BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T200000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240920T183225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T171714Z UID:14587-1727287200-1727294400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BHNF virtual meeting on Pactola Mineral Withdrawal Environmental Assessment DESCRIPTION:BHNF virtual meeting on Pactola Mineral Withdrawal Environmental Assessment \nTHIS MEETING WAS CANCELLED LAST MINUTE DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED\nPublic Meeting \nThe USDA Forest Service will host a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. MDT on Wednesday\, \nSeptember 25. The meeting will include a short presentation about the withdrawal application \nand draft environmental assessment\, information about how to submit comments\, and a question and-answer session. The virtual meeting will be a Microsoft Teams live event available at \nhttps://bit.ly/3ZjTWaW. For inquiries about accessibility or to request accommodations\, please \ncontact Scott Jacobson at scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov. \nWe don’t know how long the meeting will last\, but have estimate meeting length at 2 hours. \nThe public meeting will be recorded and  posted on the USFS project website. \nSee our notice about the comment deadline on Oct 21st\, with details on commenting  – the notice is on our calendar for that date. \n Electronic comments must be submitted at  https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63876. \nThe draft environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for the Pactola \nReservoir- Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal Project are available at the USFS project \nwebsite: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63876. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-virtual-meeting-on-pactola-mineral-withdrawal-environmental-assessment/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240919T193745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T202749Z UID:14572-1727289000-1727298000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS meeting - topic - SD Mountain Lions and GFP management plans by Zoom DESCRIPTION:PHAS meeting – topic – SD Mountain Lions and SD Game\, Fish and Parks  management plans for them \nWednesday\,  Sept 25th\, 6:30 pm MT by Zoom \nNancy Hilding of PHAS and Josh Rosenau of the Mountain Lion Foundation will present topic\, other(s) may join as presenters but they are not firmly confirmed. \n  \nTHIS MEETING WAS RECORDED – Link and passcode to recording: \n\n\n\n\n\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Eck6IQIpiIv6LvCOtpFgEXbdNQ8fyRhqYD76uGbOra3FT6XACkJNx-1ytWUKD5ze.fnB5C84Ktl5CI7V5\nPasscode: U0qyc=2I\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n—–\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n———-\nDial by your location (as far as we know all work in western SD)\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n\n For more information on cougars and SDGFP visit our web page:  https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-meeting-topic-sd-mountain-lions-and-gfp-management-plans-by-zoom/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240925T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240913T224255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T161331Z UID:14448-1727304600-1727305140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline SD Game\, Fish and Parks Mt Lion Action Plan (2nd iteration) DESCRIPTION:Comment Deadline to SD Game\, Fish and Parks on Draft Mt Lion Action Plan (the revised – 2nd iteration) is  Wednesday Sept 25th just before midnight CT. \nThe Oct 2024 revised version of the Mt Lion Action Plan can be found here: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Lion_Action_Plan_Oct2024.pdf \nAt September Commission meeting some Commissioners wanted population objectives lowered\, so they issued a new draft version of the Action Plan.  Changes to text will be in at least two spots. The population objectives would drop from 300-200 to 250-150 cougars. People should write in opposition to this. We provide sample comments in the Oct 3rd-4th Commission meeting notice and the Mt Lion alert web page.  We object to much of GFP policy on cougars\, not just the lower population objective. (see our Mt Lion Action Alert page\, link is below) \nThe comments  must be posted to web portal – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \nSay you object to the Plan \nInclude your name and town of residence. You can type into the portal text block or attach documents. \nTHERE ARE TWO DEADLINES: \n9/25/24  is the deadline for staff to read & review your comments – this gives them a week before the Commission meeting to do so.  Their review will be explained orally to the Commission on Oct 3rd or 4th at the Oct. Commission meeting. At the September meeting\, their review was extremely cursory and simple i.e – they said they saw nothing in the public comments that should result in changes to the Action Plan.  It was the Commission that suggested changes\, not staff \nSunday at midnight CT on Sept 29th\, is the deadline for the Commission to receive and read your comments\,  whereas staff’s deadline is Wednesday a few days before that.  The place you submit your comments for either\, is actually on the SD GFP Commission public comment portal. From this portal they will download all the public comments received between Sept 2nd and Sunday Sept 29th at midnight CT and put them in the Commission Book for Commissioners to read. \nIt is the Commission not the staff that makes the decisions. Folks can try to get comments in by the 25th if possible\, but if you miss it\, want extra time  or want to send additional comments\, use the 29th as your deadline. \nPeople can also contact Commissioners as individuals directly at any time – we provide their e-mails on our October 3rd & 4th meeting notice & Commission web site gives their phone numbers. \nRESOURCES FOR COMMENTING \nIf you want something simple – say you object to the draft Action Plan\, object to the lowering of population objectives and  you want  the Black Hills mt lions managed as a source population and for GFP to manage for viable populations of mountain lions in some other parts of SD besides the Black Hills. Say you object to hound hunting of lions. \nFor more depth: \nLink to PHAS Cougar alert page: https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ \nLink to PHAS Talking Points on Oct Version Draft Mt Lion Action Plan – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/TAKE-ACTION-Talking-Points-Cougars-Sept-2024.pdf \n============================= \nPHAS COMMENT LETTERS FOR  COMMENT TEMPLATES: \nHere is a copy of the first letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the  second letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nOTHER LETTERS \nHere are a copy of all the short letters about cougars in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file (includes both sides) \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mt.lion_.ACTION.PLAN_.PublicComment.Sept2024.MERGED.pdf \nHere is a copy of all the long formal letters about cougars in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file (all pro-cougar) \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/LONG.LETTERS1x.PublicComment.Sept2024.SDGFPComm-2.pdf \nHere is a copy of the MLF Letter (pro-cougar)): \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-08-16-SD-Action-Plan-MLFcomments.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-sd-game-fish-and-parks-mt-lion-action-plan-2nd-iteration/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-09-13-at-8.07.39-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240927T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240929T140000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240922T175916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T180938Z UID:14615-1727461800-1727618400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union's Fall Meeting - in Spearfish at BHSU\, Sept 27th-29th DESCRIPTION:SD Ornithologist Union’s Fall Meeting – in Spearfish at BHSU\, Sept 27th-29th \nThe meeting will be held on the campus of Black Hills State University\, 1200 University Street\, Spearfish (see schedule for specific locations). \nThe Friday evening speaker is Ruben Mares talking about “Aspen Restoration on the Northern Hills Ranger District”. The banquet keynote is Jessica Graham who will be presenting “American Dippers in the Black Hills”. \nThe Saturday paper sessions will describe some of the latest research by South Dakota ornithologists on bird ecology\, behavior and physiological adaptation. There are field trips on Saturday and Sunday Morning. \n It should be a stimulating weekend\, so SDOU hopes that you can join them. Campus Map \nRegister here by Tuesday Sept 24th to sign up for food. Registration is $25 and banquet is an extra $25\, https://sdou.org/SDOU/Registration.aspx?mtg=20 \nSchedule:\nhttps://sdou.org/SDOU/NextMeeting.aspx \nMenus\n\nBanquet: Honey garlic chicken\, mashed potatoes\, and green beans (there is a  meatless option)\nSouth Dakota Ornithologists’ Union\n8504 EAST 38TH ST\nSIOUX FALLS\, SD 57110-6745 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-unions-fall-meeting-in-spearfish-at-bhsu-sept-27th-29th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240929T223000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240929T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240907T174911Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240924T202346Z UID:14380-1727649000-1727650740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for Written Comments for the SDGFP Commission's Oct. Meeting DESCRIPTION:Deadline for Written Comments for the SDGFP Commission’s Oct. Meeting is just before midnight CT on Sunday Oct 29th \nWe are asking folks to comment in opposition to the draft Mt. Lion Action Plan. They amended the draft plan in Sept to make it worse. Their change will allow annual killing of more lions. They continued commenting on it for another month. \nFor info on Mt Lion issues go to our web page on Mt Lion Alerts: https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/ \nor the Sept 5th-6th Commission meeting notice: https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting/ \nYou can also comment on the proposed rule about fees for hunting various species. To see proposed rule and learn about costs  of hunting licenses in SD. Cougar licenses are to go from $22 to $24. That is not enough. – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/fees-from-gfp.Book_.CommSept.5_9_24-2-1.pdf \nYou can also comment on the biennial report on threatened and endangered species. – https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/TE-status-reviews_2024.pdf \n  \nPHAS will have a discussion meeting on the mountain lion drat Action Plan on Sept 25th by Zoom at 6:30 pm. with Nancy Hilding and Joshua Rosenau of the Mt. Lion Foundation as speakers   It is announced on our Facebook Page at – https://www.facebook.com/share/4HUtZLpMFijdvaBz/  and announced on our events/deadline calendar at https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-meeting-topic-sd-mountain-lions-and-gfp-management-plans-by-zoom/ You can find Zoom codes at these links. The meeting will be recorded and video  link provided at our recorded meetings web page. \n  \n\nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the most immediate meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to the public record of the next meeting . \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, \n\n==== \nFor details on the Oct 3rd-4th meeting: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/october-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting-in-huron/ \n\nYou can also testify in person or remotely by Zoom at 2 pm CT . You get 3 minutes at the open forum and at each finalization  hearing. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-written-comments-for-the-sdgfp-commissions-oct-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-09-13-at-8.07.39-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241003T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241004T110000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240516T230629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T214247Z UID:12738-1727956800-1728039600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:October Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Hybrid Meeting in Huron DESCRIPTION:October Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Hybrid Meeting in Huron (Huron Events Center\,) There will be  face-to-face and Zoom attendance. \nDetails on and documents related to the meeting will be published here when close to the meeting date – watch for the Commission Book to be published on Wednesday 10/2/24\, This has the public comments in it: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nMeeting notice with some details – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/NOTICE_OF_REGULAR_MEETING_-_September_2024.pdf \nAgenda as of Oct 1st with Zoom/Teleconference details – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_October_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \nINSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ATTEND \nListen to the meeting beginning October 3\, 2024\, at 1:00 p.m. CST via Livestream at https://www.sd.net/remote1/ or join via Zoom Webinar by clicking on the link below. Depending on your application\, you may be required to enter the Zoom Webinar ID and password. Meeting attendees will not be able to have video and will be muted upon entry.  \nMeeting Dates and Times:  \n\nThursday\, October 3\, 2024\, starting at 1:00 p.m. CST \nFriday\, October 4\, 2024\, starting at 8:00 a.m. CST \n\nZoom Webinar Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/91264176710?pwd=Vm00NEowdGV6N09Ib1hnVlJkMUF3Zz09  \nOr join via phone:  \n\nDial: 1-669-900-9128 \nWebinar ID: 912 6417 6710 \nPasscode: 970458 \n\nContact Liz Kierl \, Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us\, in advance of the meeting to register to testify for open forum (Mt Lion Action Plan) and/or rule finalization (license fees). \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm MT in person or by Zoom or phone on rule finalizations and/or at the Open Forum . \nGo to our notice on September Commission meeting on 9/5/24 for more details\, as some items were continued. https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting/ \nUPDATES ON THURSDAY \n\nWE WON – the SDGFP Commission decided not to reduce the population objective from 300-200 cougars to 250-150 cougars. They adopted the July Version of the Action Plan\, which has some other unfortunate provisions that did not change\, but at least  the population objective is 300-200. This was alleged to be due to the public comments they received. Alleged 56% opposed dropping the objective. We had 7 people testify in person against dropping the population objective and other concerns with respect to mountain lions in SD.  In order for hound hunting of lions to be allowed in the future\, in the Black Hills outside of Custer State Park\, that population objective needed to drop. THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT IN COMMENTS AND TESTIFIED\n\nIncreases in various Park\,  hunting\, fishing & trapping  fees were approved but with a  proposed  very minor change due to style/format type stuff\n\nCommenting on the T & E review was continued for another month\, as they had not published the Review on line (you had to call for a copy).  It is  now up \, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/FULL_TE_status_reviews_2024.pdf\n\nFEES FINALIZATION: Changes to various fees for Parks and Hunting/fishing licenses  are proposed for finalization in Oct. We believe that cost of mountain lion license at $22 is too low and $24 is still too low: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/fees-from-gfp.Book_.CommSept.5_9_24-2.pdf \nT & E REVIEW We can comment on the Threatened or Endangered Species Biennial Review.  We petitioned for listing of the Lake Chub in 2020. The report should provide more information on the results of surveys for it. https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/TE-status-reviews_2024.pdf \nMOUNTAIN LION ACTION PLAN \nThe Commission requested changes in the mt lion population goals to be  reduced from 300-200 to 250-150 lions – thus  Commission did not approve the July draft of the Mt Lion Action Plan.. This  goal change will result in overhunting of mt lions and a population reduction. So the new revised draft will be out for 27 days of comment and review. Please comment. \nHere are our  talking points and  also letters sent in the Mt Lion Action Plan for August 16th/Sept 5th. These letters were written before the Commission made the Draft Plan worse by lowering the population objectives (which means more lions in the Black Hills can be killed annually and the population reduced).  Go to our  Mt Lion Alert page for  more details \nMountain Lion Alert \n \nPHAS TALKING POINTS on DRAFT MT LION ACTION PLAN OCT 2024. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/TAKE-ACTION-Talking-Points-Cougars-Sept-2024.pdf \nPHAS COMMENT LETTERS FOR TEMPLATES: \nHere is a copy of the first letter that PHAS sent in on August 16th on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/PHAS-Comments-on-the-Mountain-Lion-Action-Plan-.pdf \nHere is a copy of the  second letter that PHAS sent on Sept 1st on the draft Action Plan: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/gfp.PHAS_.2nd-Letter-Mt-Lion-Action-Plan.pdf \nHere is a copy of a set of handouts that PHAS gave the Commission during public testimony on the draft Action Plans: https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/cover-letter_ActionPlans6.pdf \nOTHER LETTERS \nHere are a copy of all the short letters about cougars (from both sides) in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Mt.lion_.ACTION.PLAN_.PublicComment.Sept2024.MERGED.pdf \nHere is a copy of all the long formal letters about cougars in the Sept 5th-6th public comment file\, this includes Humane Society of the US 29 page letter. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/LONG.LETTERS1x.PublicComment.Sept2024.SDGFPComm-2.pdf \nHere is a copy of the MLF Letter: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-08-16-SD-Action-Plan-MLFcomments.pdf\n  \nPHAS will have a discussion meeting on the mountain lion drat Action Plan on Sept 25th by Zoom at 6:30 pm. with Nancy Hilding and Joshua Rosenau of the Mt. Lion Foundation as speakers   It is announced on our Facebook Page at – https://www.facebook.com/share/4HUtZLpMFijdvaBz/  and announced on our events/deadline calendar at https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-meeting-topic-sd-mountain-lions-and-gfp-management-plans-by-zoom/ You can find Zoom codes at these links \nPublic Input at the meeting: \nTo provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible SDGFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. If you forget\, they are polite and normally ask if anyone who failed to register wants to testify. \nWritten comments can be submitted here. To be included in the public record of the October meeting \, comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). Late comments will end up in November record. \n  \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/october-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting-in-huron/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241007T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241007T210000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241011T161423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T163158Z UID:15283-1728325800-1728334800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Forest Service Virtual Meeting on Pactola Withdrawal - eve Oct.7th DESCRIPTION:Forest Service Meeting on Pactola Withdrawal \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society supports this withdrawal \nPactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal \nPublic Information Meeting \nMonday\, October 7\, 2024 \n6:30 p.m. MDT \nThe Forest Service will host the virtual public meeting through Microsoft Teams. To join the meeting\, click on the following link: Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal – Public Information Meeting\, \n https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting_YmE1NGI0NjktNDhjZS00MDE5LTk2M2ItOGU0ZWI3MDMwZmMz%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%25223b5086ff-0889-4416-830e-23fc89910e35%2522%257d%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=6e82f2f9-b2bc-49fb-b789-db82243997ef&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true \nor enter the following address into your browser: https://bit.ly/3BqZhU9.   Microsoft Teams is not required to view the meeting. If you do not have Microsoft Teams\, select “continue on this browser” after clicking on the link above. \nFor additional information about the withdrawal\, please visit the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63876 or contact Elysia Retzlaff\, Withdrawal Project Manager at elysia.retzlaff@usda.gov. \nWe have no idea how long the meeting will last\, but we guessed and put the end point at 9 pm \n  \n\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/forest-service-meeting-on-pactola-withdrawal/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241008T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241008T200000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241011T163408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T164800Z UID:15288-1728406800-1728417600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:"Comment Jam" event for support of Pactola Watershed Mineral Withdrawal DESCRIPTION:“Comment Jam” event for Pactola Watershed Mineral Withdrawal \nTuesday\, Oct. 8th\, Rapid Creek Watershed Action is holding a “Comment Jam” event from 5:30-8pm at Hay Camp Brewing Co. with live music\, food\, presentations\, and tools to help you write and submit a brief comment in support of the withdrawal. \nMore info at rapidcreekwatershed.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-jam-event-for-support-of-pactola-watershed-mineral-withdrawal/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241012T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241012T113000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241011T190058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T191643Z UID:15294-1728727200-1728732600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Monthly Virtual Meeting DESCRIPTION:Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Monthly Meeting\, Saturday Oct 12th\, morning by Zoom at 10 am \nWe are not sure how long the meeting will last and thus we guessed at 11:30 am for end point \nUpdates will include: \n\nPactola mineral withdrawal\nLithium projects\nChord uranium project\nAnd More!\n\nJoin BHCWA this Saturday morning to find out how you can help! Zoom ID and Passcode is below. \nJoin Zoom Meeting \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/81822451048 \nMeeting ID: 818 2245 1048 \nPasscode: 305092 \nDial by your location \n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) \n• +1 669 444 9171 US \n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-clean-water-alliance-monthly-virtual-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241018T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241018T120000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240924T190115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241013T143248Z UID:14753-1729242000-1729252800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Field Trip on Forestry Basics with Dave Mertz in Black Hills DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 18\, 9:00 a.m. – noon \nForestry Basics Field Trip – back by popular demand! \nwith retired BHNF Natural Resource Staff Officer\, Dave Mertz  \nJoin us for a field trip to learn about Forestry and see examples of prescribed burning\, thinning\, and overstory removal. This is great opportunity to understand terminology and concepts that guide forest management. These will be illustrated with real life examples on the Black Hills National Forest. Dave retired from the Black Hills National Forest in 2017 as the forest’s natural resource staff officer. Over the course of his career\, he was a forester\, silviculturist\, forest fire management officer and a fire staff officer. \nForests live beyond the confines of our own lifetimes!\nMeet at 9:00 at the Mickelson Trailhead in Hill City. The Trailhead is in Tracy Park on S. Newton Ave. We will caravan/carpool from there with about 4 or 5 stops along the way. \nBring water and snacks.   If you know you are coming in advance\, if you send an e-mail to phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, it will help us to plan\, however you can come if you don’t send us or other sponsors\, an e-mail.  For more information call Nancy 605-787-6466 or e-mail phas.wsd@rapidnet.com. \nThis field trip is traditionally sponsored each October\, by Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, the Norbeck Society and the Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/field-trip-on-forestry-basics-with-dave-mertz-in-black-hills/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-10-13-at-8.17.05-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241021T165900 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241021T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241010T054302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T054749Z UID:15226-1729529940-1729530000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for Auditor to receive voter registration to vote on Nov. 5th DESCRIPTION:October 21st 5 pm is the deadline for the Auditor of your county to receive your voter registration\, if you are not already registered. You can go into the Auditor’s office  or mail far enough in advance for her/him to receive it on Oct. 21st. The mail has gotten slower now-a-days if it needs to go to Sioux Falls for processing. \nhttps://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/default.aspx \nPHAS has endorsed the referendum of SB 201 (referred law 21). We suggest voting against SB 201. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-auditor-to-receive-voter-registration-to-vote-on-nov-5th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241021T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241021T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240920T182005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T042053Z UID:14584-1729554600-1729555140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Mineral Withdrawal for Pactola Area in BHNF DESCRIPTION:This was the deadline to Comment on Mineral Withdrawal for Pactola Area in BHNF\, however the Forest Service gave us a one week extension and the deadline is now the 28th of October. \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society supports the proposed mineral withdrawal. \nHere is a link to Black Hills Clean Water Alliance web page on this issue: https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/qa-on-proposed-mineral-withdrawal/ \nHere is a link to Rapid Creek Watershed Actions web page: https://www.rapidcreekwatershed.org/#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20proposed%2020%2C574\,Base%20and%20Box%20Elder%2C%20SD. \nIt has been suggested to us\, that getting lots of comments in is very important\, so you might spend some time talking others into also sending a simple comment in with support of the withdrawal.  Simple and short comments work fine. \nHere is a quote from the Forest Service Announcement: \n“The USDA Forest Service (USFS) is now inviting comments on the draft environmental \nassessment and finding of no significant impact for the Pactola Reservoir – Rapid Creek \nWatershed Withdrawal project\, located in Pennington County\, South Dakota\, within the Mystic \nRanger District of the Black Hills National Forest. \nThe USFS submitted an application to the Bureau of Land Management requesting the Secretary \nof the Interior withdraw approximately 20\,574 acres of National Forest System lands \nadministered by the Black Hills National Forest\, from all forms of entry\, appropriation\, and \ndisposal under the public land laws; location\, entry\, and patent under the mining laws; and \noperation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws\, subject to valid existing rights\, for \na term of 20 years. If the Secretary of the Interior were to approve the withdrawal\, National \nForest System lands in the withdrawal application area would be closed to sale or exchange\, and \nno new mining claims or mineral or geothermal leases would be authorized for the term of the \nwithdrawal. The withdrawal would not affect disposal of mineral materials. Non-federal lands \nand minerals would not be subject to the withdrawal. \nThe purpose of the requested withdrawal is to protect and preserve cultural and natural resources \nof the Pactola Reservoir – Rapid Creek Watershed\, including municipal water for Rapid City and \nEllsworth Air Force Base\, from the known and potential adverse environmental impacts that may \narise from exploration and development of federally owned minerals. \nHow to Submit Comments \nThe draft environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for the Pactola \nReservoir- Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal Project are available at the USFS project \nwebsite: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63876. \nComments on the draft environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact will be \naccepted until October 21\, 2024. Electronic comments must be submitted at \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63876. Written comments may be submitted by mail \nor hand delivered to Shawn Cochran\, Forest Supervisor\, Black Hills National Forest at 1019 N. \n5th Street\, Custer\, SD 57730. Business hours are Monday through Friday\, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm\, \nexcluding federal holidays. Comments sent by email will not be accepted. \nIt is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted. All \ncomments received\, including names and addresses of commenters will become part of the \nproject file and will be available for public inspection. The Responsible Official for this decision \nis the Secretary of the Interior. Neither the request for the withdrawal to the Secretary\, nor the \ndecision by the Secretary is subject to the USFS pre-decisional administrative review (objection) \nprocess under 36 CFR Part 218 or the administrative appeal process at 43 CFR Part 4 or 36 CFR \nPart 214.” \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-mineral-withdrawal-for-pactola-area-in-bhnf/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241024T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241024T203000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241007T213540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T213540Z UID:15172-1729792800-1729801800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Norbeck Society Monthly meeting on Outdoor Recreation & Wildland Management\, DESCRIPTION:Norbeck Society Monthly meeting on Outdoor Recreation & Wildland Management\, \n  \nThursday\, October 24\, 6:00 p.m. \nNorbeck Society Presents: “Fair allocation of recreation resources in an era of increasing demand” an evening Zoom with Dr. Will Rice\, Assistant Professor\, Outdoor Recreation & Wildland Management\, University of Montana. Dr. Will Rice is Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation and Wildland Management in the Parks\, Tourism\, and Recreation Program and Department of Society and Conservation at the University of Montana. He leads the Wildland and Recreation Management Research Laboratory. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88173621695?pwd=eVlRZ3lSQ1BhUzVGUmN3akE0bTJ4QT09 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/norbeck-society-monthly-meeting-on-outdoor-recreation-wildland-management/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241025T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241026T123000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241015T174003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T174122Z UID:15353-1729861200-1729945800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Dakota Rural Action Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls Oct 25th-26th DESCRIPTION:Dakota Rural Action Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls Oct 25th-26th \n\nOctober 25 @ 1:00 pm – October 26 @ 12:30 pm MDT\n$45 \n\n\n\n Dakota Rural Action’s 37th Annual Meeting is being held at the Sioux Falls History Club on October 25th and 26th! \nFor more information: \nhttps://www.dakotarural.org/event/37th-annual-meeting-taking-charge-building-together/ \nRegistration: \nhttps://secure.everyaction.com/nD6f_bKDh06WlkNIat9vvw2 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/dakota-rural-action-annual-meeting-in-sioux-falls-oct-25th-26th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241026T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241011T204929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T204929Z UID:15299-1729944000-1729958400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Owl-O-Ween event at the Black Hills Raptor Center Oct 26th afternoon DESCRIPTION:Register for Owl-O-Ween\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Hills Raptor Center is proud to present their annual Owl-O-Ween fundraiser on Saturday\, Oct. 26! There are a limited number of reservations available between 12-4 pm MT\, so please register on our website to join in on the family fun. Here’s what the afternoon will include: \n\nTrunk-or-treating (a.k.a.\, lots of candy)\nDissecting owl pellets\nOwl-inspired crafts\nFamily photos with an autumn display\nRaptor-themed corn hole\nTour the Treatment Center\n\nThis Owl-O-Ween is going to be special day. There are not one\, but TWO owls making their debut as avian ambassadors at the BHRC.  When you attend Owl-O-Ween 2024\, you will be part of the first audience to meet the great-horned owl\, Theodore Roosevelt\, and the saw-whet owl! Both of these owls were rescued in the Black Hills in 2023 and were deemed non-releasable by our veterinary and rehabilitation partners. \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\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\nThe event is free\, with a free will donation encouraged\, or donation of a roll of painter’s tape\, a box of fold over sandwich bags\, or a bottle of unflavored Pedialyte. These items are all critical to their ongoing efforts to care for injured and orphaned birds of prey. \nFor info: \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/owl-o-ween-event-at-the-black-hills-raptor-center-oct-26th-afternoon/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241028T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241028T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241022T040043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T040043Z UID:15532-1730159400-1730159940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Pactola Rapid Creek Mineral Withdrawal Comment Deadline Extended - New Deadline DESCRIPTION:The Forest Service extended their deadline to Monday\, October 28th for the Pactola-Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal comment period. \nHOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT TO THE FOREST SERVICE. \nGo to this link https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=63876 \nFill out the online form they provide. \nInclude your first and last name\, address\, etc. \nPlease be sure to say anywhere in your comment\, “I support this Withdrawal.”  We wouldn’t want vague comments to be tossed out. \nWE CAN PROTECT 20\,574 ACRES OF OUR BEAUTIFUL BLACK HILLS FOREST AND WATER FROM MINING FOR 20 YRS. \n\nAsk them to expedite the Withdrawal proposal to the Secretary of the Dept. of Interior!\nWant to know what others are saying?  Check out the FS Reading Room for this project. https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//ReadingRoom?Project=63876\n\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pactola-rapid-creek-mineral-withdrawal-comment-deadline-extended-new-deadline/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241103T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241103T225900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241011T165135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T184200Z UID:15290-1730674200-1730674740@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to submit written comments to SD GFP Commission before Nov meeting DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit written comments to SD GFP Commission before Nov. meeting. \nThe Commission normally meets on the first Thursday of the month\, unless holidays interfere (they normally skip meeting in August and February ). The written comment deadline is midnight of the Sunday before meeting\, in the time Zone the meeting happens in\, which is usually Central Time (more Commission meetings occur in Eastern than Western SD).  If they receive your comments after the deadline\, they are  include them in the batch of public comments sent to the Commission before the next month’s Commission meeting. \nYou can comment orally at the Commission meeting by Zoom or teleconference – or in person. This opportunity will be a 2 pm CT and you will be given 3 minutes for each rule finalization and 3 minutes for Open Forum. \nThey will be reviewing the Biennial Review of the States Threatened and Endangered Species list.  This will be an Open Forum item. Here is a copy of that review: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/FULL_TE_status_reviews_2024.pdf \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the most immediate meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to the public record of the next meeting . \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-written-comments-to-sd-gfp-commission-before-nov-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241105T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241105T190000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241010T053315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T053345Z UID:15224-1730790000-1730833200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Election Day - Vote for candidates and ballot measures - vote NO on Referred Law 21 DESCRIPTION:Election day is Nov 5th \nREFERRED LAW 21 \nAt our July 2024 Board Meeting\, the PHAS Board of Directors endorsed the referendum of Senate Bill 201. We opposed SB 201 during the legislature.  The referendum is called Referred Law 21.   This is related to the fight in eastern SD over CO2 pipelines and local control vs. state control over regulations about pipelines as they go through local counties. Some County ordinances are more protective and in such case the state’s more lax regulation would supersede the local ordinance.. Dakota Rural Action has a web page on the fight over C02 pipelines in South Dakota.  https://www.dakotarural.org/our-work/carbon  They also endorse the referendum have a web page on referred law # 21 – https://www.dakotarural.org/vote-no-on-referred-law-21/ \nVote No on SB 201 – the referred law 21 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/election-day-vote-for-candidates-and-ballot-measures-vote-no-on-referred-law-21/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241107T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241108T110000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240516T231043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T182110Z UID:12740-1730980800-1731063600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks November hybrid meeting - likely in Pierre\, DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks November hybrid meeting – likely in Pierre\, \n  \nThere will be face-to-face and Zoom attendance. \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 1 pm MT (2 pm CT) in person or by Zoom or phone on rule finalizations and/or at the Open Forum . Visit this web page  for more details when close to the date: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nGo to our notice on October Commission meeting for more details\, as some items may be continued \n  \nIn October commenting on the Threatened  & Endangered Species Biennial  Review was continued for another month\, as they had not published the Review on line (you had to call for a copy).  It is  now up on-line to download \, visit: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/FULL_TE_status_reviews_2024.pdf \n  \nPublic Input at the meeting: \nTo provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible SDGFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. If you forget\, they are polite and normally ask if anyone who failed to register wants to testify. \nWritten comments can be submitted here. To be included in the public record of the November meeting \, comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). Late comments will end up in December record. \n  \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them. \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us”   \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-november-hybrid-meeting-likely-in-pierre/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241113T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241113T200000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241112T153556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241112T155722Z UID:15561-1731522600-1731528000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS November Board meeting postponed DESCRIPTION:PHAS (Prairie Hills Audubon Society)  November Board meeting (Nov 13th)  is postponed. We normally meet the 2nd Wednesday evening by Zoom\, however a quorum could not be confirmed for November 13th so a new date will be chosen – hopefully within 10 days.  Members are welcome at PHAS Board meetings\, contact Nancy 605-787-6466 or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com for details. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-november-board-meeting-postponed/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241120T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241120T163000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241015T210734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T210838Z UID:15413-1732107600-1732120200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board meeting DESCRIPTION:The Secretary of Agriculture has finally approved the appointments to the Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board. \nThey will have a meeting November 20th\, You can see more at this link Black Hills National Forest – Advisory Committees (usda.gov) \nTimes: Begin at 1 p.m. and end no later than 4:30 p.m. \nLocation: Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-national-forest-advisory-board-meeting-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241121T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241121T090000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241120T203714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T205737Z UID:15574-1732179600-1732179600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Mineral and Environment Board's November Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Mineral and Environment Board’s November Meeting \nBoard of Minerals and Environment    Nov 21st\, 2024 meeting\nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67 \n\nAccepting Wharf’s reclamation surety and post closure financial assurance increases & conversion of limestone mines from permits to licenses  are on the agenda. \n\n\n\nAGENDA \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/Agenda November 21 2024.pdf\n\nBOARD PACKET\nis available on the Boards and Commissions website at\nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67\nInterested persons may participate via telephone or in the DANR Large Conference Room\, 523 East\nCapitol Avenue\, Pierre\, SD. To participate via telephone please contact DANR at (605) 773-3886\nor via email at brenda.binegar@state.sd.us no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday\,\nNovember 20\, 2024.\n\nWe don’t know how long the meeting will run so have it lasting 8 hours – it will likely be shorter than that. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-mineral-and-environment-boards-november-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241122T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241122T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241118T203232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241118T203452Z UID:15567-1732319400-1732319940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Scoping Comments Due on Ridgeback Vegetation Management - BHNF DESCRIPTION:Scoping Comments Due on Ridgeback Vegetation Management – BHNF Mystic Ranger District \nThe BHNF will treat approximately 2\,937 acres in an area about 3 miles east of Keystone \nDownload the scoping letter \nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/Scoping%20Letter%20-%20Ridgeback%20Vegetation%20Managment%20Project.pdf \n  \nElectronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at\nhttps://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/Commentlnput?project=67 l l 3. An automated response should confirm\nyour electronic comment has been received. Comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Mystic Ranger\nDistrict Office\, Attn: Ridgeback Vegetative Management Project\, 8221 S. Mount Rushmore Rd.\, Rapid\nCity\, SD\, 57702 or by fax at 605-343-7134. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the\ndate of this Scoping Letter. Comments submitted\, including names and addresses of commenters\, are\npublic information.\nThe scoping documents can be found on the Black Hills National Forest website:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/scoping-comments-due-on-ridgeback-vegetation-management-bhnf/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241126T091500 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241126T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241123T071508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T202133Z UID:15595-1732612500-1732640400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Lawrence County Commission 2nd Reading of Ordinance 24-05 - Place CUPs under Board of Adjustment DESCRIPTION:Lawrence County Commission 2nd Reading of Ordinance 24-05. –  Nov 26th @ 9:15 am. \nOppose Lawrence County Commission adopting Ordinance –  24-05. \nPOST MEETING UPDATE: \nThe Lawrence County Commission passed Ordinance 24-05 on Nov 26th. Local citizens are collecting signatures on a petition to refer the decision. Go to our post on Dec 18th\, for details on this referendum effort – https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-return-notarized-petitions-on-referring-lawrence-countys-zoning-ordinances-24-05-changes/ \nDISCUSSION: \nCurrently mines need a conditional use permit (CUP)  in Lawrence County.  Lawrence County’s section of their zoning ordinance that covers mining is called – “extractive industries “zoning.  Mine CUPs are reviewed by the Planning Commission and the County Commission. Here is a link to that section of the zoning ordinance: \nhttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lawrencecounty/latest/lawrencecty_sd_land/0-0-0-3178#JD_TitleIIChapter20\n\n        This action that the Commissions plans to take on Tuesday (the Board of Adjustment vote) would place CUPs under the Lawrence County Board of Adjustment authority and the Commission would no longer have the final approval of a CUP. This would remove CUP approvals from public referendum\, which if I remember correctly – has  been used to oppose mines or mine ordinances in Lawrence County.  SDCL on County Referendum – SDCL 7-18A-15\n       If new ordinance is adopted then Lawrence County citizens will need to refer the proposed  changes to an ordinance to would give the Lawrence County Board of Adjustment the authority over CUPs. The objecting public will need to collect signatures over Christmas Holidays.  They will have 20 days after the minutes are published in the second paper of record to collect the required petition signatures\, which will be a period that is longer than 20 days but perhaps about 30 days – it depends on how fast they type up the minutes and how fast the papers publish them.\n       The members of the Lawrence County Board of Adjustment are currently the same as the Commission\, but they are appointed and the Commission in the future could appoint other\, not-elected people.\n\nLINK to A WELL WRITTEN ALERT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD AND COPY:\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Opposition_to_Ordinance_24-05_on_11172024.pdf\n\nPlease note the Lawrence County may be planning not to allow public comment\, but statute requires them to allow some public comment\, but they may limit the time for public comment – SDCL – 1-25-1 \nBELOW ARE EXCERPTS FROM A DAKOTA RURAL ACTION ALERT \n====================== \n*Call or write commissioners.* Let them know — before their TUESDAY\, Nov. 26 vote — that you oppose passage of Ordinance 24-05. E-mail: commissioners@lawrence.sd.us \no The ordinance (attached) exempts the commissioners from accountability for decisions on applications for Conditional Use Permits. \n§ HOW? It redirects these land-use planning decisions to the APPOINTED county Board of Adjustment\, noting the decisions will NOT be subject to citizens’ referendum initiatives. \n§ FYI: Incredibly\, the commissioners have appointed themselves as the Board of Adjustment! So they would keep the decisions entirely in their own hands\, but now\, beyond residents’ oversight. \n· *Attend the Nov. 26 Commission meeting* to show you are watching how each commissioner votes. \no No public comment is allowed since this is a second reading of the proposal. \n· *Carry a petition and ask others to do the same.* If the Commission votes in favor of the ordinance\, as is expected\, county\nresidents will need 60 volunteers\, preferably more\, to obtain at least 20 valid signatures each on the official petition to oppose it — within the very short time frame of 20 days after the vote. \n· *Circulate this call to action. Share it with your contacts. Vested interests are threatening the Commission with big money. *EXERCISE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS! THIS IS A NON-PARTISAN ISSUE. THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE\nU.S. CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES THE RIGHT “TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES”. The Commission must not abolish that right. \no This call to action is not funded or sponsored by any political party or other organization. It is strictly word of mouth. \nSupporting materials for nerds: \nThe ordinance proposed —\nhttps://www.lawrence.sd.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1168?fileID=19395 \nThe perspective —\nhttps://www.bhpioneer.com/local_news/lawrence-co-commissioners-approve-first-reading-of-ordinance-governing-conditional-use-permit-approval/article_9679637c-a394-11ef-8b34-03198b4089d2.html \n….To illustrate\, below are the Conditional Use Permits that may be allowed on land zoned (A-1) General AGRICULTURE: \n1. Kennels\, grooming\, boarding\, vet clinics and animal shelters\n2. Churches\, religious structures\n3. Schools\n4. Golf Courses\n5. Fairgrounds and community centers\n6. Fire stations\n7. Antennas\, microwave and communication towers\n8. Rental storage units\, garages\, buildings\n9. Temporary Second Residence as per Chapter 10-Additional Use Regulations\, Article 13 Temporary Second Residences (Amended ORD 11-01: 05/20/2011)\n10. Bed & Breakfast\n11. Specialty resort\n12. Organized group camps\n13. Commercial gun and archery ranges\n14. Fish hatcheries\n15. Water treatment\, purification\, storage\, pumping\, solid waste disposal sites\n16. Mineral exploration\n17. Mineral extraction\n18. Light manufacturing of agricultural products\n19. Commercial indoor/outdoor arenas\n20. Commercial outdoor recreation\, e.g. paintball\, dude ranch\, BMX track\, motocross\, and mud bogging\n21. Commercial sawmill/molding mill\n22. Campground\n23. Eating and drinking establishments\n24. Auto repair\, maintenance shop\, welding shop\, trucking\, drilling\, sheet metal\n25. Wildlife sanctuary\n26. Airports with FAA regulations\n27. Commercial feed lots\n28. Livestock auction yards\n29. Drilling for oil or natural gas\n30. Small and Large Scale Sand\, Gravel or Rock Extractive Industry Extraction (Amended ORD 16-03: 07/21/2017)\n31. Utility substations\n32. Small and Large Wind Energy System per Chapter 10\, Article 1-Small and LargeWind Energy System\n33. Personal Use Airstrip/Heliport if the location of airstrip/heliport is at least 500’ from\nthe outer perimeter of the parcel(s) (Amended ORD 13-01: 05/02/2013)\n34. Restricted Use Solid Waste Disposal Facility (Amended ORD 17-02: 09/29/2017)\n========== \nEnd of quotes from Dakota Rural Action’s Alert . Their alert is longer. I did not quote it all. For more information download the PDF alert – LINK to A WELL WRITTEN ALERT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD AND COPY: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Opposition_to_Ordinance_24-05_on_11172024.pdf\n\n  \nWe do not know how long the discussion at the Commission will be so we put the end time at 5:00 pm — we have no idea when \ndiscussion of this topic will end. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/lawrence-county-commission-2nd-reading-of-ordinance-24-05/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241201T115000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241201T235900 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241123T170016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241201T214905Z UID:15611-1733053800-1733097540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Submit written comments to the SDGFP Commission for their Dec meeting DESCRIPTION:Deadline to submit written comments to the SDGFP Commission for their Dec meeting is Sunday night just before midnight CT \nAgenda of Commission meeting on Dec 5th \nhttp://AGENDA https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_December_5\,_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \nThe Commission normally meets on the first Thursday of the month\, unless holidays interfere (they normally skip meeting in August and February ). \nThe written comment deadline is midnight of the Sunday before meeting\, in the time Zone the meeting happens in\, which is usually Central Time (more Commission meetings occur in Eastern than Western SD). \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the most immediate meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to the public record of the next meeting . \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, \nYou can comment orally at the Commission meeting by Zoom or teleconference – or in person. This opportunity will be a 2 pm CT and you will be given 3 minutes for each rule finalization and 3 minutes for Open Forum. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-written-comments-to-the-sdgfp-commission-for-their-dec-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241204T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241204T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241123T173211Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241123T173211Z UID:15621-1733299200-1733331600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Water Management Board's December meeting DESCRIPTION:Water Management Board’s December meeting \n\nA meeting is scheduled for the Water Management Board on 12/4/2024 9:30:00 AM CT. Please visit the Boards and Commissions Portal to learn more about past and upcoming meetings!\n\nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/ \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/water-management-boards-december-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241204T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241204T180000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241123T171650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241123T172108Z UID:15622-1733301000-1733335200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Water Management Board December Meeting DESCRIPTION:A meeting is scheduled for the Water Management Board on 12/4/2024 9:30:00 AM CT. Please visit the Boards and Commissions Portal to learn more about past and upcoming meetings! https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/\n\n\nWater Management Board meeting’s web page:\nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/water-management-board-december-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241205T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241205T160000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20240516T232434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241201T214705Z UID:12748-1733400000-1733414400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish and Parks Commission Hybrid meeting - likely in Pierre DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish and Parks Commission Hybrid meeting –  in Pierre\, December 5th \n  \nThere will be face-to-face and Zoom attendance. \nFolks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm MT in person or by Zoom or phone on rule finalizations and/or at the Open Forum . Visit this web page for more details when close to the date: \n: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nAGENDA\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_December_5\,_2024_Public_Copy.pdf \n\nDecember 5\, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. CT \nCapitol Building Room 414 — Pierre\, SD | Livestream link \nZoom Meeting Link | To join via conference call\, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Webinar ID: 912 6417 6710 | Passcode: 970458 \n\n  \nDecember is often a month without rule finalizations. \nPublic Input at the meeting: \nTo provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible SDGFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. If you forget\, they are polite and normally ask if anyone who failed to register wants to testify. \nWritten comments can be submitted here. To be included in the public record of the December meeting \, comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). Late comments will end up in the next month’s record. \n  \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them. \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us”   \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-hybrid-meeting-likely-in-pierre/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241211T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241203T022154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241203T022243Z UID:15694-1733941800-1733947200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Prairie Hills Audubon Society December Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS) Board Meetings are normally the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm MT\, if there will be a quorum of board members. If a quorum will be lacking\, we move the date\, which then might be the second Thursday or third Wednesday/Thursday. These meetings are open to members and others by invitation. For more information contact Nancy at 605-787-6466 or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-audubon-society-december-board-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241214T053000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250105T193000 DTSTAMP:20260417T075132 CREATED:20241203T023855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241211T033645Z UID:15699-1734154200-1736105400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Christmas Bird Counts 2024-2025 DESCRIPTION:125th Annual Christmas Bird Counts 2024-2025 \nThe Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) run from December 14th to January 5th of every year. \nThis year\, in western SD:  Rapid City\, Sturgis & Pierre CBCs are Dec 14th\, Wind Cave & Hot Springs are  Dec 15th.\, Shadehill is Dec. 17th\, Bison is Dec.  19th\, Badlands is Dec.  27th\, Harding County is Dec . 28th\, Pine Ridge is the 30th of December\, Spearfish is  Jan the 5th\, 2025\,   As far as we know Piedmont is orphaned and lacking a compiler. Date is yet unknown for  –  Sundance\, Wyoming. \nFor details visit our Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count web page: https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/ \nWe have more information about CBCs in eastern SD and nearby counts in other states in our region on our Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count web page:  https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/ \nEach count has a compiler\,  who you need to contact for more information about the counts. Information on the official counts\, that are affiliated with the National Audubon Society\, can also be found on their Christmas Bird Count web page. https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count \nNational Audubon Society’s map of CBC circles: https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount/?_gl=1*cw58ys*_gcl_au*MTA3MzM5NzIwNy4xNzMzMTk0NDI3*_ga*MTE0ODc1NDgxMC4xNjg0MTE2Mzkw*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTczMzE5NDQyOC4xMy4xLjE3MzMxOTQ0NjkuMTkuMC4w \nCounts normally start after the sunlight arrives on Count day and some counts have pre-count and/or post count meetings.  You can also feeder watch. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/christmas-bird-counts-2024-2025/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR