BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.19//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:20210314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20211107T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20220313T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20221106T080000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220801 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220802 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 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:20260408T175825 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:20260408T175825 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:20260408T175825 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:20260408T175825 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/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220816T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220902T233000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 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/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220817T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220817T170000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 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/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220818T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220818T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 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:20260408T175825 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/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220827 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220828 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 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/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220828T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220828T130000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20220720T204204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T230119Z UID:4997-1661691600-1661691600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Prairie Hills August Audubon Members Meeting - Tour Black Hills Raptor Center Sunday\, August 28 at 1:00 PM DESCRIPTION:Special Prairie Hills Audubon Monthly Meeting \nSunday August 28\,2022 1:00 PM \nPrivate tour of Black Hills Raptor Center for our Chapter \nSee the birds up close and personal! \nAddress: 15256 East Highway 44 \n4 miles past Rapid City Regional Airport\, north side of highway. \nDrive yourself or meet at Knecht’s Ace Hardware parking lot at 12:30 \n(Corner of Omaha and West Boulevard) to carpool. \nCall Jim Petersen at (605) 939-4995 for more information. \nChapter members & friends can bring guests! \nThe Black Hills Raptor Center (BHRC) is a five-acre nature preserve\, currently involved in a multi-million-dollar campus building program in support of their program to rescue\, rehabilitate\, and release injured raptors. For over a decade they have done thousands of environmental education presentations in the region using their “raptor ambassadors”\, birds that have disabilities that preclude them from being released to the wild. Prairie Hills Audubon is proud to support the work of BHRC in protecting these magnificent birds.  Take this opportunity to get a rare inside look at the inter-workings of this excellent organization\, and see if you might like to get involved with the collaboration between our two operations! \nPhoto by Richard Lee URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-august-audubon-members-meeting-tour-black-hills-raptor-center-sunday-august-28-at-100-pm/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220831T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220901T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20220708T044715Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220903T224058Z UID:4922-1661947200-1662033600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish & Parks Commission September Meeting (hybrid format) DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish & Parks Commission September Meeting (hybrid format) \n\n\n\nAugust 31-September 1\nSioux Falls/Zoom\n\n\n\nInformation about meeting will be posted here close to the meeting   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nYou can testify in person or by zoom or teleconference on Wednesday\, probably at 2 pm CT. There will be a public hearing on proposed rule changes and an “Open Forum” where you can testify on anything. They will provide an e-mail to send in requests to testify remotely in advance\, but this is a suggestion not a requirement – it is a courtesy to help them plan the meeting. You get 3 minutes/@ \nWritten comments (for the public record) will be due on Saturday the 287h just before midnight central time\, \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ \nunless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  \nThere will be a proposal to down-list the Peregrine Falcon from endangered to threatened (for SD’s  state list) URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-commission-september-meeting-hybrid-format/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20220906T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20220906T153000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20220720T163602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220910T193103Z UID:4971-1662460200-1662478200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Review of Draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance Pennington County Commission\, continued DESCRIPTION:Results – On Sept 6th\,  this  review was continued indefinately. \nA committee comprised of 6 people from both sides of view might be created to discuss the ordinance. \n  \nReview of Draft Hard Rock Mining Ordinance Pennington County Commission is on-going \nThe Pennington County Commission continued the review of the draft ordinance from July 19th to Sept 6th. Go to our  event posting on the July 19th hearing  for details. \nFolks interested in testifying orally should show up at 10:30 am or perhaps a few  minutes later.  The review of the draft ordinance won’t start before 10:30 am and there are 3 items before it on agenda after 10:30.  If agenda items listed from 9-10:30 am take too long\, its’ review could be further delayed. On July 19th 3 folks testified in favor of the rule\, with suggestions on improvement. The review was much later in the day than expected\, so some folks left as could not wait hours to testify (you can attend & testify by Zoom) \nAgenda: \nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=8A0DB87E-B305-494C-8085-145A7BF536DC&DE=906FFD78-6720-49FB-9F58-2BF904208F89 \nWRITTEN COMMENTS \nFolks were first requested by staff to send written comments to the Commission by no later than August 19th which would  give staff time to review and get into the BOC packets. Send to: pcboc@pennco.org. \nThen they requested comments by August 31st if you wanted them to get in packet sent to the Commission before the weekend\,  If you  missed that deadline\, send comments directly to Commissioners or send late to staff. If sent to staff late\, the Commission likely won’t see before the meeting.  Go to  371st page of 529 pages in the Meeting Packet: \n https://www.pennco.org/vertical/sites/{94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0}/uploads/9-6-22_BOC_Meeting_Packet_-_Public.pdf \nDRA is asking for draft Ordinance to be sent back to Planning Commission -see page 386 of the meeting packet. See page 402 for Rebecca Terk’s comments\n  \nProposed Ordinance\nhttps://www.pennco.org/index.asp?SEC=D3321D22-3F49-4FF9-9340-1996C4689769\n\nPHAS had an alert on this for July 19th meeting.\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-continued-hearing-on-the-proposed-draft-hard-rock-mining-ordinance/\n\nBHCWA generally has an  alert w/ talking points-  an alert at https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/ \nor\nhttps://bhcleanwateralliance.org/public-hearings/county-level-comment-notices/\nor\nhttps://bhcleanwateralliance.org/2022/06/26/important-call-to-action-the-pennington-county-commissioners-to-consider-hard-rock-mining-ordinance/\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPennington County Commissioners are:\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\nRon Rossknecht\nCommission District 1\nTerm expires: 2022\n605-391-1162 \nLloyd LaCroix\, Vice Chair\nCommission District 2\nTerm expires: 2024\n605-545-4269 \nDeb Hadcock\nCommission District 3\nTerm expires: 2022\n605-389-0395\ndebdistrict3@vastbb.net \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTravis Lasseter\nCommission District 4\nTerm expires: 2024\n605-391-0416\ntravis.lasseter@pennco.org \nGary Drewes\, Chair\nCommission District 5\nTerm expires: 2022\n605-940-1120\ngary.drewes@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA fairly current version of the Ordinance:\nhttp://docs.pennco.org/docs/PZ/ORD22-01.pdf\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommissioners’ Office Phone Number: 605-394-2171\nContact the Commissioners via their Contact Us link.\nPennington County\, South Dakota https://www.pennco.org/commission\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Otherwise written testimony can be brought to the hearing or you can give oral testimony at the hearing.\n\n\nYou can attend in person – as the item is generally last on a long agenda\, you can go & wait in the room.  A zoom hyperlink option is available for remote viewing   – If you want to testify remotely by Zoom\, you  need to let staff know you want to testify by Zoom by 8 am on the day of the hearing. \n\n\nPennington BOC \, (605) 394-2174. ext  1690\, 605-394-2171\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPennington County is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\n\nTopic: Pennington County’s Board of Commissioners Meeting 9/06/22\nTime: Sep 6\, 2022 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/7755207200?pwd=eHBoNGoyRXVkekk2dFhZaEJwRVdEUT09\n\n\nMeeting ID: 775 520 7200\nPasscode: 1234\nOne tap mobile\n+16699006833\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US (San Jose)\n+17193594580\,\,7755207200#\,\,\,\,*1234# US URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-draft-hard-rock-mining-ordinance-pennington-county-commission-continued/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20221006T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20221007T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20220928T193047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221002T200319Z UID:5356-1665061200-1665144000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:South Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Meeting - October DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission will meet in Rapid City on afternoon of Thursday and Friday morning – it will  be at Outdoor Campus West\,  \nVisit this web site for details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nAGenda   \nThey only meet in the Black Hills two  or three times a year…. Normally at CSP in spring and some place in central or northern Black Hills in the fall.  They have about 11 meetings a year – taking a month off in the summer. They  normally meet on the first Thursday and Friday of  the month\, but holidays  or other events can change that. \nFinalizations are about spring turkey hunting seasons. \nMeetings are hybrid\, – so you can attend and testify at hearings in person or by Zoom.  There will be an “open forum” where you will be given three minutes to testify on any topic of interest to you.  That will after 2 pm\, after the hearing on rule finalizations at 2 pm. We like for folks to testify \n\nin opposition to the Nest Predator Bounty Program\,\nopposition to hound hunting of lions\,\nand for creating a beaver management plan\, a  moratorium on beaver trapping in the Black Hills and 5 months trapping season elsewhere.\nExpress concern over lead management at the proposed Outdoor Shooting Range.\n\nWRITTEN COMMENTS \nTo send written comments that will end up in the public record\,  you need to do that by midnight on Sunday the 2nd of October by posting to SDGFP comment web page. https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/ \nYou can send to individual commissioners at any time. https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/ \nREMOTE TESTIMONY \nTo testify remotely it is requested  you  register by 1:00 pm CT by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they are representing\, city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will be addressing.  However if you forget\,  they normally ask if anyone not registered wants to testify. \n For remote attendance \nTHURSDAY – October 6 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. MT \nThe Outdoor Campus – West\, Rapid City | Livestream link https://www.sd.net/   Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=RDVwK3B2eEk1b2w1dWxzNEhaNzNBUT09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 – Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 – Passcode: 9502333 \nFRIDAY – October 7 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. MT The Outdoor Campus – West\, Rapid City | Livestream link https://www.sd.net/  Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=RDVwK3B2eEk1b2w1dWxzNEhaNzNBUT09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 – Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 – Passcode: 9502333 \n \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/south-dakota-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-october/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20221029T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20221029T130000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221024T223758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221024T223758Z UID:5428-1667035800-1667048400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Field Trip With Retired BHNF Natural Resource Staff Officer\, Dave Mertz DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, October 29\, 9:30 – 1:00 \nForestry Basics – back by popular demand! \nField trip with retired BHNF Natural Resource Staff Officer\, Dave Mertz  \nPrairie Hills Audubon Society is again working jointly with The Norbeck Society  and the Sierra Club to sponsor a field trip to learn about Forestry. Terminology and concepts that guide forest management will be illustrated with real life examples on our forest. Think beyond the confines of your own lifetime! \nMeet at 9:30 at the gravel parking lot along Hwy 385 immediately south of the admissions gate to Crazy Horse. We will caravan from there and visit approximately 4 or 5 stops. \nBring water and snacks. \nPlease RSVP to Nancy at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com or 605-787-6466 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/field-trip-with-retired-bhnf-natural-resource-staff-officer-dave-mertz/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20221103T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20221103T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221101T171713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221101T171713Z UID:5476-1667476800-1667491200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish & Parks Commission November Meeting Nov 3\, 12 - 4 PM DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish & Parks Commission November Meeting (hybrid format)\n\nThursday\, November 3rd @ 12:00 pm MT –  4 pm MT\n\n\n\nSD Game Fish & Parks Commission November Meeting (hybrid format) \n\nAt Heartland Energy\, Madison | Livestream link https://www.sd.net/\nThursday \nZoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=RDVwK3B2eEk1b2w1dWxzNEhaNzNBUT09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 – Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 – Passcode: 9502333\n\n \nMore information about the meeting including the agenda & proposals/petitions is posted here :   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nThere is no rule finalization hearing this month – just various rule proposals on pets at SDGFP facilities\, Angostura Concession contract & Angostura & Shadehill cabin rentals & a petition to allow year long hunting of cougars on private land in the Black Hills hunting unit – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PETITION_-_Steve_Cherkas_-_Mountain_Lion_Season_on_Private_Lands.pdf  If a petition is moved forward it eventually becomes a rule proposal & has a finalization hearing. \nYou can testify in person or by zoom or teleconference on Friday probably at 2 pm CT – an “Open Forum” where you can testify on anything. They will provide an e-mail to send in requests to testify remotely in advance\, but  You normally get 3 minutes/person. \nPublic Input: To 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\, GFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CST the day of the meeting by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they represent\, their city of residence\, and which proposed topic(s) they will address. (this is a suggestion but normally not a requirement – but it is a courtesy to help them run the meeting.) \nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record\, 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) (Sunday night before midnight CT)  Unless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-parks-commission-november-meeting-nov-3-12-4-pm/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20221108T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20221108T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221101T172009Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221101T172009Z UID:5478-1667901600-1667908800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meade County Commission Public Hearing on Proposed Shooting Range Ordinance Nov 8 10AM DESCRIPTION:Tuesday morning (10 am)  Nov 8th\, Meade County Commission has a public hearing on a proposed shooting range \nordinance for Meade County – The first reading before the Commission will be on\n10 am on November 8th\,  2nd Floor of the Erskine Office Building\, 1300 Sherman Street\, Sturgis\, SD 57785\n \n SD GFP proposes to build a large shooting range at Elk Vale Road near Elk Creek in Meade County. Thus local folks have been asking the Commission for a shooting range ordinance for Meade County this year\, before construction starts. PHAS is concerned as shooting ranges are de-facto lead mines and pose environmental risks.  Lead bullets are deposited from guns and bullets are later reclaimed\, but a shooting range does not have the level of protective environmental regulation that an actual mine does. Lead is a toxic substance with threat to the environment and human health. SDGFP did a very inadequate environmental assessment with very unclear disclosure of mitigations and totally inadequate response to comments. Link to final EA – https://www.fws.gov/media/rapid-city-shooting-range-final-ea\n \nThe County is finally going to adopt ordinances to govern the location and construction of such facilities (This is permitted by SDCL  21-10-32.. )\nThis gives the public an opportunity for better oversight of and public involvement in building of any shooting ranges in Meade County.  Proposed ordinance: https://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CJWLBH55AA5B/$file/Proposed Shooting Range Ordinance.pdf\n \nFor more information on the shooting range issue visit our web site: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/\nWe had a meeting on this topic – recording https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/694666859\nWe hope to have some talking points specific to draft ordinance\, posted on our web page before the 8th. \nOr contact Nancy.  We have a list serve for this issue. \nWritten comments for the Meade County Commission can be posted on:   https://www.meadecounty.org/commission\nA list of Commissioner contacts is also on this web page. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-commission-public-hearing-on-proposed-shooting-range-ordinance-nov-8-10am/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20221122T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20221122T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221121T195151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221121T195151Z UID:5492-1669111200-1669118400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Public Hearing on Proposed Shooting Range Ordinance Meade County 10 AM Nov 22 DESCRIPTION:Tuesday morning (10 am)  Nov 22nd\, Meade County Commission has a public hearing on a proposed shooting range \nordinance for Meade County – The second reading before the Commission will be on\n10 am on November 22nd\,  2nd Floor of the Erskine Office Building\, 1300 Sherman Street\, Sturgis\, SD 57785\n \n SD GFP proposes to build a large shooting range at Elk Vale Road near Elk Creek in Meade County. Thus local folks have been asking the Commission for a shooting range ordinance for Meade County this year\, before construction starts. PHAS is concerned as shooting ranges are de-facto lead mines and pose environmental risks.  Lead bullets are deposited from guns and bullets are later reclaimed\, but a shooting range does not have the level of protective environmental regulation that an actual mine does. Lead is a toxic substance with threat to the environment and human health. SDGFP did a very inadequate environmental assessment with very unclear disclosure of mitigations and totally inadequate response to comments. Link to final EA – https://www.fws.gov/media/rapid-city-shooting-range-final-ea\n \nThe County is finally going to adopt ordinances to govern the location and construction of such facilities (This is permitted by SDCL  21-10-32.. )\nThe first reading of the ordinance was Nov 8th. They made no changes at that date\, but said they would study on it and perhaps make changes on the 22nd.\nThis ordinance gives the public an opportunity for better oversight of and public involvement in building of any shooting ranges in Meade County.  Proposed ordinance: https://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/CJWLBH55AA5B/$file/Proposed Shooting Range Ordinance.pdf\n \nFor more information on the shooting range issue visit our web site: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/\nWe had a meeting on this topic – recording https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/694666859\nWe hope to have some talking points specific to draft ordinance\, posted on our web page before the 22nd. \nOr contact Nancy.  We have a list serve for this issue. \nWritten comments for the Meade County Commission can be posted on:   https://www.meadecounty.org/commission\nA list of Commissioner contacts is also on this web page\, there are 5 of them:\n Todd Seaman \,\nTalbot Wieczorek \,\nRod Bradley  \,\nRichard Liggett \,\n Doreen Creed \nStaff person in charge who can be sent a letter and ask her to share with all of them: – Rhea Crane – \,\n\nA Meade County Commission hearing on SDGFP petition to relocate a section line that bisects the proposed shooting range may be heard in mid December URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/public-hearing-on-proposed-shooting-range-ordinance-meade-county-10-am-nov-22/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221208 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221210 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221202T025114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221202T025500Z UID:5544-1670457600-1670630399@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:South Dakota Game\, Fish and Parks Commission Meeting December 8-9\, 2022 12PM MST DESCRIPTION:General Meeting InformationThis meeting will be held in person\, via zoom/conference call\, and Livestream. Listen to the meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. CST viaLivestream at https://www.sd.net/remote1/ or join via zoom by clicking on the link below. Depending on your application\, you may berequired to enter the meeting ID and password. Remember to enter your display name and mute your microphone. To help keepbackground noise and distractions to a minimum\, make sure you mute your microphone and turn off your video when you are notspeaking.THURSDAY – December 8\, 2022\, at 1 pm CST / 12 pm MT and FRIDAY – December 9\, 2022\, at 8 am CST / 7 am MTZoom Meeting Link https://state–sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=RDVwK3B2eEk1b2w1dWxzNEhaNzNBUT09or join via conference call Dial 1 669 444 9171 Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 Passcode: 9502333Public Input: To provide comments\, join the meeting in person\, via zoom\, or via conference call per the info above. To conduct the publichearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible\, we ask those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CST the day of the meetingby email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they represent\, their city of residence\, and which proposed topic they will address.Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record\, comments must includethe complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not includingthe day of the meeting).Call meeting to order at 1:00 pm CST / 12:00 pm MTDivision of AdministrationAction Items1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure2. Approve Minutes of the November 2022 Meeting available athttps://gfp.sd.gov/commission/archives/3. Additional Commissioner Salary Days4. License Request• Chris Petersen\, Director of Administration [Book Doc: In Person]Information Items5. South Dakota Go Outdoors Update• Scott Simpson\, Director of Parks & Recreation [Verbal: In Person]6. New Staff IntroductionsPublic Hearing – 2:00 pm CST / 1:00 pm MTThe portion of the meeting is designated for public comment pertaining to the finalizations listed on the agenda. (Typically limited tothree (3) minutes per person.) Please register to speak with Liz Kierl by 1 pm CST (see notes above).Open Forum – immediately following the Public HearingThe portion of the meeting is designated for public comment on other items of interest. (Typically limited to three (3) minutes per person.)Please register to speak with Liz Kierl by 1 pm CST (see notes above).Petitions 7. East River Rifle Season Change – Feterl/Janecke [Book Doc: In Person]8. Snagging Asian Carp on Missouri River – Snaza [Book Doc: In Person]ProposalsInformation Items9. Archery Antelope and Archery Deer Overview \nSouth Dakota Game\, Fish & Parks Commission Agenda December 8-9\, 2022This agenda is subject to change without prior notice. Page 2Action Items10. Archery Antelope11. Archery DeerFinalizations12. Pet Allowance in Park Facilities• Scott Simpson\, Director of Parks & Recreation [Book Docs: In Person]13. Pet Allowance Fee• Scott Simpson\, Director of Parks & Recreation [Book Docs: In Person]Division of Parks & RecreationAction Items14. Angostura Concession Contract• Sean Blanchette\, Environmental and Cultural Resource Specialist [Book Doc: In Person]Information Items15. Custer State Park Bison Action Report• Matt Snyder\, West Regional Supervisor [Verbal: Virtual?]16. Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve – Agriculture Lease Update• Jeff VanMeeteren\, Southeast Regional Supervisor [Book Doc: In Person?]17. Spring Creek Golf Course Update• Scott Simpson\, Director of Parks & Recreation [Verbal: In Person]18. 2023 Lodging Rate Schedule Update• Al Nedved\, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation [?: In Person]19. Snowmobile System• Al Nedved\, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation [?: In Person]20. Winter Parks Recreational Opportunities• April Larson\, Marketing Coordinator [Verbal: In Person]21. Year-End Camping\, Visitation\, and Revenue Review• Scott Simpson\, Director of Parks & Recreation [Handout: In Person]Division of WildlifeInformation Items22. Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan• Jake Davis\, Fisheries Program Manager [Presentation: In Person]23. Season-Setting Schedule• Andrew Norton\, Wildlife Program Administrator [Presentation: In Person]24. Annual Wildlife Damage Management Report• John Kanta\, Terrestrial Section Chief [Presentation: In Person]25. Ice Fishing Access• Rhet Russell\, Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist [Verbal: In Person]26. Fall Law Enforcement Efforts• Sam Schelhaas\, Law Enforcement Section Chief [Verbal: In Person]27. License Sales Updates and Reports from the Field• Tom Kirschenmann\, Director of Wildlife [Book Docs: In Person]Solicitation of Agenda Items for CommissionersAdjournNext meeting information: January 12-13\, 2023\, at Matthews Training Center\, Joe Foss Building\, Pierre URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/south-dakota-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting-december-8-9-2022-12pm-mst/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221214 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230106 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221219T044242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T045013Z UID:5623-1670976000-1672963199@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Christmas Bird Counts December 14th thru January 5th DESCRIPTION:CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN OUR REGION\nThis is a list of Christmas Bird Counts in South Dakota and immediate parts of nearby states.\n It is created by Prairie Hills Audubon Society of Western SD.\n \nDecember 14th\, 2022-January 5th\, 2023 \nChristmas Bird Counts\nhttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count\n \nDecember 14th- January 5th\nAudubon’s 123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) \n \nAll official counts will be held between the dates\, Wednesday\, December 14th\, 2022 through\, Thursday\, January 5th\, 2023 .\n\nHarding County CBC\, Sunday 12/18/22\, Jessica Howell: jhowell@abcbirds.org (Bad Weather alternate date)\nRapid City CBC\,  Sunday\, 12/18/22\, Michael Melius: mmmelius@hotmail.com\nPierre CBC\, \, Saturday\, 12/19/22\,  Ricky Olson: tatanka40@pie.midco.net\, (Bad Weather alternate date)\nSturgis CBC\,  Friday\, December 23rd. Eric Davis:   speargoose@gmail.com\, (Bad Weather alternate date)\n\nSundance\, CBC\, 12/30/22\, Jen:  ravenssong18@gmail.com\,\n\nSpearfish CBC\, 1/1/23\, Daniel Bjerke: dlbjerke@midco.net\nBadlands National Park CBC\,1/1/23\, NancyDrilling:dril0008@gmail.com\nPine Ridge CBC\, 1/3/23\, Peter Hill: petermhill@yahoo.com\nShadehill CBC\, 1/3/23\, Greg Schonert: Gregory.Schonert@usda.gov –  (Bad Weather alternate date)\nBison CBC\, Not happening this year\, Meghan Dinkins\, meghandinkins@hotmail.com\nPiedmont CBC\, Not happening this year\,\, Gene Hess\, gene@neopaleo.net\,\nHot Springs CBC\, Not happening this year\,\, Duane Weber\, \n\n This year the start of the season overlapped with a 4-day blizzard in parts of the region. Some counts have been rescheduled and we may not have discovered all rescheduled dates.\n \nThis year\, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80\,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2\,600 locations across the United States\, Canada\, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone.\n \nThe censuses provide valuable data about the number of bird species and numbers of each species occurring within set geographic areas on an early winter day. The results are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology\, representing 123 years of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas. \n \nWhen combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey\, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat\, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.\n \nBirders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun\, nationwide community science project\, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least ten volunteers\, including a compiler to coordinate the process\, normally count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes\, which change little from year to year\, counting every bird they see. In most count circles\, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes. \n \nInterested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate.\n \n \nWhat to bring?\nParticipants should bring lunch\, drinking water\, warm clothing and footwear. Binoculars\, field guides and spotting scopes are suggested\, for those who have them.\n The five-dollar fee has been dropped to encourage more participation and the annual published report\, (American Birds) previously available in paper has been made digital – see link:\nhttps://www.audubon.org/content/american-birds-annual-summary-christmas-bird-count\n \nLinks to CBC web pages:\nhttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count\n \nTo find a count near you on an interactive map:\nhttps://audubon.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=ac275eeb01434cedb1c5dcd0fd3fc7b4 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/christmas-bird-counts-december-14th-thru-january-5th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230112T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230113T120000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221231T215055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230109T214148Z UID:5626-1673524800-1673611200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:January SD Game Fish and Parks Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION:January SD Game Fish and Parks January 2023 Commission Meeting is on January 12- 13th.  \nSD Game Fish & Parks Commission January Meeting  Thursday January 12th – Mountain time:  12 – 4 PM MT or\nCentral time: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. CST;  Friday\, January 13th  7 am-11 AM MT or 8 a.m.-12 p.m. CST: –\nSD Game Fish & Parks Commission January 2023 Meeting (hybrid format: face-to-face or Zoom or teleconference)\nZoom Meeting Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=RDVwK3B2eEk1b2w1dWxzNEhaNzNBUT09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 – Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 – Passcode: 9502333\nMatthews Training Center\, Pierre | Livestream link:  https://www.sd.net/\n—\n\nMore information about the meeting including the agenda & proposals/petitions is or will be posted here :   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\nMeeting agenda: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/January2023_Agenda.pdf\nThere is no rule finalization hearing this month – just various rule proposals  and a resolution.\nWe ask people to testify orally and oppose another year of funding for the Nest Predator Bounty Program. For talking points  & history on this issue visit our web page on this Nest Predator Bounty Program (NPBP):\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/\n—\n\nYou can testify in person or remotely  by zoom or teleconference on Friday  at 2 pm CT  (1 pm MT) – an “Open Forum” where you can testify on anything. You normally get 3 minutes/person (you can use less).\n—\n\nPublic Input:  To conduct the public hearing and/or open forum as efficiently as possible\, GFP asks those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 pm CST the day of the meeting by email to Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names\, whom they represent\, their city of residence\, and which proposed topic(s) they will address. (Complying with this request is a courtesy to help them run the meeting. At the end the moderator might ask if anyone non-registered wants to testify.)\n—\n\nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record\, 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) (Sunday night before midnight CT was 1/8/23)  Unless you want to send directly to each Commissioner (no deadline)  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/   Here are there e-mails:\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \, “Russell.Olson@state.sd.us” \, “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us” \, “charles.spring@state.sd.us” \n—\n\n\nJulie Anderson has had some petitions up nationally on this issue for several years. – Her CARE2 petition currently has 168\,652 signatures and the LADYFREE THINKER petition has 27\,849.   She will present the petitions on Thursday.  This program started 4 years ago – it has been funded repeatedly since the first year.. \nhttps://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-stop-paying-children-to-kill-animals-and-chop-off-their-tails/\nhttps://www.thepetitionsite.com/524/880/254/south-dakota-encourages-kids-to-kill-animals-for-fun-and-profit/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/january-sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230115 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230216 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20221202T025851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221202T025851Z UID:5548-1673740800-1676505599@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Winter Climate Watch Survey Jan 15 to Feb 15 2023 DESCRIPTION:“Mark your calendar! The winter Climate Watch survey runs from January 15 to February 15\, 2023. Join the 126 chapters\, centers\, and other local organizations that collect valuable information around the impact of climate change on bluebirds\, nuthatches\, goldfinches\, towhees and Painted Buntings. Climate Watch is open to the public—all interested Audubon chapters\, organized groups\, or individuals with an interest in birds are welcome to participate. Learn more URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/winter-climate-watch-survey-jan-15-to-feb-15-2023/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230216T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230216T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230217T001750Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230217T001750Z UID:6326-1676566800-1676574000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:F.S. public meeting on proposed Newark Exploration Drilling Project-Custer DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Hell Canyon Ranger District would like to invite you to a public meeting: \nThe Hell Canyon Ranger District is seeking input on a proposed exploratory drilling project in Custer County\, South Dakota. \nWhere:            Custer High School\, Commons Area \n1645 Wildcat Ln\, Custer\, SD 57730 \nWhen:             February 16\, 2023 (Thursday)\, 5:00pm-7:00pm \n\nNewark Exploration Drilling Project – Request for Comments\nFor your convenience a copy of this scoping letter and the attached maps\, the accepted Plan of Operations\, and other supporting documents can be found on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63527 .\n\n  \n  \n\ \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/f-s-public-meeting-on-proposed-newark-exploration-drilling-project-custer/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230216T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230216T203000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230217T001323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230217T001323Z UID:6324-1676570400-1676579400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Norbeck Society February 16th Meeting DESCRIPTION:February public meeting\, Feb 16\, 6 pm: Matte Wilson\, Food Sovereignty Initiative Director Sicangu Co.\,   will speak to Norbeck Society members about “An Indigenous Persons Perspective of COP 27”. \nZoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88173621695?pwd=eVlRZ3lSQ1BhUzVGUmN3akE0bTJ4QT09 \nMeeting ID: 881 7362 1695 Passcode: 577331 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/norbeck-society-february-16th-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230217T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230220T233000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230218T012729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T081054Z UID:6356-1676592000-1676935800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Backyard Bird Count 2023 DESCRIPTION:Connect to Birds\, to Nature and with Each Other\, \nSpend time in your favorite places watching birds–then tell the GBYBC  about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them\, count them\, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. \nBirds are everywhere\, all the time\, doing fascinating things. Join us\, February 17-20\, 2023\, when the world comes together for the love of birds. For more info: \n For more info:https://www.birdcount.org/ \n\n\nHow to Participate \nParticipating is easy\, fun to do alone or with others\, \nand can be done anywhere you find birds. \nStep 1: Decide where you will watch birds. \nStep 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more\, at least once over the four days\, February 17-20\, 2023. \nStep 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings: \n\nIf you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification\, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.\nIf you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds\, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).\n\nIf you already contribute to Merlin or eBird\, continue what you are doing! \nAll Entries over the 4-days count towards GBBC URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/great-backyard-bird-count-2023/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230218T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230218T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230129T191934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230205T212715Z UID:5799-1676727000-1676736000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Piedmont (Foothills Area) Cracker Barrel DESCRIPTION:What is a Cracker Barrel? – It’s a moderated question and answer session where the public can ask their elected representative questions about the legislature. There will be 1 hour of Q&A\, then a 20 or 25 minute break (with snacks) and then another hour of Q&A. Bob Burns will moderate.  – It is on Saturday 2/18/23 from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM MT.  \nThe invited legislators are those who represent the towns of Southern Meade County: Black Hawk\, Summerset\, Piedmont and Box Elder\, as well as other parts of Pennington and Meade County.  The Piedmont (Foothills Area) cracker barrel hosts the legislators from Districts 33 and 29 – Kirk Chaffee\, Gary Cammack\, Dean Wink\, Curt Massie\, Phil Jensen & David Johnson.  \n It is located at the Piedmont American Legion Post  The Post is located at 101 Pine Street. It is on the SE side of Piedmont at the intersection of Pine St. & Sturgis Road \nThis will be a hybrid meeting; we will meet face-to-face with the legislators in Piedmont\, but a Zoom option will be available – scroll down for Zoom Link \nThis is the 13th Cracker Barrel in the Foothills Area. and we have the same 5 sponsoring NGOs. – For more information:  \n Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Nancy Hilding\, (605)-787-6466\, nhilding@rapidnet.com\, http://www.phas-wsd.org;  —- Black Hills Chapter – Dakota Rural Action\, Frank James\, ((605) 881-6245\, fejames@dakotarural.org; —- Piedmont Valley American Legion Post 311\, Kim Anderson\, (605) 787-5886\, kim.ander311@gmail.com; —– Foothills Kiwanis\, Sharon Wilson\, 605-390-5919\, sharwils1@rap.midco.net;  —- Foothills Area Chamber of Commerce\, Ce Faulkner\, (815)-494-5337\, ce.farmersunion@gmail.com\, \nLink to Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83023211094?pwd=RHp1ajFjYzJCQkpEcERiM2NqNWlOUT09  \nMeeting ID: 830 2321 1094 Passcode: 838526 One tap mobile +12532050468\,\,83023211094#\,\,\,\,*838526# US or +12532158782\,\,83023211094#\,\,\,\,*838526# US (Tacoma)  \nDial by your location (As far as we know any number will work in Western SD) +1 253 205 0468 US\, +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\, +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\, +1 669 444 9171\, US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)  \nMeeting ID: 830 2321 1094 Passcode: 838526 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbPOGV2GaP \nThis is also announced on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/653353423227924 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/piedmont-foothills-area-cracker-barrel/ ORGANIZER;CN="Nancy Hilding":MAILTO:nhilshat@rapidnet.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230228T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230228T210000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230202T235319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230311T050217Z UID:5816-1677609000-1677618000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS monthly meeting for February - Presentation by Meghan Carter\, Staff for National Audubon Society's Dakotas' Office DESCRIPTION:This will be a Zoom meeting starting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday 2/28/23. \nMeghan Carter staff of the National Audubon Society (NAS)  from their Dakotas’ office in Fargo\, ND will talk to us about the National Audubon Society’s staff activities & programs in the Dakotas – and NAS programs you can participate in.  We normally have the NAS Dakotas’ office report to us once a year –  normally in January. \nTo watch a recording of this meeting: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/07mxm8OjRB6pX7_wtTuxJHrps4xTFHp89nJcK1ZKW595Yq9TUidhR9IvGU4OOqpH.v-sgWreKnoJ59SV4 Passcode: 5r9.tFM*\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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\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 any work in western SD)\n        +1 669 444 9171 US\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 719 359 4580 US\n        +1 253 205 0468 US\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n        +1 689 278 1000 US\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 305 224 1968 US\n        +1 309 205 3325 US\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 360 209 5623 US\n        +1 386 347 5053 US\n        +1 507 473 4847 US\n        +1 564 217 2000 US\n        +1 646 931 3860 US\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-monthly-meeting-for-february-meghan-carter-staff-for-national-audubon-societys-dakotas-office/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230301T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230301T100000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230217T235033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T012114Z UID:6354-1677663000-1677664800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to submit photos to National Audubon Society annual photo contest DESCRIPTION:Audubon invites photographers and videographers to submit to the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards\, open for entries from January 11\, 2023\, until March 1\, 2023\, at 12 p.m. (noon) ET. Judges will award eight prizes to photographers and videographers: the Grand Prize\, Professional Prize\, Amateur Prize\, Youth Prize\, Plants for Birds Prize\, Fisher Prize\, Female Bird Prize\, and Video Prize.\n\nPrizes include:\nGrand Prize: $5\,000 USD\nProfessional Prize: $2\,500 USD\nAmateur Prize: $2\,500 USD\nPlants for Birds Prize: $2\,500 USD\nVideo Prize: $2\,500 USD\nFemale Bird Prize: $1\,000 USD\nFisher Prize: $1\,000 USD\nYouth Prize: Six days at Audubon’s Hog Island Audubon Camp for Teens during the 2024 season\nLearn more about at:\nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/2023-audubon-photography-awards-open-entries\nOn our web site menu at Nature Study> Celebrate Nature through Art we have links to photos of past winners – very beautiful. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-submit-photos-to-national-audubon-society-annual-photo-contest/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230309T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230310T230000 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230218T014059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T020526Z UID:6360-1678363200-1678489200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:March SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION:SDGFP Commission meeting will be in Pierre & likely be hybrid with Zoom option. . Details will be posted to “Current Meeting” web page  when it is closer to meeting date.  Before that the page still has January meeting info. on it. Usually those January proposals or petitions that were given the OK\, move forward to a rule making hearing in March. Visit this link.  – https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/march-sd-game-fish-parks-commission-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230310 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230311 DTSTAMP:20260408T175825 CREATED:20230217T214322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230310T152042Z UID:6350-1678406400-1678492799@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:2023 Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop DESCRIPTION:2023 Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop will be March 10 at Outdoor Campus West\, Rapid City. \n  \nZoom link \nhttps://tnc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqdemtpzwpGNR80xThZtSl3LPTXGElCrN1 \nAmy at asymstad@usgs.gov sets this up. \nIf you haven’t registered yet and you want to attend\, you are encouraged  to do so\, as it will allow you access to attend via Zoom\, just in case you can’t make it in person\, and watch recorded presentations after the workshop. This will also allow us to seamlessly transition to a virtual workshop if the weather is bad on March 10th. Registration is free! Here’s the link: https://tnc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqdemtpzwpGNR80xThZtSl3LPTXGElCrN1.\n\nThe on-site venue is Outdoor Campus – West\, 4130 Adventure Trail\, Rapid City\, SD. In the registration form\, you’ll be asked to indicate whether you will attend on-site or online.  Please indicate “in-person” even if you aren’t sure at this time that you’ll be able to be there. This will help us plan for the “maximum” number of on-site people.  You’ll also be asked if you’ll attend a chili feed after the workshop.\n\n\n\nAfter-workshop Gathering \nThe Nature Conservancy and their volunteers will provide a chili feed at Hay Camp Brewing Company\, 601 Kansas City Street\, Rapid City\, following the workshop. Note that TNC will not provide drinks\, but there are plenty available for purchase from Hay Camp.  \nProgram \nThe day’s program is finalized; click on the hyperlink at the beginning of the sentence to see it. Abstracts for the presentations are here. Note that one of the presentations (“Science and Politics in Forest Management”\, by Sol Smith) will be during the lunch break. If you want to hear that talk and participate in the related discussion\, bring your own lunch! URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2023-black-hills-area-botany-ecology-workshop/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR