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: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;TZID=America/Denver:20230502T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230502T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230423T155537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230423T162642Z UID:6896-1683041400-1683046800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Leadership Forum on Mineral Withdrawal\, BH Clean Water Alliance DESCRIPTION:3:30 pm – 5:00 pm 4/2/23  is a leadership meeting with Bonnie Gestring. \nThis is an opportunity for all of us working on mineral withdrawal in BHNF to regroup and share information after the April 26 public meeting — and to get ready to move into the thick of the comment period. \nPeople should come prepared to take on tasks.  Please let Lilias Jarding know right away if you want to attend by zoom or in-person — as attendance  requires an invitation from Lilias.. See – Clean Water Alliance URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/leadership-forum-on-mineral-withdrawal-bh-clean-water-alliance/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230502T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230502T213000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230419T005609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230423T155202Z UID:6798-1683054000-1683063000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Bonnie Gestring of EarthWorks speaks on Mineral Withdrawal DESCRIPTION:Bonnie Gestring of EarthWorks will  speak on Mineral Withdrawal in the evening – * Bonnie Gestring Presentation — “The Real Deal with Mineral Withdrawals” – 7:00 pm at Dahl Arts Center\, Rapid City. \nUnder the 1872 mining law\, the Forest Service can’t say “no” to a mining proposal unless the area is withdrawn from mineral entry in advance. Claims that have proven they have an economically viable ore body are grandfathered in. So to protect Forest Service (FS) lands\,  folks need to convince the FS to withdraw land & the FS  will need to do a NEPA document before the withdrawal. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bonnie-gestring-of-earthworks-speaks-on-mineral-withdrawal/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230504T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230505T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230402T051119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T223230Z UID:6527-1683205200-1683291600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game Fish and Parks May Commission Meeting - Thursday May 4th\, - Friday 5th\, 2023 DESCRIPTION:SD Game Fish and Parks May Commission Meeting Hyrid form\n – Thursday May 4th\, – Friday 5th\, 2023\n\nMay 4\, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. MDT | May 5\, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT \nAt the  Event Barn\, Custer State Park \nLivestream link https://www.sd.net/ \nZoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/93912915359?pwd=K2FVZzdQSXJTY0NwWG5mSWpSazUwdz09  \nTo join via conference call\, dial 1 669 900 9128 – Meeting ID: 939 1291 5359 – Passcode: 0565645 \nThe Event Barn is accessed by road off of highway 16A that heads to the Custer State Park Game Lodge and it is in front of and  to the left (east) of the Lodge\, \n\n\nThe agenda can be found at this link and  some of it will change  as we approach meeting date: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/May_2023_Agenda_Public.pdf\n Here is a link to their “furbearer proposals” https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/ALL_PRO_May2023.pdf\nwhich ask for  no change to beaver\, mink\, opossum\, fox\, raccoon\, jack rabbit\, badger\, muskrat\, weasel\, or skunk seasons.  A proposal sheet about river otter season is not provided\, we don’t yet know what that means.\nFinalizations are on waterfowl season where they are increasing two types of non-resident waterfowl licenses by 300 licenses. https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/FIN_Waterfowl.pdf and deer hunting seasons https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/FIN_Deer.pdf\nPeople can petition for rule change in SD. GFP allows you to post petitions here: https://gfp.sd.gov/makingchanges/  SDCL provides no deadline on when you can file  a petition\, but the Commission must review within 30 days.  A petition for rule making on blow gun fishing legal in SD is  here – https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Petition_Blowgun_Fishing.pdf    See below for links to PHAS’s beaver petitions.\nMore information about the meeting including the agenda & proposals/petitions is posted here:   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/\n============================\nUPDATE AFTER THE MEETING\nThe SDGFP Commission rejected both petitions and kept the 2021 version of beaver hunting/trapping rule in tact.  They did however indicate they may revisit the issue in December of 2023\, after they learned what the results of the beaver inventory in Black Hills in the fall of 2023 finds.\nTAKE ACTION\n\nPHAS has petitioned for changes to beaver trapping rules. We submitted two petitions that are different to maximize chances that one of them moves forward.\n\nLonger petition with more changes requested\, https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Beaver-rule-change-petition-threeXDF-May-2023-1-copy.pdf \nShorter petition with less changes requested\, the text of this petition is also within the long petition (Thus you only need to read the long one)  https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Beaver-rule-change-petition-2two_XDF-May-2023-1-copy.pdf\n\n\nWe ask people to read our alerts on Beavers on our Beaver Campaign web page https://phas-wsd.org/beaver-and-river-otter/and our Various Alerts web page https://phas-wsd.org/misc/. \nBeaver trapping is allowed in private & public land for 12 months in SD except on the BNF where it is 3 months and within the Black Hills Fire Protection district on private land\, where it is 6 or 12 months depending on where you are.  State law allow folks to remove “conflict beaver” 365 days of the year with a request to and approval of SDGFP.\n We ask  folks to write in support of better hunting/trapping rules and a management plan for  beaver.  SD has management plans for many species\, but not beaver. To see GFP species plans: https://gfp.sd.gov/management-plans/ We also suggest folks write or testify against the Nest Predator Bounty Program\, but that was approved in January for 4 years\, so you are “speaking truth to power”.  See our alert at: https://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/\n Here are some talking points\n\nPeople should  write or contact SDGFP staff or commissioners\, asking for \n1. A 3 year moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills National Forest and \n2. Also ask SDGFP to either reduce or eliminate the months of  recreational beaver hunting/trapping from other public lands in SD\, especially when the public land has a multiple use or wildlife management objective.  In our petition we reduced it from 12 months to 5 months\, but allowed public land agencies to ask for more or less days. \n3. Folks should ask for 5 months of beaver trapping statewide (reduced from current 12 months) on private  land. \n4. Ask for GFP to create a management plan for beaver \n5. Ask for GFP to prioritize non-lethal  control of “conflict” beaver \n\n\n\nDeadline to submit written comments  for May 4-5th meeting\, is just before midnight MT on Sunday April 30th – if you want them in the public record for the May 4th meeting. Late comments go to the June 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 or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  Unless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  –  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline) \n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Juliea.Bartling@state.sd.us” \, “charles.spring@state.sd.us”  \, and david.cull@state.sd.us\, and Jim White – whose e-mail might be jim.white@state.sd.us or james.white@state.sd.us\, \n\n  \n\nYou can testify in person or by Zoom at about 2 pm MT on Thursday\, it is suggested you let GFP know you want to testify in advance (but they allow folks who did  register to testify).. Open forum is for speaking on any topic\, the public hearing is just for rules up for finalization. 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 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. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-may-commission-meeting-thursday-may-4th-friday-5th-2023/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230505T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230507T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230419T012257Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230420T033749Z UID:6800-1683306000-1683464400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Izaak Walton League - SD Division State Convention\, May 5th-7th DESCRIPTION:Izaak Walton League of America – SD  Division State Convention May 5th-7th \nThe meeting will be at the  Madison # 16 Chapter House. The address of the Clubhouse is 1001 Territorial Road\, Madison\, SD. Here is a link to their web page: \nhttps://www.madisonizaakwalton.com/\, \nThere is a on Friday night dinner and a Saturday lunch\, a Saturday night Banquet and a Sunday lunch. \nRegistration is $30 which includes the Friday night dinner.  Other meals are $15 for lunches and $30 for the Banquet. Registration fee is not needed if you are only going to the Banquet. \nLink to the registration form : https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Ikes-Convention-Madison-registration.pdf \nRegistration forms of persons that wanted to reserve hotel rooms at Best Western at cheaper rates were due by April 10th \nRegistration forms  of persons that want to reserve meals are due Tuesday April 25th\, 2023 \nPersons that don’t want to eat\, can register at event\, but checks not cash are requested \n-send to Larry Brunsvig\, 1220 Territorial Rd. Madison\, SD 57042.\, j.blbhome@gmail.com     Also you can contact Paul Lepisto \, (605) 220-1219‬‬‬\, (staff of the Izaak Walton League) to be sent a registration form or for questions.  \nCamping on the the Chapter’s grounds costs $20/night with electric hook up. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/izaak-walton-league-sd-state-division-annual-meeting-may-5th-7th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230510T194405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T194616Z UID:7229-1683799200-1683806400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Virtual Public Meeting by BHNF & BLM on Proposed Mineral Withdrawal DESCRIPTION:Black Hills National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual public meeting on Zoom to discuss the requested mineral withdrawal proposal. \nTime: May 11\, 2023 10:00 AM in Mountain Time (US and Canada) \nPlease register at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItd-CvrDgpGopi4Wg6kprZZvsRWj1TL_k \nFor more information on withdrawal proposal: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63876&exp=overview \nComments are due on June 20th\, 2023 and we have another alert posted on the deadline date. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/virtual-public-meeting-by-bhnf-blm-on-proposed-mineral-withdrawal/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230509T211930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T211930Z UID:7222-1683802800-1683806400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the new Bird Migration Explorer DESCRIPTION:Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the new Bird Migration Explorer \nThursday\, May 11\, 2023 \n10 AM – 11 AM PT / 11 AM-12 PM MT/ 1 PM – 2 PM ET/ \nSpring migration is fully underway and billions of birds have made or are still making \ntheir way to breeding grounds all across the Western Hemisphere. Follow along using the \nnew Bird Migration Explorer\, a state-of-the-art digital platform that visualizes the heroic \njourneys for more than 450 species of birds found in the US and Canada. Using the best available science\, the Bird Migration Explorer can help us learn more about migratory \nbirds and how to protect them across their full annual cycles. \nJoin this webinar and learn from the experts on migration science and hemispheric \nconservation that made this groundbreaking tool a reality. \nhttps://act.audubon.org/a/celebrate-bird-migration-explorer?contactdata=afwwzLYhVioHvK0vARAa6oh19Ox3ph81FOzO0LZUBrXZSDsF5nTKUQ5JlKURfxBwWxQFr51C4iuMbn19NrV1M24vODIgGPbqCSWZkrElilMVmpayr0Sv6TRpiiB7Y/8GZwxhmSLkYl5/8fNi4IXER4gVGtowF4wtJ6CJLQdKBniCLcv+Az74IY3AWrXCYtvUqG0z2IuQBYHhIZjyd7CXOyacMKsii5WVaDGIqyKC1VMRlpa0NqZfIUcsVKLFvJ9hhz0AIFcG/zyGxw797/Gj79MJNw2yOcstaU+V/8yEZUk=&ms=network-eng-email-ea-x-engagement_20230505_weekly-chapter-update_&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement_20230505_weekly-chapter-update&utm_content=&emci=36e737e0-67eb-ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&emdi=e6524e67-79eb-ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&ceid=403117 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/celebrate-world-migratory-bird-day-with-the-new-bird-migration-explorer/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T233000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230511T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230501T055608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T210737Z UID:7097-1683847800-1683849540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline for Cougar Hunting Rules Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission DESCRIPTION:HELENA – Montana Fish\, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several proposals slated to go to the Fish and Wildlife & Parks Commission on June 8th at the MFWP headquarters in Helena\, with them meeting starting at 8:30 am. The formal comment period is open through May 11 up till just before midnight.  However you can send to Commissioners at their individual e-mails\, and they may read them until the day before the Commission meeting. \n\nYou can comment via email to fwpwld@mt.gov. \nFor information about the meeting and a place to submit on-line comments: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting \nFor discussion of proposed rule: \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/cs-mountain-lion-quotas-final.pdf  \nChanges to rule \n\n  https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/mountain-lion-regulation-changes.pdf \nPotential quotas\, \nhttps://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/commission/2023/jun/mountain-lion-quotas/potential-quotas-by-lmu-combined.pdf \n\nMontana Alternatives \n\nThe first alternative is the status quo\, which includes all aspects of the 12.5 percent reduction in the Northwest Ecoregion as adopted by the commission in 2022.\nThe second alternative would achieve a 10 percent reduction statewide within six years if the quota were achieved\, although all quotas are not met currently. The quotas provided under the second alternative would have no numerical difference in the Northwest Ecoregion from the status quo alternative.\nThe third alternative would achieve a 20 percent reduction statewide within six years\nFourth alternative would achieve a 40 percent reduction statewide within six years.\n\nTheir justifications for these potential harvest increases are not well supported by science and are often just value statements – such as improving hunter satisfaction. \nHere is Mountain Lion Foundation’s alert on Montana season proposals: \nIt is a pre-fab letter and you can edit it\, or just hit send: Montana – Mountain Lion Foundation \nThey also wrote a blogpost on the issue: Breaking the Cycle – Mountain Lion Foundation \nIMPORTANCE TO SD \nThe management of lions in SE Montana is important to SD as we  have had at times  breeding populations and/or long term resident lions at the Custer National Forest lands or nearby state/private lands.  However with SD’s 365 day hunting seasons with hounds on the prairie in SD\, such populations likely won’t last well on the SD side. \nCuster National Forest exists in Montana and SD. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-for-cougar-hunting-rules-montana-fish-and-wildlife-commission/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230512T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230515T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230504T224633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T012905Z UID:7158-1683849600-1684195140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:2023 West River Migration Count DESCRIPTION:The West River Migration Count\,  takes place May 12-15\, Fri – Mon. This was a national count years ago\, and local folks have maintained the long-term count. The following counties participate: Harding\, Butte\, \, Lawrence\, Meade\, Pennington\, Custer\, and Fall River.  If you are interested in counting numbers of birds and species in these areas and have not already visited with a county coordinator\, send Jen Fowler an email. She will then connect you with the appropriate county coordinator to learn what areas need coverage. You may commit to one day or multiple\, and this is a wonderful opportunity to revisit favorite places as birds are returning north.Jen Fowler\, WRMC coordinatorHill City\, SD605-431-5438 (text is best)waterfowlerlover@yahoo.com URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/2023-west-river-migration-count/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230512T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230512T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230509T192344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T192344Z UID:7214-1683885600-1683892800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Webinar on "Environmental Justice and Emerging Contaminants"\, DESCRIPTION:Webinar on “Environmental Justice and Emerging Contaminants” Presenters: Massachusetts Institute of Technology\, University of California\, Berkeley\, and University of Rhode Island SRP centers. May 12\, 12:00-2:00 p.m. EDT and 10 am – 12 pm MT \nThis is the 3rd webinar of NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) Progress in Research WEBINAR SERIES. \nThe webinars are free and open to the public. You may register through the links below:\nhttps://www.clu-in.org/training/webinar/SRPPIR20/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/webinar-on-environmental-justice-and-emerging-contaminants/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230512T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230512T235500 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230418T004302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230418T004703Z UID:6778-1683935400-1683935700@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:May 12th\, Comment Deadline scoping on Zeppelin Timber Sale DESCRIPTION:May 12th\, Comment deadline for scoping on Zeppelin Timber Sale. \nThis Zeppelin timber sale is about 2 miles northwest of Piedmont\, 6 miles  South of Sturgis\, \nScoping comments are due May 12th\, Friday. Scoping deadlines are a little flexible but best to send in on time.\n\nVisit this link for details\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63845 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-12th-comment-deadline-scoping-on-zeppelin-timber-sale/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230509T192658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T192814Z UID:7216-1683936000-1684022340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:International Migratory Bird Day - second Saturday in May DESCRIPTION:International Migratory Bird Day – is the second Saturday of every May. \nPHAS will celebrate it with our annual spring field trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge on 5/13/23.  Link to learn about International Migratory Bird Day \nhttp://birdday.org/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/international-migratory-bird-day-second-saturday-in-may/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230513T180000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230419T001711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230512T215600Z UID:6793-1683963000-1684000800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:PHAS's Field Trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge DESCRIPTION:Field Trip to La Creek National Wildlife Refuge\, May 13th \nThis is an annual event that Prairie Hills Audubon Society and Black Hills Group of Sierra Club sponsor every May – either the first or second weekend in May.  This year it is on Saturday the 13th — second Saturday. \nEvery May\, the second Saturday  is International Migratory Bird Day. http://birdday.org/ \nWe will meet in Rapid City at the Eastside Family Fare parking lot at 7:30 a.m. for folks wanting to car pool\, and at the Refuge HQ at 10:30 a.m. (give or take). \nContact Nancy for questions 605-787-6466 (land line) 787-2806 (cell)  or nhilding@rapidnet.com or jedediahbeadle@gmail.com\, ‭(605) 510-7989 (cell) \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/field-trip-to-la-creek-national-wildlife-refuge/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230515T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230615T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230502T060106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230510T215332Z UID:7107-1684108800-1686873540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Climate Watch - Spring Season - May 15th-June 15th DESCRIPTION:Climate Watch – Spring Season – May 15th-June 15th \nClimate Watch – The summer and winter seasons repeat each year.\nClimate Watch is sponsored by the National Audubon Society (NAS) & takes place during two distinct seasons—winter (January 15-February 15) and summer (May 15-June 15). Below is the alert about summer 2023\, the latest season . \nMay 15th- June 15th\, 2023 \nLike the Christmas bird count this is a chance to help create “citizen science” for birds. Climate Watch focuses on these target species: Eastern Bluebird\, Mountain Bluebird\, Western Bluebird\, White-breasted Nuthatch\, Red-breasted Nuthatch\, Brown-headed Nuthatch\, Pygmy Nuthatch\, American Goldfinch\, Lesser Goldfinch\, Painted Bunting\, Eastern Towhee\, and Spotted Towhee. \nThese birds are easy to identify\, have an enthusiastic constituency\, and Audubon’s climate models for these species offer strong predictions for range shifts for us to test. In future years\, Climate Watch may include additional target species threatened by climate change. We believe that western bluebird and painted bunting are not normally in SD. All the other birds occur in all or parts of SD. \nVisit this page to see where these birds are in SD\, and which are near you: \nhttps://www.sdakotabirds.com/species_main.htm\nLocation Climate Watch focuses on areas of predicted change for these 12 species at each location across the continent. Audubon provides volunteers with online mapping tools with a grid of 10 km x 10 km squares showing species-specific predictions for each square based on the climate models. A Climate Watch Coordinator can help select your location and survey square. If you are participating on your own\, use the online maps to decide in which square to do your surveys. You will be able to see which squares are already “claimed”. \nHow to count Volunteers should first make sure to read through all of the materials including the full protocol manual. The Climate Watch protocol is different than any other birding program. Then using the planning done with the online maps\, volunteers survey appropriate habitat for the target species within a square and conduct 12 point counts of five minutes each within one morning\, then record the number and species of all birds seen or heard within 100 meters. Participants send the data to the National Audubon Society. \nHow data will be used  Audubon’s 2019 climate change report\, ‘Survival By Degrees\, – https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees – reveals that up to two-thirds of North American birds are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. For example\, the beautiful Mountain Bluebird is vulnerable because in the vast majority of its summer range\, the climate conditions that this bird needs—temperature\, amount of rainfall\, and other environmental factors—will shift northward and eastward. This bird may be able to move into new areas over time\, or it may struggle to adapt. To test the report’s predictions\, Audubon has developed Climate Watch\, which aims to document species’ responses to climate change and test Audubon’s climate models by having volunteers in the field look for birds where Audubon’s climate models predict they will be in the 2020s. This information helps Audubon target our conservation work to protect birds. See the Climate Watch results page here to see our early reports and results from the data received by Climate Watch volunteers so far! \nLink to the Climate-watch program on the National Audubon Society web page \nhttps://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch \nClimate watch instructions for participants \nhttps://www.audubon.org/news/participant-resources-climate-watch\nClimate watch for beginners webinar\, – this has much of the same info as our November meeting \nhttps://audubon.zoom.us/rec/share/xe9NAZTe6WVOf7fz2kbRAYAQMI66eaa8hCFL_fNZn0k3a8uNjHkvp4-EZzq7vlq_?startTime=1588186808000\n\nYou can call  or e-mail Nancy Hilding\, President of Prairie Hills Audubon Society for help with creating maps of the squares where you want to bird.  605-787-6466 (LL) or phas.wsd@rapidnet.com\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/climate-watch-spring-season-may-15th-june-15th/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230512T050501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230512T050501Z UID:7259-1684314000-1684515600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Treaty Summit - hosted by Oglala Sioux Tribe DESCRIPTION:2023 Treaty Summit – hosted by Oglala Sioux Tribe’s\, 5th Member’s Office \nMay 17th\, 18th & 19th\, 9 am-5 pm at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn\, Rapid City\, SD \nFor more info – 5th Member Justin Pourier – \, PH: 605-867-2439\nCELL: 605-441-6922 \nMain Office OST – 605-867-5821 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/treaty-summit-hosted-by-oglala-sioux-tribe/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230517T163000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230509T185918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T185244Z UID:7212-1684328400-1684341000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Forest Advisory Board meeting May 17th\, 1 pm DESCRIPTION:A National Forest Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for May 17th-  1 pm – 4:30 pm at Mystic Ranger District\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Rd\, Rapid City\, SD 57702 \nTopics on the meeting agenda include Long Eared Bat Listing – Reclassified as Endangered\, Black Elk Wilderness Area\, Fire Season 2023\, and Forest Plan Revision update. \nMeetings are open to the Public. The agenda will include time for public oral comments of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral comment must make a request in writing by at least three days before the meeting\, to be scheduled on the agenda. Requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Scott Jacobson\, NFAB Committee Coordinator\, Mystic Ranger District Office\, 8221 Mount Rushmore Road\, Rapid City\, South Dakota\, 57702; or by email to scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov. \nFor info contact Scott Jacobson scott.j.jacobson@usda.gov \nor visit for agenda and details: \nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5114550 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-forest-advisory-board-meeting-may-17th-1-pm/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230518T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230426T194159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T035958Z UID:6946-1684400400-1684512000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Hearing on Wharf's application to expand their mine DESCRIPTION:Hearing on Wharf’s application to expand their mine. May 18th and 19th – DANR – Foss Building – Matthew Training Center\, Pierre\, SD\, Start Date/Time: 05/18/2023 10:00 AM\nEnd Date/Time: 05/19/2023 05:00 PM. \nWharf has been in operation since December 1982.  Previously it has been granted four additional mining permits to expand its operation: two in 1986\, one in 1998 and another in 2011.  With the latest expansion application they seek to add 48.2 acres to the mine. \nMore details on the hearing : \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/BME%20packet%20May%20%2018-19%202023.pdf \nhttps://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=67 \nRapid City Journal Article on: \nhttps://rapidcityjournal.com/danr-to-hold-hearing-on-future-of-wharf-mine-boston-expansion/article_b72d2994-f294-11ed-bfb2-c38c86bb8cc0.html URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/hearing-on-wharfs-application-to-expand-their-mine/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230415T195308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T152449Z UID:6735-1684483200-1684515600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Celebrate Issue of Endangered Species Commemorative Forever® Stamps DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Commemorative Forever® Stamps First-Day-of-Issue stamp ceremony on Friday\, May 19\, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. \nThere will be an event in  Wall\, SD  on Endangered Species Day\, May 19th\, 2023 to celebrate the issuance of a set of postage stamps featuring a set of endangered species\, including the black-footed ferret. \nIt will be sponsored by the Postal Service\, but Martha Williams\, the head of the USFWS\, will be there. Time-of-day is 11 am and it will last for about 45 minutes. It is expected to be  in the Wall Community Center. Wall Commuinity Center is located at 501 Main St\, Wall\, SD 57790\, two blocks away from the National Grassland Visitor center (location was moved due to expected weather).  Seating is at first come and first served.    Call the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands for more details – (605) 279-2126‬‬‬ ext 217. \nPostal Service announcement: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2023/0419ma-postal-service-spotlights-endangered-species.htm \nAbout stamps:     https://store.usps.com/store/product/stamp-collectors/endangered-species-first-day-cover-S_483816 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/celebrate-issue-of-postage-stamp-with-black-footed-ferret/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-05-17-at-11.29.16-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230509T193153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T194106Z UID:7218-1684490400-1684497600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Webinar - Chemical Exposures Across the Life Course\, May 19 DESCRIPTION:Webinar – Chemical Exposures Across the Life Course\, \nMay 19\, 12:00-2:00 p.m. EDT  or 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. MT\nPresenters: Duke University\, University of Louisville\, and Wayne State University SRP centers. \nThe webinars are free and open to the public. You may register through the links below:\nhttps://www.clu-in.org/training/webinar/SRPPIR20/\nNIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) Progress in Research WEBINAR SERIES. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/webinar-chemical-exposures-across-the-life-course-may-19/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230521T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230422T064809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230519T040204Z UID:6887-1684490400-1684713540@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event DESCRIPTION:Endangered Species Chalk Art Event \nThe competition will take place from Friday\, May 19th\, 2023 to Sunday\, May 21st. \nFriday\, May 19th is Endangered Species Day. People of all ages\, identities\, and skill levels to participate in this competition. People can create chalk art individually or to collaborate \nwith each other. \nTo be eligible for a prize\, your art must feature at least one threatened or endangered plant or animal species\, and it must be created with chalk. Artwork must be new (created within the previous week – no reusing photos of old chalk art). \nTo enter the contest\, you must post a photo of your chalk art on Instagram between 9:00am Pacific Time on Friday\, May 19th and 11:59pm Pacific Time on Sunday\, \nMay 20th.  You must use the hashtag #EndangeredSpeciesChalkArt and tag @endangeredspeciescoalition in your caption. \nThis grand prize winner will be awarded $250. Public vote winner gets $100. \nFive lottery winners  (random draw from entries) get chocolate. \nThis is the third annual chalk art competition by Endangered Species Coalition. Link to learn more: \nhttps://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230402T055457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T210316Z UID:6537-1684515600-1684670400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union Spring meeting at Milbank DESCRIPTION:The SD Ornithologist Union spring meeting will be held near Milbank\, SD at “Abby on the Hill” in Marvin\, SD. \nIt is on the weekend of 5/19/2023-5/21/2023.  The spring SDOU meeting focuses more on field trips.  Go to their web site for more details and the schedule:.  https://sdou.org/SDOU/NextMeeting.aspx URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-union-spring-meeting-at-milbank/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230311T024640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T183810Z UID:6420-1684519200-1684530000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Endangered Species Day Celebration 2023 DESCRIPTION:2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act – which President Nixon signed into law on December 28th of 1973.  Endangered Species Day is set by Congress to be the third Friday in May. \nThis our 16th year of having a multi-group sponsored Endangered Species Day Celebration in Rapid City area.  This will be a Zoom meeting in the evening with lectures on endangered or threatened species in our state or the region. Time will be 6 pm – 9:00 pm MT. \n6:00 pm – Introduction by Sponsors \n6:10 pm – 7:20 pm – Speaker: Amity A Bass\, Field Supervisor\, North and South Dakota Ecological Services\, US Fish and Wildlife Service – She will speak on SD’s federally listed species with updates on changes to their status\, populations and/or habitats in the last few years and also about the 12 month findings (decisions to list – or not) to be decided in next few years. \n 7:20 pm – 8:30 pm – Speakers: Ellen Whittle\, Bat Project Manager for the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD)\, University of Wyoming and Renee Lile\, PhD Student in the Program of Ecology\, University of Wyoming – These two speakers will report on their research on our local northern long eared bats in the Black Hills/Bear Lodge. \n8:30-9:00 pm – Powerpoint by Eileen Dowd Stukel\, Senior Wildlife Diversity Biologist\, SD Game\, Fish and Parks – Eileen can’t come but she will provide a powerpoint on: our SD state listed species with updates on the down listing of the peregrine falcon in 2022\, on SD GFP’s Wildlife Action Plan Revision and also on the progress of Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S. 1149) in the 118th Congress. For more information on RAWA by the NWF: https://affiliates.nwf.org/resources/recovering-toolkit/ \nNormally a bunch of conservation groups sponsor the event – this year  Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League\, The Norbeck Society\, Black Hills Chapter of Dakota Rural Action & Black Hills Group of the Sierra Club\, Magpie and Buffalo Organizing\,  South Dakota Citizen’s Climate Lobby have already confirmed sponsorship \nThe meeting will be recorded and recording link posted to PHAS web site\, a few days later \nZoom details. \nTopic: Endangered Species Day Celebration\, 2023\nTime: 6 pm-9 pm MT\, 5/19/23 \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose) \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\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\nFind your local number (especially international numbers): https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV \n\n\n\n\n\nLink to announcement of the meeting on our Facebook Page\n\nhttps://fb.me/e/KfeVFuz6 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-day-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-05-17-at-10.12.20-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230523T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230523T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230524T041451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230524T041451Z UID:7662-1684800000-1684886340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:World Turtle Day DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, May 23rd is World Turtle Day \nVisit Wikipedia former info. \nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Turtle_Day \nThe False Map Turtle is listed as threatened on SD’s list of threatened  & endangered species: \nhttps://www.sdherps.org/species/graptemys_pseudogeographica URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/world-turtle-day/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230524T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230525T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230429T210803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230429T212640Z UID:7062-1684915200-1685034000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native American Fish and Wildlife Society - Great Plains Regional Conference DESCRIPTION:2023 NAFWS Great Plains Regional Conference\nMay 24- 25\, 2022 in Deadwood\, SD\nThe 2023 Great Plains Regional Conference will be held Wednesday \,May 24- Thursday\, 25\, 2023\, in Deadwood\, SD at the Deadwood Lodge. May 23rd and 26th are reserved as travel days. Make room reservations as soon as possible to receive a special rate for conference attendees. Early bird registration ends February 25th! \nRegistration\nAttendees with up-to-date Individual Membership and Representatives of Member Tribes are eligible for discounted registration. \nYou have the option to download the Registration Form and bring it to the conference with your payment as well. \nNon-members who pay the member price will be billed the difference. Contact Heidi McCann (hmccann@nafws.org) to verify your membership is up to date. \nComplete checkout below to register. Please fill out attendee details for each ticket purchased. \nMail checks to\nNative American Fish & Wildlife Society\n10465 Melody Dr.\, Ste. 307\nNorthglenn\, CO 80234 \nRegistration Fees\nNAFWS Member – $150\nMember Tribe Representative (Employee of Member Tribe) – $150\nNon-member (includes $50 membership)- $200 \nHere was an agenda for early April\, I suspect that earlier date got adverse weather postponement to May. Not sure of the May agenda and the exact start and end time on . \nhttps://www.nafws.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-Great-Plains-FINAL-Conference-Agenda.pdf \nFor more information \nhttps://www.nafws.org/product/2023-great-plains-regional-conference/ \nor Jeff Kelly\,  jkelly@standingrock.org\, 701-226-5048 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-american-fish-and-wildlife-society-great-plains-regional-conference/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230530T044335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230530T185853Z UID:7703-1685520000-1685552400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Bumble Bee Atlas Training DESCRIPTION:Bumble Bee Atlas Training at SD Game\, Fish & Park’s Outdoor Campus West (OCW)\, Rapid City\,  SD\, May 31st. \nWe actually don’t know the start & end time of training on 5/31 – but OCW staff says the sponsors reserved the room from  8 am to 5 pm. \nHelp create a nationwide atlas of bumble bees. For more information on the Atlas: \nwww.BumbleBeeAtlas.org \nhttps://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/gptraining.html \nDaniel_Kim@fws.org\, \nKatie.Lamke@xerces.org\, \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bumble-bee-atlas-training/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230601T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230426T195423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230426T200335Z UID:6949-1685520000-1685635200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Training on "Save our Streams" program of the Izaak Walton League DESCRIPTION:Rapid City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America will be having a “Save Our Streams Creek Freaks” training this year!\n\n\nThe trainings will be for one day and you have  an option of going on May 31st or June 1st from 8 am to 4 pm. The event is at SDGFP’s Outdoor Campus  West (Rapid City) and you will have a hands on learning experience on stream ecology\, water quality monitoring\, and how to teach these things both in a classroom setting and in the field!\n\n\nTo register for this free one day training\, email Mark Boddicker boddicker@mt-rushmore.net !\nFor more info: https://www.facebook.com/people/Izaak-Walton-League-of-America-Rapid-City-SD-Chapter-105/100067603298358/ URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/training-on-save-our-streams-program-of-the-izaak-walton-league/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230531T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T184845 CREATED:20230402T223751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230402T233333Z UID:6606-1685550600-1685552400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:May 31st\, Deadline to sign petition asking Biden to protect beavers on public land DESCRIPTION:ACTION NEEDED – SPRING/SUMMER 2023     \nBelow find a link to a nationwide petition about protecting beavers on federal public (which is the short) and a longer more detailed letter (8 pages) signed by many environmental groups on same topic. \nPlease sign the petition & read the letter. \nSign Nationwide Petition on Beaver to Biden before 5/31/23 \nhttps://www.change.org/p/ask-president-biden-to-protect-beavers-on-public-land?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=e19f6c40-1d8b-11e6-9760-d3e5d013af27 \n Letter to Biden from environmental groups on 2/27/23 – 8 pages with lots of information on the issue:https://www.westernwatersheds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Biden-Beaver-Letter.pdf \n================== \nAs a second step – the information in the letter will help you to become an advocate for beavers  & you could write a short letter to SD GFP objecting to SD’s beaver trapping/hunting season. \nThis spring or early summer 2023  the SDGFP  Commission will be reconsidering their horrible beaver trapping season which is 12 months every place in SD except Black Hills where it is 12 months\, 6 months and 3 months depending on where you are. The Black Hills National Forest is 3 months. \nOn our events page we always have dates of next Commission meeting with commenting instructions. Written comments can be submitted via on-line form at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. .  Unless you want to talk or send directly to each Commissioner:   https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/. SDGFP Commission meetings are normally the first Thursday & Friday of the month\, except for holiday conflicts & they normally skip August.  Letters received at on-line site by Sunday mid-night before the Thursday meeting\,  end up in that month’s Commission Book (public record). \nHopefully we will create an on-line petition for SDGFP sometime in April.  We also need a campaign to contact federal land managers locally in SD and ask them to object to 12 months of beaver  trapping/hunting on their public lands – areas like Buffalo Gap\, Pierre and Grand River National Grasslands\, Custer National Forest\, Army Corp of Engineers and BLM could be contacted. Federal agencies sign memorandum of understanding with GFP\, allowing GFP to regulate hunting/trapping on their lands.  However federal agencies can supersede that\, for example Buffalo Gap National Grasslands closed areas to prairie dog hunting\, that GFP wanted open. \nSD GFP has given them all the federal agencies (except the BHNF) 12 months of beaver hunting and last I asked the other federal agencies western half of SD had very few beaver. Only BHNF has a shorter season and there has been discussion of a moratorium of hunting/trapping in the Black Hills due to too few beaver seen.  Public lands are not like private lands as anyone can hunt on them\, where on private land some of the land owners might protect beaver. \n SDGFP would be finalizing the 2024-25 beaver trapping hunting rule changes (if any) likely in June or July with proposals in April or May. \nIf the Commission does nothing —  in SD we can petition for rule change – but might  need to done  by May or June Commission meetings. PHAS hopes to have an internal working meeting on this issue in spring – contact Nancy if interested in the beaver issue. \n. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/may-31st-deadline-to-sign-petition-asking-biden-to-protect-beavers-on-public-land/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR