deadline.\nOtherwise written testimony can be brought to the hearing or you can give oral testimony at the hearing.\n\nYou can attend in person\, but a zoom hyperlink  might be available for remote viewing – If you want to testify remotely by Zoom\, it is suggested that you  let staff know day(s) in advance  of the meeting – ask for a Zoom hook-up.\n\n\nThe main concern is that the Planning Committee stripped off good items – such as request for Socio-economic study like Lawrence County requires in their ordinance\, because the Pennington County States Attorney said the requirement of such study would conflict with state law. I am not sure which state law she means\, but SDCL 6-12-5. gives counties with home rule authority to make ordinances more strict than state unless otherwise restricted. SDCL 45-6B-4 limits ordinances so as not to conflict with state law with respect to mining.\nDoes adding a new requirement (that does not exist in state mining law)\, conflict with that state law?\nLawrence County does their mining ordinance as a conditional use permit. Does this help them not to be in conflict with state mining permitting as their ordinance is fully a zoning issue?.\nQuestion – is all that the County allowed to do is to xerox the state law and duplicate/back-up DANR enforcement? If that is the case\, we need the law amended.\n\nTo see Lawrence County’s Mining Ordinance:\nhttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lawrencecounty/latest/lawrencecty_sd_land/0-0-0-3178#JD_TitleIIChapter20\n Above we refer you to BHCWA web page for more information and other talking points on issues BHCWA has been following..\nPHAS will be asking them to add a section protective of threatened and endangered species.\n\nIf you want to testify by Zoom vs watch you need to contact staff by 8 am Tuesday\n\nStaff – Pennington BOC <pcboc@pennco.org>\n(605) 394-2174. ext  1690\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTopic: Pennington County Board of Commissioners Meeting 7/19/22\nTime: Jul 19\, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/7755207200?pwd=eHBoNGoyRXVkekk2dFhZaEJwRVdEUT09\nMeeting ID: 775 520 7200\nPasscode: 1234\nOne tap mobile\n+12532158782\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Tacoma)\n+13462487799\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (Houston)\nDial by your location\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n        +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)\n        +1 669 444 9171 US\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)\n        +1 646 931 3860 US\nMeeting ID: 775 520 7200\nPasscode: 1234\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbmmOjDnGm\n\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-continued-hearing-on-the-proposed-draft-hard-rock-mining-ordinance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220725T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220725T160000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220630T213940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220725T033754Z
UID:4650-1658736000-1658764800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Photo Contest - Summer 2022
DESCRIPTION:July 25th is the deadline for SD Game\, Fish and Parks to receive entries in its’ “Snap Shot SD” photo contest – summer period. Photographers can enter 3 photos. \nDetails: https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/snapshot-south-dakota/ \nHyperlink to submit your photos from: \nhttps://survey123.arcgis.com/share/974b278e8ae749c3bd6e121781596252 \n“Deadline to submit photos for the summer period will be July 25. Voting for People’s Choice will begin in early August. \nPeople’s Choice\nAll eligible submitted photos will be added into a photo album on the official GFP Facebook page.  Photographers are encouraged to direct their friends\, family and fans to the album to “Like” their photo(s).  The photo with the most “Likes” will be award “People’s Choice.” The “People’s Choice” photo and photographer will be removed from the remaining categories moving forward. \nWinning Photos\nWinning photographers and photos will be showcased with appropriate credits in the South Dakota Conservation Digest\, GFP social media platforms and other GFP publications. Winning photos may also be selected for the cover of the South Dakota Hunting Handbook\, Fishing Handbook\, Boating Handbook and Park Times.”
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-photo-contest-summer-2022/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220728T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220728T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220711T204500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220805T002211Z
UID:4931-1659033000-1659042000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS July Members Meeting - BHNF Forest Plan Revision Assessments
DESCRIPTION:PHAS July Members Meeting -Thursday\, July 28th\, 6:30 pm-9 pm \nZoom meeting on BHNF Forest Plan Revision Assessments will be held from 6:30 pm to 9 pm\, with Lou Conroy of the BHNF as speaker. The Norbeck Society and the Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club will co-sponsor the Zoom meeting with PHAS (Prairie Hills Audubon Society). \nFor information on BHNF Forest Plan Revision Assessments – https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-seeks-comments-on-forest-plan-revision-draft-assessments-by-aug-1-2022/ \nWe use the same Zoom codes every month at our monthly  meetings\, which are normally held within the last 7 days of the month.\nNancy Hilding is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\n\nTopic: PHAS monthly meetings\nTime: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime\n\nZoom Meeting\nhttps://vimeo.com/734825510
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-july-members-meeting-bhnf-forest-plan-revision-assessments/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220802
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220623T023332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220725T143719Z
UID:4589-1659312000-1659398399@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest Seeks Comments on Forest Plan Revision Draft Assessments by Aug 1\, 2022
DESCRIPTION:Custer\, SD\, June 17\, 2022 – \nThe Black Hills National Forest is seeking public comment on the Forest Plan Revision Draft Assessments.Black Hills National Forest officials initiated the process to revise the current Land and Resource Management plan in October 2021\, otherwise referred to as the Forest Plan. Forest Plans guide all resource management actions on the Forest.        The assessment phase is the first step in the process and helps to identify trends and conditions on the landscape and helps describe the need for change. It also helps inform decisions on the next steps in the process.Draft Assessments have been compiled and are posted on the Forest’s website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/blackhills/forestplanrevision/assessments     Comments on the Forest Plan Revision Draft Assessments can be submitted for 45 days through the comment form online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=NP-3204  (Monday August 1st) This is the preferred method for submittal of comments as this is the main database where they are organized and stored.      However\, if you need special accommodation\, comments can also be submitted via email to SM.FS.BlackhillFPR@usda.gov or written comments may be mailed to: Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office\, c/o Forest Plan Revision Team\, 1019 N. 5th Street\, Custer\, SD 57730. Please submit any comments by August 1\, 2022.The current Forest Plan was first released in 1983\, revised in 1997\, and amended in 2006. The 2006 version serves as the current Forest Plan for the Black Hills National Forest.For more information on the Black Hills National Forest\, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/ \nThe deadline date is August 1st\, however this is a kind of flexible date. We asked for an extension due to the size (733 page and 21 topics). This was denied\, but here is the explanation: \n\n        “The assessment phase of Forest Plan revision is not the formal environmental analysis (NEPA) \n          phase that you may be accustomed to with past projects on the Black Hills National Forest. Any\n          information or comments that you provide during the assessment phase will be accepted and\n           considered at any time during the revision process. Therefore\, I have decided to leave the current\n            opportunity to comment at 45 days\, June 17 – August 1\, 2022.”\n\nAs far as we know the assessment phase will be completed sometime in Sept\, Oct or November. Based on discussion w/ FS\, October is the more likely endpoint\, thus if you send late comments in in August your comments might be safe.\n      Please carbon copy us with the comments you send in – we want to know what members/friends are concerned about. – phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, .Prairie Hills Audubon Society plans to form a committee to work on the Forest Plan Revision\, including the assessments. Contact Nancy Hilding\, 605-787-6466\, phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\,  if you are interested in committee.\n\nOur July 28th\, evening Zoom meeting is on this topic\, w/ Lou Conroy of the BHNF speaking \n\n\n\n\n\nRevision Assessment Topics\n\n\nAquatic\, Riparian\, and Groundwater;\n\n\nInsects\, Disease\, and Invasive;\n\n\nSoils and Watersheds;\n\n\nSocioeconomics;\n\n\nAt Risk Species;\n\n\n Recreation Settings\, Opportunities\, and Scenic Character ;\n\n\n Land Status\, Ownership\, Use\, and Access Patterns ;\n\n\nExisting Special and Potential Designated Areas;\n\n\nPotential Wilderness Inventory Process Summary;\n\n\n Infrastructure ;\n\n\nEcological Integrity of Forested Ecosystems: S & Trends;\n\n\nEcological Integrity of Non-Forested Ecosystems: Status & T;\n\n\nAir Quality;\n\n\n Fire and Fuels ;\n\n\nCultural Resources;\n\n\nTimber;\n\n\nRangeland Management;\n\n\nCarbon;\n\n\nRenewable and Non-Renewable Energy and Mineral Resources;\n\n\nAreas of Tribal Importance;\n\n\nWild and Scenic River Eligibility Evaluation;
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-seeks-comments-on-forest-plan-revision-draft-assessments-by-aug-1-2022/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220801T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220801T203000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220728T182430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220801T022120Z
UID:5127-1659378600-1659385800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Rapid City Council Meeting August 1 at 6:30 PM - Support Resolution in Opposition to Proposed Mining at Jenny Gulch
DESCRIPTION:Please testify at Rapid City Council Meeting August 1 at 6:30 PM in support of a “Resolution in Opposition to Proposed Mining at Jenny Gulch”  or write/call City Council members. See contact info. of Council members: https://www.rcgov.org/departments/mayor-s-office-city-council/city-council.html \nPat.Jones@rcgov.org\, Jesse.Ham@rcgov.org\, Ritchie.Nordstrom@rcgov.org\, Bill.Evans@rcgov.org\, Greg.Strommen@rcgov.org\, Jason.Salamun@rcgov.org\, John.Roberts@rcgov.org\, Lance.Lehmann@rcgov.org\, Laura.Armstrong@rcgov.org\, Pat.Roseland@rcgov.org\, mayorsoffice@rcgov.org \nThis  “Resolution in Opposition to Proposed Mining at Jenny Gulch” or similar version\, should be before the Council on Monday. \nFor details on that meeting visit: https://www.rcgov.org/event/4927-city-council-meeting.html \nWe don’t know if the Committee edited the resolution\,  but this was the  version reviewed by the Legal & Finance Committee on 7/27/22. \n\nWHEREAS\, the U.S. Department of agriculture\, National Forest Service\, Mystic District has given preliminary approval to F3 Gold LLC to explore for gold in the Rapid Creek watershed; and Insert a date the preliminary approval occurred.\nWHEREAS\, the Common Council of the City of Rapid City has expressed its opposition to exploration and potential gold mining in the Rapid Creek watershed during a specified comment period; and We should cite a specific Council meeting or agenda and agenda item when the opposition was expressed. (February 2020)\nWHEREAS\, the Rapid Creek watershed and its connected aquifers are the sources for Rapid City’s water supply; and\nWHEREAS\, the City of Rapid City is a major owner of the outflow of the waters of the Pactola Reservoir; and\nWHEREAS\, gold exploration could lead to gold mining\, which involves the use of cyanide and other toxins and often leads to permanent acid mine drainage\, which could go into Rapid Creek; and\nWHEREAS\, the current city water treatment facility is not equipped to remove this type of chemical contamination from the drinking water supply; and\nWHEREAS\, the Rapid City water treatment plant does not have the degree of real-time water quality monitoring that would alert operators to a spill or leakage event during exploration or subsequent mining; and the Rapid Creek watershed\, including Pactola Reservoir\, is a major recreation and tourism area\, providing significant revenue to Rapid City’s economy; and\nWHEREAS\, maintaining the quality and quantity of the water supply is of utmost importance to the City and to Ellsworth Air Force Base; and\nWHEREAS\, objections on approval of the F3 Gold LLC Jenny Gulch project are due to the U.S. Forest Service\, Mystic District\, by August 22\, 2020; and\nWHEREAS\, the Common Council of the City of Rapid City believes that gold exploration in the Rapid Creek watershed poses an unacceptable risk to the source of Rapid City’s drinking water.\nNOW THEREFORE\, BE IT RESOLVED\, by the City of Rapid City that due to the potential risk to the Rapid Creek watershed\, the City’s water supply\, and the local economy\, the City expresses opposition to the Forest Service’s finding of no significant impact and its preliminary decision to issue the permit to allow gold exploration in the Rapid Creek watershed.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rapid-city-council-meeting-august-1-at-630-pm-support-resolution-in-opposition-to-proposed-mining-at-jenny-gulch/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220804
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220809
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220728T190824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220809T224310Z
UID:5129-1659571200-1660003199@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Seeking Public Input on Wolves of Michigan by August 4 and Minnesota by August 8
DESCRIPTION:Go to this link for more info.  https://wiwolvesandwildlife.org/2022/07/27/action-alert-give-your-input-on-minnesota-and-michigan-wolf-plans/ \nWolves of Michigan and Minnesota Need Your Voice!  \nThe Michigan DNR is requesting public input on a draft of the state’s wolf management plan. The plan was created in 2008 and last updated in 2015\, so this is a unique opportunity for advocates to make their voices heard. We encourage anyone with connections in the region to contact partners who might be interested in commenting. The questionnaire currently appears to allow anyone to submit and does not restrict based on geographic location.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/seeking-public-input-on-wolves-of-michigan-by-august-4-and-minnesota-by-august-8/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220808
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220809
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220623T030849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220730T004615Z
UID:4595-1659916800-1660003199@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments on Lead & Hunting & Sport Fishing on FW Refuges due 8/8/22
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, August 8th\, – deadline for public comments on hunting/fishing and  lead use in bullets and tackle on USFWS Wildlife Refuges\n\n\n\n\nQuote from above: “An estimated 10 – 20 million birds and other animals die each year from lead poisoning in the US per year. Lead poisoning occurs when animals scavenge on carcasses shot and contaminated with lead bullet fragments\, or pick up and eat spent lead-shot pellets or lost fishing weights\, mistaking them for food or grit. Hunting with lead-based ammunition poses a significant health risk to humans\, wildlife and ecosystems. Lead is highly toxic\, and there is no safe level of exposure.”\n The USFWS is engaging in rule making that would gradually lead to limits on use of lead bullets & tackle on 10 of it’s Wildlife Refuges\, while opening some up 19 Refuges to new or increased hunter/fisher access – send comments by 8/8/22\n\n\nFollow this link to learn more & comment: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-HQ-NWRS-2022-0055-0001\nNGO info on the issues:\nhttps://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/get_the_lead_out/scientific_reports.html\nhttps://huntingwithnonlead.org\n\nHere is a link to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit about these issues:\nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/lawsuit-aims-to-protect-endangered-wildlife-from-massive-sport-hunting-fishing-expansion-on-national-wildlife-refuges-2021-11-29/\n\n\n\nWritten comments: USFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before August 8\, 2022. That might be just before midnight EST. \nWritten comments: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: \n\n• Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box\, type in FWS-HQ-NWRS-2022-0055\, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then\, click on the Search button. On the resulting screen\, find the correct document and submit a comment by clicking on “Comment.” \n• By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing\, Attn: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2022-0055\, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, 5275 Leesburg Pike\, MS: PRB (JAO/3W)\, Falls Church\, VA 22041-3803. \n\n======================================\n     PHAS also has a campaign to limit adverse environmental impacts from SD GFP proposed shooting range in Meade County\, where lead pollution from bullets is one of the concerns: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2022-2023-station-specific-hunting-and-sport-fishing-regulations-due-by-aug-8-2022/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220808T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220808T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220521T192946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220725T150511Z
UID:4431-1659945600-1659978000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Contact SD Senators about Recovering America's Wildlife Act
DESCRIPTION:Recovering America’s wildlife Act would appropriate  almost 1.4 billion per year to states and tribes to spend on “at risk wildlife and plants”. \nThere are senate (S 2372) and house (HR 2773) bills that have both passed out of committee in 2022.  It passed the House. We don’t know when Senate floor votes will happen. The senate goes into recess  August 8th-Sept 6th. \nThis press release says RAWA passed House on June 14th\, 2022 – https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-statement-on-the-recovering-america-s-wildlife-act \nAs of 5/20/22 SD Representative Dusty Johnson was not committed to oppose or support.   – Dusty’s phone: 202-225-2801.  He voted against it. There were some republicans who supported the bill\, but more republicans opposed it. Only 2 democrats (both from Connecticut) voted against it. \nWe have no suggested schedule yet for senate action\, but our Senators (as of late May) had not committed to support or oppose\, just express concerns about funding sources.  Rounds – he wanted a sunset clause. Senators:  Thune (202) 224-2321\, Rounds (202) 224-5842 \n\nHere is a National Wildlife Federation Alert on this matter: https://affiliates.nwf.org/resources/recovering-toolkit/ \nHere is the National Audubon Society (NAS) on the matter: https://www.audubon.org/news/audubon-supports-us-house-bill-fund-wildlife-recovery \nNAS’s on-line (pre-fab) comment letter on RAWA – https://act.audubon.org/a/rawa \nThe need for this bill was discussed at our 2022 Endangered Species Day Celebration by Eileen Dowd Stukel of SDGFP: https://vimeo.com/712389823    Her discussion starts at about 6:15 and runs for 55 minutes. \nSDGFP Budget Information \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/budget/ \nLink to SD GFP Wildlife Action Plan (See appendix C for profiles of Species of Greatest Conservation Need): \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife-action-plan/ \nLink to SDGFP list of Threatened and Endangered Species \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/threatened-endangered/ \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/contact-dusty-johnson-about-recovering-americas-wildlife-act/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220816T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220902T233000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220817T012119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220903T024047Z
UID:5197-1660636800-1662161400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Northern Hills Forest Service Announces Solitario Zinc's Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project - Public Comment Requested by Sept. 2nd.
DESCRIPTION:The Northern Hills District of the US Forest Service has issued a notice that public comment is wanted on a proposed gold exploration project by Solitario Zinc called the Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project. Solitario Zinc has asked to drill on the National Forest Systems land (NFS) for up to 25 sites on the west side of Spearfish Canyon\, a national scenic byway. Potential drill sites are near Iron Creek\, Little Spearfish Creek\, and in the Tinton Road and Timber Gulch areas.\nPublic comments to the Forest Service are requested by Sept. 2\, 2022. If e-mailed or posted on-line he decline is 11:59\, but this is scoping so you can send late letters\, ASAP.The project documents are at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62590\nSubmit comments at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=6290
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/northern-hills-forest-service-announces-solitario-zincs-golden-crest-exploration-drilling-project-public-comment-requested-by-sept-2nd/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220817T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220817T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220817T013427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220817T013427Z
UID:5199-1660755600-1660755600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Open House - on Wednesday\, August 17\, at Black Hills State University's Joy Center Spearfish\, SD 5:00 pm - 7:00 PM (MNT).  
DESCRIPTION:The Northern Hills District of the US Forest Service has issued a notice that public comment is wanted on a proposed gold exploration project by Solitario Zinc called the Golden Crest Exploration Drilling Project. Solitario Zinc has asked to drill on the National Forest Systems land (NFS) for up to 25 sites on the west side of Spearfish Canyon\, a national scenic byway. Potential drill sites are near Iron Creek\, Little Spearfish Creek\, and in the Tinton Road and Timber Gulch areas.\n\n\nA public information session – Open House – on Wednesday\, August 17\, at Black Hills State University’s Joy Center\, 1351 St. Joe St\, Spearfish\, SD beginning at 5:00 pm – 7:00 PM (MNT).  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the meantime\, please sign and share our petition “Hands Off Spearfish Canyon” to protect this natural wonder and national scenic byway from being impacted by exploration and/or mining. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSign the Hands Off Spearfish Canyon Petition!
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-clean-water-alliance-open-house-on-wednesday-august-17-at-black-hills-state-universitys-joy-center-spearfish-sd-500-pm-700-pm-mnt/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220818T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220818T210000
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220724T220122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220725T034703Z
UID:5066-1660847400-1660856400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:John Cooper Speaks at Black Hills Group Sierra Club Meeting
DESCRIPTION:John “Coop” Cooper\, former cabinet secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game\, Fish and Parks\, will speak at a program on pheasant population status hosted by the Black Hills Group of the South Dakota Sierra Club at 6:30 p.m. August 18 at the Outdoor Campus West located on Adventure Trail in Rapid City (SD Game\, Fish & Park’s facility west of Hills Material’s quarry). \nThe program is free and open to the public. \nCooper\, who has been a vocal critic of the nest predator bounty program\, will speak on the \ncurrent status of pheasants\, whether the program has helped\, and the role of beavers in stream \nhabitats. He has been an advocate for habitat improvement for pheasants and waterfowl — \nearning recognition for his work to conserve or restore hundreds of thousands of wetland acres. \nPrairie Hills Audubon has a campaign against the Nest Predator Bounty Program which we oppose – the state of SD has spent at least 3 million dollars on this misguided program.  Ground nesting birds are used as the excuse to support a waste of  funds as well as engage in animal cruelty and mislead children. https://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/john-cooper-speaks-at-black-hills-group-sierra-club-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220822T235900
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220822T235900
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220708T043248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T204557Z
UID:4920-1661212740-1661212740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline File Objections to Jenny Gulch Mine Explore Approval by FS
DESCRIPTION:August 22nd\, just before midnight is the deadline to file objections to Final EA and FONSI on Jenny Gulch Mine Exploration Project as Approved by Forest Service.  8/22 is 45 days from July 8th. Objections are due 45 days from July 8th publication in RCJ \nJenny Gulch Gold Explore FEA & FONSI issued July 8th\n\nLink to look at documents\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57428\nTo object:\nhttps://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=57428\nAlternate hyperlink where you can download docs\nhttps://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/158227176831
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-file-objections-to-jenny-gulch-mine-explore-approval-by-fs/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220828
DTSTAMP:20260408T143420
CREATED:20220805T001527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220809T224223Z
UID:5174-1661558400-1661644799@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:5K Run/Walk August 27 for Black Hills Clean Water Alliance
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/5k-run-walk-august-27-for-black-hills-clean-water-alliance/
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END:VCALENDAR