BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prairie Hills Audubon Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://phas-wsd.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prairie Hills Audubon Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240515T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240615T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240511T015343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240511T015801Z UID:12602-1715731200-1718495940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Climate Watch\, Spring/Summer season 5/15/24-6/15/24 DESCRIPTION:Climate Watch is Audubon’s biannual community science program that enlists volunteer bird-lovers across North America to tally for twelve target bird species \nClimate Watch – Summer Season – May 15th-June 15th\, 2024 Climate Watch \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 for any season (winter or summer) . \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 URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/climate-watch-spring-summer-season/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240531T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240515T051753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T022712Z UID:12679-1717174800-1717333200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union's Spring Meeting - Custer\, SD DESCRIPTION:SD Ornithologist Union’s Spring Meeting – Custer\, SD \nCuster SD May 31-June 2\, 2024\, All gatherings will be at the Custer County Annex Building*\, 447 Crook St. Custer SD\, in the Pine room. For more information: https://sdou.org/SDOU/NextMeeting.aspx \nFriday evening  5 pm- 7 pm registration/social  then: \n 7pm-8 pm Friday with a presentation ( by well known landscape photographer/author/and historian Paul Horstead\, as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Custer expedition. His recreation of historical photos taken during the 1874 survey of the Black Hills by the US Calvery\, show the history and the changes that have come to Western South Dakota in the past 150years.   \n 7 am- 6 pm on Saturday are Pplanned field trips that will head in all four directions – north to granite peaks\, south to the Whitney Preserve (SW of Hot Springs)\, east to Custer State Park\,  and west to Hell Canyon and Boles/Roby Canyon. These field trip options repeat on Sunday morning.\, except Saturday field trips last 7 am- 6 pm but Sunday’s are shorter. \n6-7 pm Saturday – Dinner/Banquete: Hillbilly BBQ will provide their locally famous BBQ Brisquit with sides of cowboy beans\, corn on the cob and chopped veggie salad known as “Grandma’s salad”. Non meat option will be stuffed grilled portabella mushroom and the same sides. A selection of pies for dessert\, provided by The Purple Pie Place.  \n7 pm-8pm MT\, Saturday – Evening’s keynote speaker: Maggie Engler\, life long birder and director of the Black Hills Raptor Center will bring some of her education birds for a chance to see these raptors very up close and personal . \n7 am – 12 am\, Sunday Field trips – with  same 4  trip options  as Saturday  \n12-1 pm –  a count off. \nRegistration is $30\, meals may be $24/@ for adult and $12/@ for child – to  get  meal please be register by 5/24/24. Link to on-line registration \nhttps://sdou.org/SDOU/Registration.aspx?mtg=19 \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-unions-spring-meeting-custer-sd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240531T163438Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T163820Z UID:13302-1717223400-1717275600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:National Trails Day - June 1st\, Saturday DESCRIPTION:National Trails Day – is June 1st\, Saturday\, Many NGOs or state and federal agencies are sponsoring hiking events nationwide. \nAt this web page you can search for an event near you: \nhttps://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/ \nIt finds 6  hikes within 50 miles and  7 hikes within 100 miles of Rapid City \nWe assume there may be some hikes you can’t find on this search engine\, so if an agency is near you\, you could check with them for their events (if any). \nTimes and location of hikes varies URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/national-trails-day-june-1st-saturday/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-31-at-10.32.21-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T150000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240531T155854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T162233Z UID:13295-1717236000-1717254000@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native Plant Road Show - by SDSU Native Plant Initiative - Spearfish DESCRIPTION:Plant sale event to be held Saturday\, June 1\, 10 am-3pm at The Snapper’s Club in Spearfish\, courtesy of Beautify Spearfish.\n\n\nNative plants will be sold.  (sales via cash or check only) URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-plant-road-show-by-sdsu-native-plant-initiative/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240601T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240515T015255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T015255Z UID:12673-1717236000-1717261200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Great Plains Native Plant Society Field Trip Bear Butte/Ft. Meade Area DESCRIPTION:Great Plains Native Plant Society Field Trip Bear Butte/Ft. Meade Area \nParticipants will see most of the plants within the Bear Butte Historic Preserve\, which contains a part of the grounds of the historic Ft. Meade that is currently being archeologically documented.\nAfter an introductory presentation by Ross Lamphere of the BBCHP Association\, our member Dr. Mark Gabel\, an eminent botanist of the Black Hills and member of the Bear Butte Creek Historic Preserve Association\, will lead an easy hike to view the flora within this historic area. \nWe don’t know how long the field trip will last and just speculated end time of 5 pm. \n  \n\nRSVP by May 23\nTrip leader: Dr. Mark Gabel\, botanist\n605-745-3397\nfieldtrips@gpnps.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/great-plains-native-plant-society-field-trip-bear-butte-ft-meade-area/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T140000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240531T160258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T160258Z UID:13297-1717322400-1717336800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Native Plant Road Show\, Courtesy of SDSU Native Plant Initiative - Rapid City DESCRIPTION:Native Plant Road Show\, Courtesy of SDSU Native Plant Initiative – Rapid City \nSunday\, June 2\, 10 am – 2 pm at Jolly Lane Greenhouse\, Rapid City\nNative plants will be sold. \nOn Saturday 6/1/24\, they will be in Spearfish URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/native-plant-road-show-courtesy-of-sdsu-native-plant-initiative-rapid-city/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240602T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240525T195836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T010857Z UID:13050-1717368600-1717369140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June 2024 Meeting - Act to Protect Raccoons DESCRIPTION:Midnight CT is the deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June 2024 Meeting – Act to Protect Raccoons \nSunday June 2nd at just before Midnight CT is the deadline to send written comments in to SDGFP for inclusion in the public record of the meeting. If comments are late they go into the public record for the next meeting (July). \nGo to June 6th–7th Commission meeting announcement for more more details and instructions on how to submit comments or testify (at hybrid Commission meetings). https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-june-meeting/ \nor \nWritten comments to SDGFP Commission can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting .\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, \n\n================= \nFor  the June meeting we ask people to write or testify against the rule proposal/finalization to allow for out-of-state hunters to use hounds to hunt raccoons.  You would be objecting to the rule proposal for raccoons.  This proposal came about\, due  to petition for rule making by hound hunter in fall 2023. \nThe two goals expressed by hound hunters were to allow hound hunting friends from out-of-state to hound hunt with locals and the other goal was to help facilitate large raccoon hound hunting events. We want people to testify against collective hound hunting of small animals as a recreational event or a form of recreational sport that hunters in SD have a right to expect the Commission to facilitate. \nHere is a link to the rule proposal (that you should oppose): https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Raccoons.Hound_HuntRule.June23Commission.pdf \nWe also ask for people to also write in opposition to hound hunting of mt. lions in the Black Hills\, which has been asked for by hound hunters and is currently being considered/thought about by the Commission/Staff\, but no formal proposal is before them yet.  We expect the changes to mountain lion hunting season (if any) and the new 2024 mt lion management Action Plan  to be offered at the July meeting\, with finalization (vote) in September.  We expect the staff to propose to expand hound hunting of cougars  in the Black Hills. \nSo we are also asking people to be writing against hound hunting of SD wildlife generally and getting your friend to do so also. \nIn SD\, all wildlife can be hound  hunted unless specifically prohibited.  Big game can’t be hunted with hounds \, with the exception that GFP allows mt. lions to be hunted by hounds\,  in Custer State Park and on the Prairie Unit.  Bobcats\, whose pelts are worth a lot of money\, can be hound hunted.  Currently raccoons can’t be hound hunted by out-of-staters. \nOglala Sioux Tribe allows hound hunting of lions within their jurisdiction by tribal and non-tribal members.  Rosebud Sioux Tribe might be allowing it in the future for their lions\, by tribal members. Nebraska allows hound hunting of lions\, but limits it to after the “boot hunt”if the “boot  hunt” fails to reach the harvest limit.. Wyoming allows hound hunting of lions and I think non-lethal pursuit (which means hound hunters can chase and tree lions without killing them).  Non-lethal pursuit has also been proposed by hound hunters for SD (but not approved) and people should write in opposition to that also. . \nAlso visit our web pages on protecting raccoons in SD\, \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/protect-sd-raccoons/ \nour mountain lion/cougar web page \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/. \nand our nest predator bounty program web page. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sd-nest-predator-bounty-program/ \n\n=============================== \n\nPHAS November 2023 meeting on Raccoons – watch this for inspiration! \n\nNovember 29th\, 2023\nThere are two recordings of this meeting (for two speakers).  Discussion of event’s topics/speakers can be found at this link: https://phas-wsd.org/event/likely-date-phass-november-members-meeting-topic-raccoons/\nThe first half of the meeting\, was about raccoons.  The initial recording was accidentally cut off towards the end of Q&A on the raccoon presentation. Recording of meeting starts again in the next recording  where the end of first speaker’s  presentation precedes the second speakers presentation.  Nancy Hilding’s presentation is on SD Game\, Fish and Park’s policy with respect to meso-carnivores – especially the Nest Predator Bounty Program and hound hunting of raccoons.\nLinks to part 1 and part 2\nPart 1 Katherine’s presentation on raccoons: https://vimeo.com/890441992/e8cdc3f64f\nPart 2 – The end of Katherine’s & all of Nancy’s presentation:  https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/890467767/5713cb96ae\n  \n=== \n\n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \neadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission June Meeting URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-send-written-comments-to-sdgfp-commission-june-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Raccon-image-Screen-Shot-2023-12-06-at-10.16.16-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240603T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240603T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240521T041530Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T031857Z UID:12954-1717423200-1717430400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Review of Meade County Draft Comprehensive Plan by Meade Planning Commission DESCRIPTION:Review of Meade County Draft Comprehensive Plan by Planning Commission\, Monday June 3rd\, 2024\, – a public hearing at 2 pm at the  Meade County Office Building (Erskine Bldg) on 1300 Sherman St. \nIn the earlier spring (April 1st\, 2024) \, the Planning Commission moved forward a Draft Comprehensive Plan to the Meade County Commission (May 14th) \, who recommended amendments to the draft and approved it as amended and staff have written up those changes and the new draft Plan will go back to the Planning Commission for review – and maybe approval. \nIf you have not reviewed the draft plan\, your opportunity to review and comment may be ending on June 3rd 2024 hearing and/or at the later Meade Commission hearing. It is suggested the earlier you comment in the process the better. \nLink to download the June 3rd version of the draft plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/664b8e8c41cd9f6f0cdcf28d/1716227729433/Meade+County+Draft+06-03-2024.pdf \nLink to download an earlier  May 14th version  of the draft plan (this will be amended): \nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/files/D4TPKV642C7D/$file/Meade%20County%20Draft%2005-14-2024.pdf \nPlanning Commission 6/3/24  Agenda should be on this web page on Friday before Monday: \nhttps://go.boarddocs.com/sd/meade/Board.nsf/Public \nList of Meade Committees: \nhttps://www.meadecounty.org/committees \nYou can send written comments to the Meade County Planning Dept\, but they wanted them several working days in advance of hearing. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-meade-county-draft-comprehensive-plan-by-meade-planning-commission/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-05-31-at-8.55.27-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240606T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240607T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20231213T070307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240607T191940Z UID:9871-1717675200-1717761600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks Commission June Meeting DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish & Parks Commission’s June Hybrid Meeting –  June 6th-7th 2024\, in Yankton\, at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center \nSDGFP Commission continued with its’ normal meeting policies\, — folks can testify for 3 minutes at 2 pm CT in person or by Zoom or phone. Visit this web page closer to the meeting date\, for more details: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nSD GFP normally meets on the first Thursday-Friday of the month\, unless those days are close to a holiday and then the meeting week may shift. They normally don’t meet in February and August. \nJune 6th Livestream link \nZoom Meeting Link | To join via conference call\, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Meeting ID: 928 2777 2568 | Passcode: 421262 \nNotice of rule finalization hearings: \nhttps://rules.sd.gov/Uploads/824_PublicNotice.pdf \nAgenda: \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_-_June_6-7\,_2024_Public_Copy_(1).pdf \nPublic Comments; \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/May_6_through_June_2\,_2024_Public_Comments_with_Attachments.pdf \nISSUES THAT WE ANTICIPATE \nRaccoon – We ask people to be opposing the proposal to allow out-of-state hound hunters to hunt raccoons with hounds in SD. One of the main reasons for this is to help hound hunting competitions\, where hunters compete over raccoon treeing/killing. We have a web page on raccoon issues  under “Events + Alerts” drop down menu under  “Action Alerts” side menu. https://phas-wsd.org/protect-sd-raccoons/ \n+++++++++++++++ \nOUTCOME OF THURSDAY’s COMMISSION MEETING  – The rule change to allow non-residents to hound hunt raccoons passed the Commission on 6/6/24. The Commission received 22 written comments against it & 1 in favor. Two people (Julie Anderson & Nancy Hilding (PHAS)) testified verbally against & one person testified for it. \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/May_6_through_June_2\,_2024_Public_Comments_with_Attachments.pdf \n=================== \nThe rule change finalizations for May are: \nFurbearer Seasons and Methods: Hunting Raccoons with Dogs\nElk Raffle License\nLandowner on Own Land Elk \nTo see the text of the  finalization proposals (until SDGFP publishes the Commission Book for June). Go to the Commission Book for May https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/meetings/may2024commissionbook_.pdf \nThere are 4 petitions for rule making on Lake Francis Case Paddlefish Season\, two petitions on PanFish Daily Limet & Motor Use on Lakes.  There are proposals on Air Gun Hunting\, Wild Turkey Seasons\, and Annual Park Entrance License Options. \nCougars – We expect\, but are not sure\, that SDGFP may be moving forward a plan to allow hound hunting within the Black Hills outside of Custer State Park. We  expect that to be proposed at the July meeting and finalized in Sept.  After June 2nd people could send in comments in opposition to hound hunting of mt. lions – but the deadline will be in early September. We have an alert on that on our Mt Lion page \, that explains this – https://phas-wsd.org/cougar-alert/. \n\n\nWritten comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. To be included in the public record of the next meeting\, comments must include your complete name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy–two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting) (Usually Sunday night before midnight CT or MT depending on time zone of physical meeting)  If you miss that deadline it goes to record of the next meeting .\nYou can testify at GFP meetings which are held in person and by Zoom\, generally at 2 pm on the Thursday of the meeting\, in time zone of the meeting. If there is rule finalization(s) you get 3 minutes per each rule you want to testify on. During the Open Forum\, you get 3 minutes to testify on anything. \nYou are supposed to send Liz Kierl- Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us\,  an e-mail before 1 pm CT on the day of the hearing\, to notify her that you want to testify remotely (giving name\, who you represent and subject matter(s))\, but they normally are polite and ask if any one not registered either in the room or Zoom/phone wants to testify \nUnless you want to communicate directly with each Commissioner  (those comments will not be in the public record)–  https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/members/  (no deadline). You can see phones and home address at this link.  Here are likely e-mails for them.\n\n“Stephanie.Rissler@state.sd.us” \, “Jon.Locken@state.sd.us” \,  “Travis.Bies@state.sd.us” \, “Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us” \, “Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us” \nThe three new commissioners  e-mails likely are: \nJim.White@state.sd.us\, \, Bruce.Cull@state.sd.us\, Travis.Theel@state.sd.us\, URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-commission-june-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240607T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240608T160000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240515T020129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T021525Z UID:12675-1717750800-1717862400@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Open House by the Great Plains Plant Society in Hermosa DESCRIPTION:Open House by the Great Plains Plant Society in Hermosa at their botanical garden \nFriday & Saturday – June 7 & 8\, 9:am–4:pm \nGreat Plains Botanic Garden is  a short distance east of Hwy 79 five miles south of Hermosa SD. The physical address is 14229 Windbreak Road\, Hermosa\, SD. From Hwy 79 go five miles south of Hermosa\, turn east on Windbreak Road\, just a bit north of mile-marker 55 on Hwy 79.\nCome see their Penstemon Display\, the new Cactus Garden\, the Grass Section being installed and stroll through more of the grounds on their Trail of Two Hills.\nThe bookstore/giftshop in the Log Cabin Visitor Center will be open and offering free coffee and snacks. \nFor more info: https://www.gpnps.org/events.php \n\nTrip leader: Cindy Reed and GPNPS volunteers\n605-890-0150\nfieldtrips@gpnps.org URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/open-house-by-the-great-plains-plant-society-in-hermosa/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240515T170044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T025622Z UID:12686-1718044200-1718053200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:June 10th\, PHAS meeting on the BLM's proposed amendments to their RMPs for greater sage grouse DESCRIPTION:Monday\, June 10th\, 6:30 pm MT by Zoom\, \nPHAS meeting on the BLM’s proposed amendments to their Resource Management Plans for the greater sage grouse. \n Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09 \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n—\n\n\n\n\nPHAS meetings are recorded and the link to the meeting recordings are posted to our recordings web page\, normally within a few days after the meeting & link is also provided below.\n\nTo listen to meeting recording: Zoom Cloud storage link for June 10th\, 2024\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kvl71QwPzr2KYCTavym9skTwXg65gdRWjVdRAMi9sdaiZv5rsvfFYMdBBSwudxnn.xxlb4ySuNgqE9_qK\nPasscode: 9s=&9guS\n\n=======================\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s June Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT \nLocation: by Zoom \nSpeaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project Topic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again” \nComments are due on  the Draft Environmental Impact Statement June 13th\, a Thursday.  For more information on DEISs:  https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ \nCome and learn how to comment and about the issues. \nPHAS has been in litigation over the BLM greater sage grouse management since 2016. For more information on our sage grouse campaign: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/ \nZOOM DETAILS \nTopic: PHAS monthly meetings\nTime: Recurring meeting codes – This time 6/10/24 at 6:30 pm MT – We always use these same Zoom codes for PHAS monthly  meetings.\n\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\n—\n\nOne tap mobile\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n—\n\nDial by your location\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\nPasscode: 534620\n\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n\nExcerpt from our June Newsletter:\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s\nJune Meeting Date: Monday\, June 10th\, 2024\, 6:30 pm MT\nLocation: by Zoom Speaker: Erik Molvar\, Executive Director\, Western Watersheds Project\nTopic: “Sage grouse planning\, here we go again”\n\nThe Biden administration is joining previous administrations & once again offering amendments to the BLM Resource Management Plans for greater sage grouse in 10 western states\, including SD. The BLM had engaged in revising its’ greater sage grouse management in 2015 (under Obama) & in 2019 (under Trump)\, however sage grouse populations continue to drop\, losing nearly 80% of acreage between 1968 & 2023. Learn what the Biden Administration is doing or not doing to rectify the situation.\n\nTo protect the greater sage grouse Prairie Hills Audubon Society\, Western Watersheds Project\, Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians sued in 2016 in federal court to force better and more protective management on the BLM lands. The litigation is on hold\, waiting while Biden administrations rewrites its’ management plans. As a result of this litigation: 1) Trump amendments were enjoined\, 2) 10 million acres of critical sage grouse habitat temporarily protected from mining\, 3) the Biden Administration was forced to rewrite the previous administrations’ greater sage grouse management plans. Visit: https://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/\n\nBiden administration proposed new management rules are presented in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. There is an opportunity to comment ending Thursday June 13th\, 2024 & we hope you will comment.\nCome & learn about the issues from Erik and/or go to our web site’s page on sage ecosystem campaign or events/deadline calendar on June 13th to learn about issues & send an original or pre-fab form letter: https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ To join our Zoom Meetings for members\, we use this account: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233 Passcode: 534620\nOne tap mobile +16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620#\nUS Dial by phone: • +1 669 444 9171 US or +1 669 900 6833 US +1 253 205 0468 US URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/june-10th-phas-meeting-on-the-blms-proposed-amendments-to-their-rmps-for-greater-sage-grouse/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240511T231359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023742Z UID:12620-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:BHNF Seeking Public Comments on Davis Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project DESCRIPTION:Sundance\, WY\, May 10\, 2024 – The Black Hills National Forest is proposing to reduce fire hazard in the Moskee area of the Black Hills in Crook County\, WY. High fuel loading in this area poses a risk to surrounding lands and communities.\n \n\nThe Forest Service is proposing to treat up to 1\,304 acres of ponderosa pine\, grasslands and hardwoods. Pine forest varies from dense\, mature stands to open-canopy woodlands with an understory of grass or dense regeneration. Detailed maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020. \nOr for management projects generally:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n\n\n\n\nThe project would be implemented partly via Good Neighbor Authority agreements with the State of Wyoming\, as authorized by Title VIII of the 2018 USDA Farm Bill (Public Law 115–334). \n\n \nThe Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project\, including commenters’ names and contact information\, will become part of the public record Comments can be made using the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66020 or through the U.S. Mail: Attn: Davis Project\, Bearlodge Ranger District\, P.O. Box 680 / 101 S. 21st St. Sundance\, WY 82729. The opportunity to comment extends through June 10\, 2024. Project status and discussions with collaborators and interested parties are available on the project web page.\n \nFor questions on the proposed project\, please contact Patrick Champa\, Bearlodge District Ranger\, or Ryan Tallmadge\, Bearlodge Ranger District assistant resource planner\, at (307) 283-1361\, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.\, mountain daylight time.\n \nFor more information on the Black Hills National Forest\, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or for a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects\n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/bhnf-seeking-public-comments-on-davis-hazardous-fuels-reduction-project/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Davis-Project-Map-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240610T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240511T233218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T023445Z UID:12624-1718063400-1718063940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on BHNF Zeppelin Forest Health Project Draft Environmental Assesment DESCRIPTION:The Black Hills National Forest\, Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD)\, has announced the availability of the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Zeppelin Forest Health Project (Zeppelin Project)\, located west of Piedmont\, SD\, north of Dalton Lake\, east of Vanocker Canyon Highway\, and south of Elk Creek. You can view the draft EA on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845\n\nQuote from the BHNF:\n“The Zeppelin Project is being analyzed under the provisions of the Western Firesheds Emergency Action Determination (EAD)\, which is an authority provided by the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EAD authorities can be applied to projects that pre-emptively address the potential impacts of natural disturbances\, such as wildfire and insect infestation\, to nearby communities and National Forest System lands that have been identified as a high-risk fireshed. The Zeppelin project area is within a high-risk fireshed as identified by the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Implementation Plan. Projects with a goal of reducing hazardous fuels and increasing forest resiliency in high-risk firesheds can be authorized under the EAD to expedite implementation of the project by eliminating the pre-decisional objection process under 36 CFR 218. Implementation under the EAD requires approval from the Chief’s Office of the Forest Service. Use of the EAD for the Zeppelin project was approved by the deputy chief of the Forest Service on August 21\, 2023.\n\nComments on the draft EA will be accepted for 30 days beginning the first day after a legal notice is published in the Rapid City Journal. It is expected that the legal notice will be published on May 9th\, 2024. Assuming that date was met\, the comment period ends on a Saturday\, so comments will be accepted until the end of the next Federal working day (Monday). A timely submission will be determined as outlined in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(4). It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.\nAll written comments received\, including names and addresses of commenters\, will be placed in the project file\, and will become a matter of public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however\, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the commenter with subsequent environmental documents. Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action\, have a direct relationship to the proposed action\, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider.\n\nThe most efficient method of submitting comments on this draft EA is by visiting the project website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/blackhills/?project=63845) and clicking the “Comment/Object on Project” link. You may also submit comments to the project leader\, Chris Stores\, by mail\, email\, phone\, or fax to: Northern Hills Ranger District 2014 North Main Street Spearfish\, SD 57783 Telephone: (605) 642-4622 Fax: (605) 642-4156 chris.stores@usda.gov Office hours\, for those who wish to hand deliver their comments\, are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM\, Monday – Friday (except Federal holidays). Postal mail must be postmarked by deadline day (likely Monday\, June 1oth) Any questions regarding this project can be directed to Steve Kozel or  Chris Stores at the phone number listed above.”\n\nFor a list of management projects generally down load the SOPA:\nhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/blackhills/landmanagement/projects URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-bhnf-zeppelin-forest-health-project-draft-environmental-assesment/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Zeppelin_ScopingMap_ProposedAction_11x17_Color-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240611T230000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240605T163456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T013452Z UID:13423-1718100000-1718146800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Meade County Commission reconsiders the Meade County Comprehensive Plan DESCRIPTION:Meade County Commission will reconsider the Meade County Comprehensive Plan with a hearing before the County Commission at at 10 am  Tuesday June 11th. \nNancy Hilding for PHAS attended the 6/3/24 hearing before the Planning Commission and testified to failure to having goals and policies to protect historic and cultural properties\, in its’ land use Goals (Goal IV\, page 32)\, its’ rural character\, natural resources and open spaces Goals (Goal III\, page 22) and/or its’ infrastructure Goals (Goal II\, page 18). Nancy asked for new goals of protecting such to be added. However the Planning Commission did not want to make more changes at this point.  The County Commission however still could make changes. \nBear Butte is very important to Native American Tribes in the Great Plains\, and Meade County has other historic/cultural sites.  Meade County has seen a lot of controversy over development related to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally around Bear Butte. \nRecently SDGFP\, while developing a shooting range in Meade County\, decided to forego federal grants\, because the SDGFP wanted to avoid completing consultation with tribes\, that was required by USFWS service for federal funding. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) and others found 8 sites eligible for listing as National Register of Historic Places and FSST considers the entire landscape a Traditional Cultural Property\, a place for ceremony and historical remembrance.  Visit for more info: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/ \nCompleting such consultation would have delayed  their construction plans.  Earlier the Meade County Commission decided not to have a clause about protecting cultural and historic properties in its’ shooting range ordinance\, but expressed concern  to SDGFP for protection of cairns (the first eligible for listing site found). \nYou can write the whole Commission  collectively  ℅  Rhea Crane or individually at https://www.meadecounty.org/commission/ \nLink to download the June 3rd version of the draft plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61a79945f91fb63fe590c49d/t/664b8e8c41cd9f6f0cdcf28d/1716227729433/Meade+County+Draft+06-03-2024.pdf \nWe are not sure how long the discussion will take\, but unless a lot of people show up to testify\, we don’t imagine it would last longer than an hour. \nGo back to Monday June 3rd\, 2024 hearing announcement for more details and links. https://phas-wsd.org/event/review-of-meade-county-draft-comprehensive-plan-by-meade-planning-commission/ \n  \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-commission-reconsiders-the-meade-county-comprehensive-plan/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240613T095000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240613T215900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240314T225101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240614T000354Z UID:12064-1718272200-1718315940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on BLM's greater sage grouse RMP amendment's DEIS DESCRIPTION:Deadline to comment on BLM’s greater sage grouse RMP amendment’s DEIS (3 volumes) is June 13th\, 2024.  They are giving us 90 days.  The time of day deadline is mountain time\, just before midnight on the 13th.\nWatch for updates on the time zone the midnight deadline will fall in. \nThe US Geological Survey found that the greater sage grouse population declined 80% between 168 and 2023. PHAS believes the proposed BLM RMO amendments need to be stronger. \nBLM says in it’s  press release: \n“WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing a draft plan to strengthen greater sage-grouse conservation and management on public lands\, informed by the best-available science and input from local\, state\, federal\, and Tribal partners. The draft plan is built on decades of partnership\, research\, and on-the-ground knowledge and experience in maintaining\, protecting and restoring healthy sagebrush habitats…. \nAlternatives in the proposal build on the most successful components of the plans that the BLM adopted in 2015 and updated in 2019. The draft plan incorporates new sage-grouse conservation science and lessons learned\, accommodating changing resources conditions while increasing implementation flexibility. The agency considered nearly 1\,900 comments gathered during an initial public scoping period and information shared by state\, local\, federal\, and Tribal partners in more than 100 meetings. There are 6 alternative and BLM prefers alternative 5. \nThe BLM will hold 13 public meetings to answer questions and take further comments on the draft alternatives and analysis. Information on public meetings will be posted in the events column on the main page of the BLM website. ” \nFor more info: \nhttps://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-proposes-stronger-greater-sage-grouse-conservation-plans \nTo access DEISs: \nhttps://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/570 \nWritten comments may  be submitted by email (BLM_HQ_GRSG_Planning@blm.gov) or physically at BLM Utah State Office\, ATTN: HQ GRSG RMPA\, 440 West 200 South #500\, Salt Lake City\, UT 84101.\n \nThe preferred method of comment is using the “Participate Now” function on this website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/530\n\n. Commenters are encouraged to comment using only one of the available approaches.\nMore information on how to comment on this draft will be posted at https://www.blm.gov/sagegrouse \nHistory – The Obama Administration rewrote the national BLM plans for greater sage grouse\, then Trump Administration rewrote those\,  environmental groups sued over both versions and Judge Windmill enjoined the Trump Administration’s BLM plans.  The Biden  Administration has released their version.    To access DEISs: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/570 \n\nQuote from Vol 1 of  Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement – On States covered:\n“The BLM’s land management plans (collectively referred to as resource management plans [RMP]) include goals\, objectives\, and management actions for managing GRSG habitat on BLM-administered public lands in ten Western states (California\, Colorado\, Idaho\, Montana\, Nevada\, North Dakota\, Oregon\, South Dakota\, Utah and Wyoming). These plans include management for GRSG Habitat Management Areas to provide for conservation\,\nenhancement\, and restoration of GRSG habitat. GRSG also occur in Washington but have limited distribution on BLM-administered lands and are primarily influenced by actions on private lands. Therefore\, GRSG in Washington are not included as part of this plan amendment.”\n=====================\nIt is suggested that folks from South Dakota or North Dakota and  Montana ask for 10.2  inch residual grass height after grazing by livestock is completed\, as our sage brush are smaller than other western sage brush and the sage grouse need the extra help from taller grass for cover.\n===========================\nOPINIONS OF NGOs\nWestern Watersheds Project\, Center for Biological Diversity\,American Bird Conservancy\, Advocates for the West\, — joint opinions of Biden’s BLM’s recommended amendments: https://www.westernwatersheds.org/2024/03/conservation-groups-give-a-thumbs-down-to-biden-administrations-proposed-sage-grouse-plan/\nAmerican Bird Conservancy opinions-\nhttps://abcbirds.org/preventing-a-greater-sage-grouse-vanishing-act/\n\nAlliance For Wild Rockies opinions\nhttps://allianceforthewildrockies.org/sage-grouse-collaborative-conservation-effort-an-on-going-disaster/\n\nNational Audubon Society’s opinions – https://www.audubon.org/news/choosing-plan-save-greater-sage-grouse\n\nCourt house news service article on BLM DEIS:\nhttps://www.courthousenews.com/conservationists-slam-federal-proposal-for-greater-sage-grouse-protection/\nNew York times article BLM DEIS:\nhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/14/climate/sage-grouse-protection.html\n====\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society web page on greater sage grouse (we are parties to litigation driving this rewrite).\nhttps://phas-wsd.org/sage-ecosystem-campaign/\n===============\nON-LINE PRE-FABRICATED LETTERS\n=======\nCenter for Biological Diversity on-line Form letter:\nhttps://act.biologicaldiversity.org/rPSpp0z6-0CTls9dR4lTEw2?sourceid=1009613&utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&contactdata=0S94puVuWbjySSQjoztjYDAcr+HmE5P4j7yWogkT435FN1wkdwhDXzqRQUAg0jsc0qOwE6yEyRCgzWnxbPSlk+0GnKAIN1pAbyteXG9+ucrHDpw0S2HWhN9vCHX7AzLAl9REyK211kt8QE5fmkwgZRMowZ0YyI7N0bEIR1QTUO14knUbV79IsVpsdrkZtyq6NPlHV93p5tNxdzHAxCYW6%2f4g4WdfJQ0nXvQBjFM8w11O5BBtKcWesh4%2f2UEa6gTZ&emci=2bddef71-3212-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=af00c2fb-4414-ef11-86d0-6045bdd9e096&ceid=73046\nNational Audubon Society’s on-line Form letter – https://act.audubon.org/a/sage-grouse-habitat?ms=chapter-V02\nAmerican Bird Conservancy on-line Form letter\nhttps://act.abcbirds.org/a/take-action-greater-sage-grouse-comments?ms=web_story_sagegrouse_gen_thankyou_txt2&_gl=1*1i703x1*_ga*ODY5MDIxNDE4LjE3MTcyMDU1NTM.*_ga_02MTVGNQSR*MTcxNzIwNTU1NC4xLjAuMTcxNzIwNTU1NC42MC4wLjA.*_gcl_au*MTY4NzU3NjI5MC4xNzE3MjA1NTUx\nDefenders of Wildlife\nhttps://act.defenders.org/page/68792/action/1?supporter.appealCode=3WDE2408B1XX1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=061024_Sage-GrouseA2D_Nondonor&utm_content=061024+Sage-Grouse+A2D+-+Nondonor&ea.url.id=2610769\n+++++++++++++++++\nWATCH OUR MEETING ON THIS\n=========================\n\nPrairie Hills Audubon Society’s June 10th\, 2024 meeting on greater sage grouse & BLM’s rewrite of Resource Management plans. Erik Molvar of Western Watershed Projects speaking \n  Zoom Cloud storage link\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kvl71QwPzr2KYCTavym9skTwXg65gdRWjVdRAMi9sdaiZv5rsvfFYMdBBSwudxnn.xxlb4ySuNgqE9_qK\nPasscode: 9s=&9guS\n===================================== \n\nThe BLM held eleven (11) in-person open-house and two (2) virtual public meetings to provide information on the BLM’s current greater sage-grouse planning effort. All these meetings included a presentation on the planning effort and opportunities for questions about the planning effort and the Draft RMPA/Draft EIS. The meetings were scheduled in the following locations:  \n– Tuesday\, April 9 – Virtual meeting  \n– Thursday\, April 11 – Billings (MT)  \n– Tuesday\, April 16 – Reno (NV) \n– Wednesday\, April 17 – Craig (CO) and Lakeview (OR)  \n– Thursday\, April 18 – Cheyenne (WY)\, Boise (ID)\, and Ontario (OR)  \n– Monday\, April 22 – Rock Springs (WY)  \n– Tuesday\, April 23 – Worland (WY) and Salt Lake City (UT)  \n– Wednesday\, April 24 – Casper (WY) \n– Thursday\, April 25 – Virtual meeting  \nAdditional details on the times and locations/venues for these meetings was to be provided at least 15 days before the meeting.  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-blms-greater-sage-grouse-rmp-amendments-deis/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240617T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240617T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240609T004033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T004252Z UID:13523-1718664600-1718665140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Wharf Ground Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review- Intervenor filing deadline DESCRIPTION:Wharf Ground Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review- Intervenor filing deadline \n\n\n\nWharf Ross Valley\nGround Water Discharge Plan Renewal and Water Quality Variance review.\nLawrence County\n6/17/2024\n\n\n\nQuote from DANR: \n“Any interested person may file a petition to initiate a contested case and request a hearing on the Ground Water Discharge Plan renewal and the Department’s recommendation pursuant to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota Chapter 74:50:02 within 30 days of publication of this notice. If no petition to initiate a contested case is filed during the 30-day public notice period\, the Department’s recommendations on the Ground Water Discharge Plan renewal will become final at the close of this 30-day period.”.. \nAny person desiring further information may contact Matt Hicks at the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources\, Water Quality Program\, Phone: 605.773.3351; \nPublic notice – https://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPPublicNotice.pdf \nApplication \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPApplication.pdf \nStaff Report \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPTechnicalReviewAnalysis.pdf \nConditions: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/officeofwater/surfacewaterquality/pn/2024RossValleyGWDPPermitDocumentDRAFT.pdf URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/wharf-ground-water-discharge-plan-renewal-and-water-quality-variance-review-intervenor-filing-deadline/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240619T115000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240619T115900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240526T005342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240526T030507Z UID:13147-1718797800-1718798340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment on Nebraska Game and Parks proposed rule changes to Mt. Lion season DESCRIPTION:Wednesday June 19th\, at 1 pm CT\,  is the deadline to submit written comments on Nebraska Game and Park’s proposed rule changes to its’ mt. lion seasons in Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills Units.  Go to our events calendar web page for  Thursday June 20- Friday 21 for more information. Thursday/Friday  are the dates the Commission will be meeting & that is where we have put the details. \n  \n  \nNebraska Game and Parks Commission June 20-21st\, 2024 meeting URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-nebraska-game-and-parks-proposed-rule-changes-to-mt-lion-season/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240620T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240524T031008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240625T172741Z UID:13031-1718870400-1718989200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission June 20-21st\, 2024 meeting DESCRIPTION:Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a June 20-21st 2024 meeting at Ogallala \nRESULTS: \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/commissioners-approve-a-2025-mountain-lion-season/ \n  \nMeeting at Petrified Wood Gallery\, 418 E 1st St.\,Ogallala\, NE\, 69153 \nVisit this web site when close to the date for the agenda.  At this site the Commission agenda is posted online before each meeting. and minutes from previous meetings also are posted after each meeting. \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/about/notices/public-notices/ \nFriday’s agenda\, (hearing for Mt lion season at about 8:30 am CT)) \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_JUNE_GeneralMeetingAgenda.pdf \nThursday’s afternoon agenda (information meeting ) \nhttps://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-APRIL-Information-Meeting-Agenda-General.pdf \nSend comments to – sheri henderson \, Hearing contact phone \n402-471-5539 \nSheri Henderson\, Division of Administration\, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission\, 2200 North 33rd\, P.O. Box 30370\, Lincoln\, NE 68503 The written comment period will close at 1 pm CT on June 19th\, 2024 – you can still testify in person on Friday. \nThere is also an on-line petition about adding cigar hunting at Wildcat Hills at: \nhttps://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-sport-hunting-mountain-lions-Wildcats \nHere is a copy of PHAS comment letter: \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/nebraska-Mt-lion-2024_FP2.pdf \nWe suggest folks object to scheduling hunting in Niobrara and WildCat Hills before a formal population estimate has been done.  We suggest folks object to the harvest caps set for all 3 units as too high. We write about this in our letter. \nWe watch the Nebraska Game and Parks around June\, as in this month they often propose new mountain lion hunting season.  Here are their proposed changes for 2024\, Amendments to Title 163\, Admin. Code Chapt. 4\,  –  Regulations Wildlife\, Section 037 on Mountain lions. \nFor mountain lions I think these are the existing rules: \nCurrent rule title 163: \nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/163%20NAC%204%20(05-05-2024)-4.pdf \nExplanat0ry statement of reasons to proposed rule changes \nfile:///Users/mac/Downloads/3610d934-9605-4b98-b740-81b6f045a9d0.pdf \nHere is a link to find other related docs \nhttps://rules.nebraska.gov/docket \nHere is a link to review the Booklet that Nebraska Game and Parks created on this years Mountain lion population information. \nhttps://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/NE.Mountain-Lion-Booklet-June-2024.pdf \nIt looks like they are proposing increasing the harvest limit at the Pine Ridge Unit from 4 any sex/2 females  to 12 any sex/6 females (triple increase) \, looks like increasing Niobrara Unit from 2 any sex/1 female to 4 any sex/2 females (double increase)  and adding a new unit at WildCat Hills to 3 any sex/2 females. That appears in the sheet on explanation of rule changes. This seems like excessive increases. \nWe\, in SD\, care very much about NE cougar hunting as the Pine Ridge Ecosystem exists in 3 states – Wyoming\, NE and SD.  Also 3 of  the Reservations in southern SD\, that have mountain lions\, are north of various NE mt. lion populations (Pine Ridge\, Niobrara and Missouri River) and we expect that dispersal from NE helps SD reservation populations. \nThere is  a shorter afternoon meeting on  afternoon of 20th and a longer meeting on 21st.  The public hearing is on the second day\, mountain lions at about 8:30 am CT. \nFor community for people who care about Nebraska lions –  visit Colin Croft of Gering Nebraska\, Facebook page “Nebraskans Living with Mountain Lions”. He has a petition opposing the new hunting unit at Wildcat Hills.\n \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/nebraska-game-and-parks-commission-june-20-21st-2024-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240620T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240601T031336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240601T031336Z UID:13328-1718888400-1718989200@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Annual Great Plains Conservation Network Meeting & Tour of Southern Plains Land Trust - Colorado DESCRIPTION:This year’s annual GPCN Steering Committee Meeting will take place on June 20-21 at Heartland Ranch in southeastern Colorado. Heartland is a 43\,000-acre nature preserve protected by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT). Located 35 miles southwest of Lamar in Bent County\, \nHeartland is home to a growing conservation herd of American bison\, as well as a reintroduction site for the critically endangered black-footed ferret. SPLT looks forward to welcoming you to Heartland to experience the beauty and expansiveness of Colorado’s shortgrass prairie! \nWe are unsure of meeting times\, having not seen an agenda\, so we just guessed at meeting start/end times on the 2 days \nThere will be a tour of the preserve on morning of 21st at 8 am -12 pm \nGPCN Annual Meeting and Tour of Southern Plains Land Trust URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/annual-great-plains-conservation-network-meeting-tour-of-southern-plains-land-trust-colorado/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T213000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240604T181500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T202753Z UID:13386-1719079200-1719091800@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Documentary shown - "On Common Ground" DESCRIPTION:Documentary shown – “On Common Ground” at the Dahl Fine Arts Center\, Rapid City\, \nThis movie is a screening of a new documentary about regenerative farming. \nEvent presented by Isaak Walton League\, supported by Citizen’s Climate Lobby\, Black Hills Environmental Protection.  Social at 6 pm\, movie at 7 pm MT. We are not sure how many hours into the evening the event will last. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/documentary-shown-on-common-ground/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Common-Ground-Flyer-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240622T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240609T002724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240621T000222Z UID:13519-1719096600-1719097140@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on SD ambient air quality monitoring plan DESCRIPTION:DANR develops an annual ambient air monitoring network plan which is a review of the ambient air monitoring network each year. The 2024 Annual Plan is open for public comment through June 22\, 2024. \nLink to proposed Ambient Air Monitoring Annual plan\, https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/docs/Annual%20Plan%202024.pdf \nLink to submit comments \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/public/comment.aspx?d_comment=06/22/2024&name=South%20Dakota%27s%202024%20Ambient%20Air%20Monitoring%20Annual%20Plan&pntype=aq_nplan&description=DANR%20develops%20an%20annual%20ambient%20air%20monitoring%20network%20plan%20which%20is%20a%20review%20of%20the%20ambient%20air%20monitoring%20network%20each%20year.%20%20The%202024%20Annual%20Plan%20is%20open%20for%20public%20comment%20through%20June%2022\,%202024. \nWe are not sure of the time of day for the deadline\, but assume it is midnight Central Time. URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-sd-ambient-air-quality-monitoring-plan/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2024-06-20-at-5.55.24-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T225900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240609T005030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240609T010406Z UID:13526-1719355800-1719356340@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline for petitions contesting the BME recommendation on bentonite mine - Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC DESCRIPTION:Quote from DANR public notice: https://danr.sd.gov/Press/docs/publicnotices/MineralsMining/BPMSecurityNOF2.pdf \n“Bentonite Performance Minerals\, LLC\, 554 US Highway 212\, Belle Fourche\, South Dakota\n57717\, hereby gives notice that an application for a permit to mine bentonite has been filed\nwith the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for its proposed\nSecurity Project. … \nThe application is available for review at the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund Program\, 523 \nEast Capitol Avenue\, Pierre\, South Dakota\, or on the Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund web\npage at http://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx.\nThe application is also available for public review at the Butte County Register of Deeds\noffice in Belle Fourche\, South Dakota. Comments may be submitted in writing or online at\nhttp://danr.sd.gov/public/default.aspx. Written objections to\, statements in support of\, or\npetitions to intervene and become a party to the proceedings pursuant to ARSD 74:29:01:09\nmust be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources no later than June 4\,\n2024. Information about the contents of a petition can be found in ARSD 74:09:01:01 at\nhttps://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/26972.\n         The permit will be issued by the department if no petitions to intervene are received and if the\ndepartment’s recommendation is for approval or conditional approval. The department will\nissue its recommendation on June 18\, 2024. If no petitions contesting the recommendation\nare received within seven days after the issuance of the recommendation\, the department’s\nrecommendation will become effective June 25\, 2024. The permit application will be\napproved\, conditionally approved\, or denied accordingly.\nPersons desiring further information may contact Eric Holm\, Minerals\, Mining\, and Superfund\nProgram\, at (605) 773-4201 \nApplication: \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/NewMinePermits.aspx \nhttps://danr.sd.gov/Environment/MineralsMining/Exploration/docs/BPMSecurityMinePermitApp1.pdf \nWe are not sure of time-of-day for deadline to file\, but we assume before midnight Central Time URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-for-petitions-contesting-the-bme-recommendation-on-bentonite-mine-bentonite-performance-minerals-llc/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T233000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240625T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240524T135913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240524T150002Z UID:13043-1719358200-1719359940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Comment Deadline on Furbearer Season (mountain lions & beaver)\, ND DESCRIPTION:There is actually no specific day for the deadline to comment to ND on their furbearer regulations except – “late June”\, so I just picked June 25th\, for late June.  The Department sends recommendations  to the Governor who issues a proclamation about the hunting seasons in mid July. \nND has a 365 day (year long) beaver trapping season statewide. \nYou send your comments to Stephanie Tucker –  \nCurrent regulations for cougars-  To view map:  https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/mountain-lion \nTo read cougar regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-mountain-lion \nTo read beaver regulations: https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/small-combined#spp-beaver URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comment-deadline-on-furbearer-season-mountain-lions-beaver-nd/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240629T140000 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240618T173839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T194941Z UID:13707-1719653400-1719669600@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Elaine Ebbert Wonder-Crawl at Dugout Gulch\, BHNF\, Wyoming\, a tributary east of Sand Creek DESCRIPTION:This is an annual Norbeck Society event – the 15th year it happens. June 29th. 9:30 am \nPrepare for several hours of easy walking with many stops. Bring your own snacks\, lunch\, and beverages\, sunscreen\, good hiking footwear\, and plant books. Distance 1 – 5 miles. No dogs please. Dugout Gulch is a Black Hills National Forest Botanical Area home to unique relic boreal plants. Dugout Gulch is a tributary of Sand Creek located to the east of Sand Creek in the BHNF. As boreal forests retreated northward after the Ice Age\, moist\, cool areas like Dugout Gulch became holdouts for these unique plant communities known as “boreal disjuncts”. \nPLEASE RSVP: info@norbecksociety.com \nDIRECTIONS: From Spearfish\, SD\, or Sundance\, WY\, take I-90 to Exit 205 at Beulah.         Meet at the Beulah gas station at 9:30. Caravan will leave at 9:35. It may take at least 20 minutes to drive to Dugout Gulch\, due to speed limit on gravel roads \n  \nWe have no idea how long the hike will last\, but announcement says ” several hours”  so we chose 2:00 pm as a guess for the hike’s ending time\, which gives it a 4 hours duration. \n  URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/elaine-ebbert-wonder-crawl-at-dugout-gulch-bhnf-wyoming-a-tributary-east-of-sand-creek/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240630T235900 DTSTAMP:20260414T171941 CREATED:20240618T174700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T174821Z UID:13710-1719791400-1719791940@phas-wsd.org SUMMARY:Deadline to Vote for the Norbeck Society in Thriving Communities Initiative poll DESCRIPTION:The Deadline is before July 1st. \nNorbeck Society friends and members are strongly encouraged to go to Thriving Communities Initiative – Black Hills Area Community Foundation (bhacf.org) and vote for “Beautiful Black Hills” which\, if chosen\, gives the Norbeck Society an avenue to pursue a grant. \nThe Norbeck Society steering committee has met with the BHACF to discuss funding opportunities for the Norbeck Society.  Our opportunities will be enhanced if “Beautiful Black Hills” is the chosen emphasis. \nThe Norbeck Society works to protect the Black Hills from unsustainable cutting by the BHNF\, a goal that PHAS supports. \nWe are not sure if the deadline is COB on June 30th or just before midnight\, but we are quesing at a midnight deadline URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-vote-for-the-norbeck-society-in-thriving-communities-initiative-poll/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR