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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251001T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251001T160000
DTSTAMP:20250921T120850Z
CREATED:20250921T120850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250921T120850Z
UID:19954-1759307400-1759334400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Water Management Board Oct meeting
DESCRIPTION:  \nWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD\nMeeting on October 1\, 2025\nFloyd Matthew Training Center\nJoe Foss Bldg.\, 523 E Capitol Ave\, Pierre SD \n9:30AM Call to Order \nFor details visit: https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=106 \nAgenda – https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/202510_Agenda.pdf \nPacket: https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/202510_BdPkt_portal.pdf \nRemote participation Microsoft Teams – https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/bcuploads/202510PortalParticipationInfoPublic.pdf \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-water-management-board-oct-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251003T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251005T140000
DTSTAMP:20250902T202624Z
CREATED:20250902T200636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T202624Z
UID:19768-1759510800-1759672800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Ornithologist Union Fall Meeting at Sioux Falls 10/3/2025 - 10/5/2025
DESCRIPTION:SD Ornithologist Union \n Fall meeting of SDOU at Sioux Falls 10/3/2025 – 10/5/2025 \nSDOU holds two meetings each year. The meetings are held in various places throughout the state and provide opportunity for sharing information and fun. The autumn meeting program includes presentations on ornithology and related natural history topics. The spring meeting emphasizes field trips. \nContact Chris Anderson for more information – canderson1@sio.midco.net \nWe don’t have a copy of the agenda yet and are just guessing at the start and end times \n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-ornithologist-union-fall-meeting-at-sioux-falls-10-3-2025-10-5-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251003T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251003T215900
DTSTAMP:20250922T191638Z
CREATED:20250906T041733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T191638Z
UID:19795-1759527000-1759528740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to comment on Trump Administration rewrite of BLMs plans for sage grouse management
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 3rd\, is the deadline to comment on Trump Administration’s rewrite of BLMs plans for greater sage grouse management. We assume the time-of-day is just before midnight EST.\n\n\nURL to CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY PRESS RELEASE ON THIS –\nhttps://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/trump-nukes-protections-for-greater-sage-grouse-2025-09-02/\nA quote from their press release:\n       “Today’s document\, which opens an opportunity for public comments\, presents numerous substantial revisions that gut the plans\, including giving states authority to decide when and where protections apply. Today’s draft plan applies to greater sage grouse habitat on Bureau of Land Management lands in Idaho\, Montana\, North Dakota\, South Dakota\, Nevada\, California\, Utah and Wyoming.”\n\n\nDefenders of Wildlife’s pre-fab on-line comment letter on this : https://act.defenders.org/page/88404/action/1?supporter.appealCode=3WDE2500IXXXX&utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=092225_GreaterSage-GrouseBLMA2D&utm_content=092225+Greater+Sage-Grouse+BLM+A2D&ea.url.id=4004418&forwarded=true\n\n\n\nQuotes from the Federal Register on this proposal are below in italics.\nLink to Federal Register:\nhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-03/pdf/2025-16886.pdf\n\n============================================\nSTART OF BLM’s FEDERAL REGISTER QUOTES\n==========================================\n\n\n=\n“The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting comments on significant changes to the Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) for Greater Sage-grouse Rangewide Planning released in November 2024. The environmental consequences of the proposed changes have been analyzed as part of the RMPA/environmental impact statement (EIS) process. Following consideration of any comments on these changes\, the BLM will issue Records of Decision (ROD) for the Approved RMPAs for Idaho\, Montana/Dakotas\, Nevada/California\, Utah\, and Wyoming.\n\nDATES:\nWritten comments on the changes to the proposed plan amendment will be accepted until October 3\, 2025.\n\nADDRESSES:\nThe document identifying significant changes\, the Proposed RMPA/Final EIS\, and all associated documents are available on the BLM ePlanning project website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/​eplanning-ui/​project/​2016719/​510.\n\nYou may submit comments by any of the following methods:\n e-planning: https://eplanning.blm.gov/​eplanning-ui/​project/​2016719/​510. The BLM strongly encourages members of the public to submit comments electronically if possible.\nMail: BLM Anchorage District Office\, Attn: Stephanie Rice\, 4700 BLM Rd\, Anchorage\, AK 99507.\nFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:\nStephanie Rice\, telephone: (907) 308-9464; email: srice@blm.gov. Individuals in the United States who are deaf\, deafblind\, hard of hearing\, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY\, TDD\, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services for contacting Ms. Rice. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.”\n\n============================================\nEND OF BLM’s FEDERAL REGISTER QUOTES\n==========================================\n++++++++++++=\nPHAS COMMENTS –\nWe are not sure of the time-of-day the comments are due\, but we are guessing before midnight EST on the 3rd.  We will be writing in opposition to the proposed changes\, likely joining a multi-group  letter.\n==========\n\nNEPA CHANGES\n         They are making amendments to the EIS\,  that Biden’s Administration BLM wrote in 2024 and we think  they believe there is some legal loophole that allows them to do this\, without issuing a Supplemental EIS and a post SEIS comment period. The Biden administration only issued Records of Decisons (RODs) on their NEPA docs for Oregon and Colorado and did not issue RODs for the other states. It seems the Trump BLM might be amending or using the alternatives from 2024 docs\, without new NEPA docs and then issuing RODs.  We don’t fully understand this process yet.\n        Please note that the Trump administration changed the CEQ rules (NEPA enactment rules) in ‘spring 2025 and that has severely impacted the EIS process that will be used going forward.  The EIS process going forward will be much different than we are used to from the past 50 years.\n===\n============================================================================================\nWhat the Changes Entail\n\n         Adaptive Management Language: The updates aim to better align adaptive management frameworks with state-level policies\, giving more oversight powers to states.\n        Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMA):\n       BLM will remove the “Priority Habitat Management Areas with limited exceptions (PHMA-LE) ” category\, degrading their protection levels into the standards for PHMAs and thereby reducing the BLM’s restrictions on development.\n       In the Obama era BLM sage grouse management plans (which still apply today\, due to our lawsuit) \, there are sage grouse focal areas (SFA).  SFA are sub-sets within the Priority Habitat Management Areas that have the greatest protection for the grouse\, which includes withdrawal from mineral entry.\n      We think the Biden version got rid of SFA and replaced those with areas given the  title of “Priority Habitat Management Areas with limited exceptions”\, which are also subsets of the PHMA that have greater protections for the grouse.  However the SFA were 10 million acres and PHMA -LE were 4.2 million acres (62% reduction).  The Biden version upgraded  some General Habitat Management Areas to PHMA (2.26 million acres) \, but not enough of that happened to compensate for reduction of SFA areas. SD never had SFA\, just GHMA and PHMA.\n      Now the Trump administration is getting rid of those highest quality areas entirely (whatever name you give the areas of highest protection & quality) .  We object to this.\n\nState-Specific Adjustments:\nUtah: Habitat boundaries will be realigned to match the state’s Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan.\nNevada: Allowed major rights-of-way (development corridors) in General Habitat Management Areas (GHMAs) will shift from “avoidance” to “open\,” increasing accessibility for infrastructure.\n\n=====================================\nPolicy Direction – The proposed RODs will  open more land for energy/mining\, in line with national energy priorities under Trump.\n      These changes come under the banner of President Trump’s Executive Order “Unleashing American Energy\,” emphasizing increased energy development on public lands.\n\nBLM says\, the modifications were made post-protest and post-Governor consultations\, in response to state feedback and evolving energy/development priorities.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-trump-administration-rewrite-of-blms-sage-grouse-management-plans/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251005T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251005T235900
DTSTAMP:20250927T181620Z
CREATED:20250927T180646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T181620Z
UID:20017-1759708200-1759708740@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Deadline to Comment to GFP Commission for their October meeting
DESCRIPTION:Deadline to Comment to GFP Commission for their October meeting is Sunday night 10/5/25 at just before midnight MDT. The hybrid meeting will be in Lemmon\, SD & Zoom. Lemmon is in MDT. You can always postal mail comments\, but for commenting digitally\, you use their on-line commenting portal – https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/     When we are close to the meeting (within 5 – 7 days) you can find the agenda of the upcoming meeting here: https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/ \nUnless a public petition\, about resident bison tags\, was moved forward to rule making\, then there are no rule finalizations being considered.  There is often a dead period in rule-making from Nov-February\, as April is normally the next opportunity for review & final approval of any pending rule changes by the Legislative committee – the Interim Rules Review Committee.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-to-gfp-commission-for-their-october-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251008T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251110T215900
DTSTAMP:20251018T001455Z
CREATED:20251008T233659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251018T001455Z
UID:20044-1759944600-1762811940@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule Public Comment Deadline: November 10\, 2025
DESCRIPTION:Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule Public Comment Deadline: November 10\, 2025. The purple line stretching across the Calendar days\, indicates a comment period that ends at midnight EST on November 10th.  Go to the posting on November 10th for details on how to comment and the issues involved – https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-trumps-rescission-of-blms-conservation-and-landscape-health-rule/
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/rescission-of-conservation-and-landscape-health-rule-public-comment-deadline-november-10-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251008T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251008T200000
DTSTAMP:20251009T075548Z
CREATED:20251009T075548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T075548Z
UID:20047-1759948200-1759953600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:PHAS October board meeting
DESCRIPTION:PHAS  board of directors meetings are by Zoom on the eve of the second Wednesday\, These may be postponed if a quorum is found not to be possible. PHAS members are welcome at PHAS board meetings\, others by invitation. Contact Nancy at 605-787-6466 or other board member if you wish to come and want Zoom codes. It normally starts at 6:30 pm
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/phas-october-board-meeting/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251009T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251010T120000
DTSTAMP:20251009T160320Z
CREATED:20250906T045656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T160320Z
UID:19805-1760004000-1760097600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Game\, Fish and Parks October Hybrid Commission meeting & contested case hearing
DESCRIPTION:SD Game\, Fish and Parks October Hybrid Commission meeting- by Zoom and in Lemmon SD. Also contested case hearing. \nDate and Time: October 9\, 2025\, from 1-5 pm MT\nMeeting Location: Beeler Community Center\, 203 Main Avenue\, Lemmon\, SD 57638\nOpen Forum is at 2 pm MT.\nPlease inform Gail Buus at gail.buus@state.sd.us by 1 pm MT if you plan to speak remotely during the meeting. This helps GFP  to accurately identify and call on speakers during the session’s Open Forum. However if you forget to do this\, they always ask if anyone not registered in the room or on-line wants to speak. Read the agenda for instructions on how to participate by Zoom/telephone.\nZoom Webinar: Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 912 6417 6710 Passcode: 970458\nCall In: +16699009128\,\,91264176710# US \nVideo Conference ID: 91264176710@zoomcrc.com \nAgenda \nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Commission_Agenda_Public_Oct_2025.pdf \nMeeting Notice\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/signed_notice.pdf\n\nNo administrative rules or rule changes are proposed or being finalized.\n=================\nCONTESTED CASE HEARING BEFORE THE COMMISSION MEETING\nCatTail-Kettle Lake petitions from Arla & ChrisSchuster\n\n\nIn accordance with SDCL 41-23-9 and South Dakota Administrative Rule 41 :04:06\,  petitions\ndated August 22\, 2025 & Sept 22\, 2025\, submitted by Chris and Arla Schuster (respectively) requested the closure of a portion of Cattail-Kettle Lake to recreational use. The contested case hearing will take place at 10:00 am (MT) on October 9\, 2025\, at the Beeler Community Center\, 203 Main Ave\, Lemmon\, SD. We are not sure if the Contested Case Hearing is also placed on the Zoom call.\nArla’s\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Notice_of_Contested_Hearing_(Schuster_2).pdf\nhttps.//gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Petition_Form.pdf\nChris’s\nhttps://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/Notice_of_Contested_Hearing_(Schuster).pdf\nhttps://qfp.sd.qov/UserDocs/nav/PetitionSec8.pdf
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-game-fish-and-parks-october-hybrid-commission-meeting/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251011T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251011T235900
DTSTAMP:20251006T210123Z
CREATED:20251006T182002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T210123Z
UID:20029-1760140800-1760227140@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:World Migratory Bird Day - Fall celebration October 11th\, 2025
DESCRIPTION:About World Migratory Bird Day  \nWorld Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign that serves as a beacon for conservation efforts aimed at protecting migratory birds and their journeys across borders. Celebrated twice a year—in May and October—WMBD reflects the cyclical nature of bird migration and the varying peak periods in the northern and southern hemispheres. This worldwide initiative triggers countless educational events\, uniting people in a common goal to protect migratory birds and their habitats. \nEach year\, WMBD selects a central theme to inspire action and concentrate global efforts towards preserving the habitats and wellbeing of migratory birds. The 2025 theme underscores the urgent need for bird-friendly cities\, combining scientific insights with practical steps for individuals and communities to support these remarkable creatures. \nThe WMBD campaign is organized by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)\, the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)\, Environment for the Americas (EFTA)\,  and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). \nJoin us in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and take part in this global movement to create a brighter future for migratory birds and our shared natural world. \nFor more information about World Migratory Bird Day and ways to get involved\, please visit www.migratorybirdday.org \n\n\n\nThis year’s theme\, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities\,” has inspired global action with energy and purpose. Together\, we are raising awareness on the threats birds face and driving change to create a world where both birds and people can thrive together. \nConservationists\, educators\, and citizens around the globe have answered the call to create bird-friendly cities and communities in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. From community cleanups and educational workshops to policy advocacy and art contests\, their efforts show a shared commitment to protecting migratory birds and their habitats. \n  \nWMBD Events Map 2025 (maybe just has May 2025 events?) : https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/content/events-map \nNearby / virtual options \n\n\nLoess Hills Audubon Society (Sioux City\, IA)—about an hour from the SD border—has a WMBD field day scheduled Sat Oct 11\, 2025 (meets 7:00 AM at Chris Larsen Park). Loess Hills Audubon Soc \n\n\n             Sioux Falls Bird Club  (Sioux Falls\, SD) will have a field trip on Oct 11th\, ask Chris Anderson for details\, \n           canderson1@sio.midco.net\, (605) 254-2550‬‬‬ cell\, https://siouxfallsbirdclub.org/\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy “Shared Spaces” Matter More Than Ever\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nMigratory birds face major challenges in and around the urban landscape. Urban growth destroys habitats\, light pollution disorients flocks\, and window collisions kill millions of birds every year. The World Migratory Bird Day 2025 campaign proposes practical ways for governments\, businesses\, and individuals to create bird-friendly cities and communities. \nActions being encouraged through this year’s campaign include: \n\nPlan bird-friendly cities: protect habitats in urban development.\nPlant native plants: provide food\, shelter\, and support pollinators.\nPrevent collisions: use bird-safe glass or window films.\nDim the lights: reduce nighttime light during migration.\nAvoid pesticides: choose organic methods to protect insects and water.\nSay “No” to plastic waste: prevent ingestion and entanglement.\nKeep cats away: keep cats indoors\, leashed\, or in enclosures.\nEducate & advocate: raise awareness and support bird-friendly policies.\n\n-======== \n=============== \n\n\n\nLearn from the Experts: Free Webinar Series \nIn 2025\, Global Partners\, Environment for the Americas\, hosted a series of monthly webinars focused on practical solutions and actions we can all take to make our cities and communities more bird-friendly. \n\nCreating Bird-Friendly Cities\nWhat is Bird-Friendly Coffee?\nUnderstanding Bird Collisions\nNative Planting and Bird-friendly Gardens\nKeep Cats Away – responsible pet ownership strategies\nBe the Solution to Plastic Pollution\nDark Skies and Birds\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWatch the Webinars
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/world-migratory-bird-day-fall-celebration-october-11th-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251011T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251011T140000
DTSTAMP:20250922T192458Z
CREATED:20250922T192458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T192458Z
UID:19995-1760173200-1760191200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Clean UP Rapid Creek volunteer event - 2nd Saturday
DESCRIPTION:Clean Up Rapid Creek volunteer event – is the 2nd Saturday of every month.  We don’t yet know the meeting location or start time.  Please verify with Black Hills Fly Fishers – Bill Young at 605-391-1002\, or guinnessmarsh@gmail.com\, \nIt might be 9 am\, behind Little Caesars off West Main in Rapid City\, as that is a common time/location\, but please verify with Bill on the when/where. \nWe don’t know how long the clean up with last – we have guessed at 5 hours.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/clean-up-rapid-creek-volunteer-event-2nd-saturday/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251017T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251018T143000
DTSTAMP:20251018T022457Z
CREATED:20250917T184043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251018T022457Z
UID:19949-1760725800-1760797800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:SD Dakota Rural Action - Annual meeting in Spearfish
DESCRIPTION:Dakota Rural Action’s 2025 annual meeting is scheduled for October 17–18\, 2025 in Spearfish\, South Dakota\, at the Snapper’s Club (venue address commonly listed as 416 S. Canyon St.\, Spearfish\, SD 57783). \nFor details – \nhttps://www.dakotarural.org/save-the-date-for-our-38th-annual-meeting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com \nSchedule of Events:\nFriday-Saturday\n===================== \nFriday\, October 17th \nThe Snapper’s Club\, Spearfish \n6:30 – 8:30pm \n\nFirepit Social\nMusic\, s’mores\, & mingling \n============================ \nSaturday\, October 18th \nThe Snapper’s Club\, Spearfish \n8:30am \nRegistration \nThe Snapper’s Club \nBreakfast on your own. Coffee\, pastries\, and snacks will be provided. \n9:00am \nWelcome & Orientation \n9:30am – 10:45am \nBoard Reports\, Bylaws Amendments\, & Board Elections \n11:00am \nResolutions \n11:45am \nLunch \nCatered by Barbacoa’s \n12:45pm \nBreakout Sessions/Activity \n1:45pm \nWrap-up\, Evaluation\, Departure
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/sd-dakota-rural-action-annual-meeting-in-spearfish/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251017T235000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251017T235900
DTSTAMP:20250922T190909Z
CREATED:20250922T181827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T190909Z
UID:19983-1760745000-1760745540@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Comments due on Sawbuck Timber Sale EA
DESCRIPTION:Comments due on Sawbuck Timber Sale EA\, Friday October 17th \n\nThe Mystic District of the Black Hills National Forest has released the preliminary environmental assessment (EA) for the Sawbuck Forest Management Project.  Documents can be found at the following web address: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/projects/67518.\nThe District says:\n“We are proposing conifer thinning\, timber stand improvement\, prescribed fire\, planting efforts\, as well as enhancements to watersheds\, riparian areas\, and wildlife habitats.”\nQuote from the Draft EA:\n‘The Sawbuck project area exhibits diverse ecological characteristics. The northern extent of this project area features steep slopes\, rocky outcrops\, streams\, lush biodiverse\nhabitats\, and smaller meadows nestled within rugged drainages. This area includes the North Fork Castle Creek Botanical and Research Natural Area (RNA) and Black Fox Botanical Area. The central area of this project is characterized by expansive meadows\, steep drainages\, rocky outcrops\, moderately sloped forested hills\, intermittent streams\, and a more arid landscape than the northern area. This area includes the McIntosh Botanical Area\, Historic Flag Mountain Lookout\, and Pe’Sla Tribal Trust Lands. Management Direction.’\n\nElectronic comments are preferred and must be submitted to the Comment Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=67518. An automated response should confirm your electronic comment has been received. Comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Mystic Ranger District Office\, Attn: Sawbuck Project\, 8221 S. Mount Rushmore Rd.\, Rapid City\, SD\, 57702 or by fax at 605-343-7134.
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-on-sawbuck-timber-sale-ea/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2025-09-22-at-12.15.11-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251018T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251018T160000
DTSTAMP:20251016T113338Z
CREATED:20250922T182508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T113338Z
UID:19985-1760787000-1760803200@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:"No Kings II" protest Mid-day Rapid City\, Sturgis & Spearfish & elsewhere the Region
DESCRIPTION:“No Kings II” protests in Black Hills Area \nNo Kings II – Morning\nOctober 18 @ 11:30 am-1 pm \nSpearfish  SD\, United States\n\nNorth Main Street & West Jackson Street\n\nSpearfish\, SD 57783 \n\n\n===============================\nNo Kings II – Midday\nOctober 18 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm UTC-6 \n Rapid City\, SD\, United States\nCity Hall 300 6th St\,\n\n\nQuote from Indivisible: \n“Indivisible Rapid City is proud to co-host this event with 50501 South Dakota! This is a nationwide event. With free speech on the chopping block\, there has never been a more important time to make our voices heard.” \nhttps://indivisiblerapidcity.org/events/ \n======= \n\n\n====\n\nNo Kings II – Afternoon\n  October 18 @ 2:30 to 4:00 pm.  \n\nSturgis\, SD\n at the corner of Lazelle and 2nd Street\n===================\nMore in SD – ALSO in Sioux Falls 4 pm CDT\, Brookings 2 pm CDT\, Vermillion 4 pm\, Mitchell\, 10 am CDT\nNearby NE – Chadron  10 am MDT & Scottsbluff 1 pm MDT\nNearby Wyo. – Gillette\, 1:30 pm MDT\nNearby ND- Dickinson\, 11:30 am MDT\nTo find more protests or learn details – https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/\nMAP – https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/map/\n\n\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/no-kings-ii-protest-12-pm-130-10-18-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251020T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251024T150000
DTSTAMP:20251017T211139Z
CREATED:20251017T205744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T211139Z
UID:20118-1760940000-1761318000@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Senate Committee Vote on "FIX OUR FORESTS" rewrite - oppose S.1462
DESCRIPTION:Prairie Hills Audubon Society Objects to the  House “Fix Our Forests Act” (H.R. 8446). CHAT GTP prepared the below report for us: \nNone of our Senators are on Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee\, but Thune is head of the Senate. https://www.energy.senate.gov/ \nThe “Fix Our Forests Act” (H.R. 8446) passed the U.S. House of Representatives in late September 2025. A Senate companion or compromise vehicle has emerged under the bill number S.1462 (the number may refer to a previously introduced forest management bill that is now being used as a shell for the House-passed text or a negotiated version). \nReports in congressional tracking indicate that a bipartisan group of Senators—primarily Western state Republicans and a handful of Democrats from forested states—have agreed to hold a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee session the week of October 20–24\, 2025. Based on typical committee schedule patterns and statements from staff (as reported by outlets like E&E News and Politico Pro)\, the likely markup date is Wednesday\, October 22\, 2025\, though this could still shift depending on negotiations. \nThe House version is heavily criticized by conservation groups because it promotes large-scale logging under the banner of wildfire prevention\, weakens NEPA review\, expands categorical exclusions\, limits judicial review\, and pushes acreage targets for “mechanical thinning.” The Senate compromise reportedly includes attempts to soften the bill by adding modest requirements for reforestation and post-logging monitoring\, but the NEPA rollbacks and judicial review restrictions remain largely intact\, which is why environmental groups consider it still very harmful. \nEnvironmental NGO alert activity: \nWildEarth Guardians sent out an email alert urging opposition to S.1462\, calling it a logging bill disguised as a wildfire safety measure\, and provided a pre-written letter urging Senators to vote “No” in committee. They stress that real wildfire solutions involve home hardening and defensible space\, not landscape-level logging.  WildEarth Guardians has a pre-fab on line letter.\nThe Center for Biological Diversity has a “Stop the Fix Our Forests Act” action page condemning the Senate version as a threat to old-growth forests and biodiversity.\nWestern Environmental Law Center (WELC) has circulated a legal analysis framing it as a major rollback of environmental safeguards and is reportedly preparing a coalition sign-on letter for NGOs (this one is meant more for organizations than the general public).\nEarthjustice has not yet released a public action alert with a prefab letter but has published a news brief warning that S.1462 will fast-track commercial logging on federal lands.\nDefenders of Wildlife and Sierra Club are monitoring the markup and may release alerts closer to the committee date—Sierra Club staff have signaled on social media that an action tool is being prepared. \nKey themes across these alerts include: \n\nthe bill greenlights industrial logging under the justification of wildfire risk;\nit undermines NEPA by expanding categorical exclusions;\nit restricts judicial oversight;\nit relies on acreage quotas rather than ecological science;\n and it does not prioritize community-based fire resilience.\n\nWildEarth Guardians direct alert: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/wildearthguardians-statement-on-senate-version-of-the-forest-destroying-fix-our-forests-act/ — WildEarth Guardians homepage: https://wildearthguardians.org ;; \n Earthjustice action page: https://earthjustice.org/action/this-bill-will-mean-more-logging-of-ours-forests-and-less-protections-for-endangered-species ; —  Earthjustice homepage: https://earthjustice.org ;;\nCenter for Biological Diversity forest policy hub: https://biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public-lands/forests/ ;–Center for Biological Diversity homepage: https://biologicaldiversity.org\nDefenders of Wildlife statement: https://defenders.org/newsroom/senate-introduces-damaging-senate-version-of-house-passed-fix-our-forests-act — Defenders of Wildlife homepage: https://defenders.org ;;\nWestern Environmental Law Center: https://westernlaw.org ;;
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/senate-committee-vote-on-fix-our-forestsrewrite-opposes-1462/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251022T210000
DTSTAMP:20251017T020917Z
CREATED:20250922T062301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T020917Z
UID:19968-1761157800-1761166800@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Chad Hanson speaking on Fire Ecology and other fire related topics - Zoom meeting
DESCRIPTION:  \nChad Hanson of the John Muir Project will be speaking on fire in forest – on the FOREST FIRE ECOLOGY\,  Prairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS) and the Norbeck Society are sponsors and it is on the evening of Wednesday\, Oct 22nd  6:30 MT by Zoom. The public is invited to the meeting.  .  Zoom codes & phone options are at the bottom of announcement.  \nChad Hanson\, is the Director & Principal Ecologist\, John Muir Project (Earth Island Institute) – Chad has a PhD in ecology & a Juris Doctorate. He has published many papers – here is a URL for his CV:\, https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/HansonCV.pdf \nDr. Hanson will discuss the science regarding the high ecological importance of the unique wildlife habitat created by fire\, including patches of high-intensity fire\, for many native species\, such as the Black-backed Woodpecker. He will also discuss science indicating that the current forest management paradigm\, dominated by mechanical thinning and post-fire logging\, damages wildlife habitat\, kills more trees than it prevents from being killed\, increases carbon emissions\, and makes fires spread faster\, often toward towns\, which can increase threats to public safety. Dr. Hanson will discuss and propose a new way forward\, one that is better for forest ecosystems\, our climate\, and community safety. \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\,  \nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\, Passcode: 534620 \nSome additional key background information can be found at the following links. Here is a letter sent in the Old Growth Forest’s DEIS\, that John Muir Project wrote and PHAS signed on:   https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Biden-MOG-DEIS-JMP-et-al.- comments-17Sept24RFS-compressed.pdf \nhttps://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ Fortify-Roadless_-Stronger-Than-the-Rule-8_12_25.pdf https://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NO-on-FOFA-NGO-sign-on-letter-22Jan25.pdf \nHere’s a  URL for the John Muir Project comment / sign-on letter on the Old Growth DEIS: (36 pages):\nhttps://johnmuirproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Biden-MOG-DEIS-JMP-et-al.-comments-17Sept24RFS-compressed.pdf\n\n\nChad & John Muir Project filed a petition to list the black- backed woodpecker in the Black Hills as threatened under the ESA\, as a distinct population segment.  Our black-backed woodpeckers are isolated & have developed the distinct genetics of a subspecies. These woodpeckers need forests burned by wildfires to survive.  Trees killed by beetles and control burns\, help the woodpeckers to  survive for a short while\, but do not provide sufficient habitat to keep the population viable long term.\n         Back in 2012 and other years when the petition was filed Chad made numerous trips to the Black Hills for research and did field trips and presentations for PHAS.  We have had him do periodic presentations since then.\nThe USFWS denied that petition during Trump’s first administration. The URL to an on-line posting of the petition\,\nhttps://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/black-backed_woodpecker/pdfs/BBWO_FESA_Petition.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\nHere is the link to the positive 90 day finding  from the USFWS : https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/04/09/2013-07897/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-90-day-finding-on-a-petition-to-list-two-populations\n\n\nOur national forests are under extreme threat from actions taken/threatened by the Trump administration or congress – such as eviscerating NEPA\, mandating increased logging on our National Forests\, consolidating Forest Service regional offices & proposing to revoke roadless areas designations. Our Black Hills National Forest has been being logged at a not sustainable rate. Our congressional delegation is very supportive of logging & increasing its’ current rate on the Black Hills. On front flap is announcement of 2 PHAS NOV. MEETINGS \nYou can read about Chad here:  https://johnmuirproject.org/meet-the-team/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto at the top is of large old growth ponderosa pine in the Sand Creek Roadless Area\, BHNF\, Wyoming. \n\n\n\n\nNancy Hilding is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\n\n\n\nTopic: Meeting with Chad Hanson on fire in forests\nTime: Wednesday\, October 22\, 6:30 pm Mountain Time\n\n\n\n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433920233?pwd=QmxYUDMvMGRrNW9yRmVON3VPU0dRZz09\n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\n\n\n\nPasscode: 534620\n\n\n\n—\n\n\n\nOne tap mobile\n\n\n+16694449171\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US\n\n\n+16699006833\,\,85433920233#\,\,\,\,*534620# US (San Jose)\n\n\n\n—\n\n\n\nDial by your location (as far as we know all work in western SD)\n\n\n• +1 669 444 9171 US\n\n\n• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n\n\n• +1 719 359 4580 US\n\n\n• +1 253 205 0468 US\n\n\n• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n\n\n• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\n\n\n• +1 689 278 1000 US\n\n\n• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n\n\n• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n\n\n• +1 305 224 1968 US\n\n\n• +1 309 205 3325 US\n\n\n• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n\n\n• +1 360 209 5623 US\n\n\n• +1 386 347 5053 US\n\n\n• +1 507 473 4847 US\n\n\n• +1 564 217 2000 US\n\n\n• +1 646 931 3860 US\n\n\n\nMeeting ID: 854 3392 0233\n\n\n\nPasscode: 534620\n\n\nFind your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbb9dO0PBV\n\n\n\n\nJoin instructions\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85433920233/invitations?signature=WaTNRD8gS_tcxHjEpVswc7OMy2LkzSlWFoMil28gkoo\n 
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/chad-hanson-speaking-on-fire-ecology-zoom/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/roadless.2025-09-12-at-1.46.21-PM.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251025T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251025T170000
DTSTAMP:20251006T211513Z
CREATED:20251006T210910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T211513Z
UID:20039-1761393600-1761411600@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Owl-O-Ween - an annual event at the Black Hills Raptor Center on Saturday  October 25th\,
DESCRIPTION:Join the Black Hills Raptor Center (BHRC)  in celebrating “Owl”-O-Ween on Saturday\, October 25 noon- 5 pm\, at the Black Hills Raptor Center facility\, 15256 EAST Hwy 44\, Rapid City. Families are invited to make a reservation and explore the world of owls and other raptors. \nBlack Hills Raptor Center volunteers will be at the facility with candy\, activities\, and education birds for participants to meet. Families can go Trunk- or- Treating\, dissect owl pellets\, make an owl related craft\, take family photos with a wizard\, enjoy a scavenger hunt\, and snuggle black cats from the BH Humane Society. There will be guest raptors from Falconry and Raptor Education group and Reptile Gardens! \nParticipants can also stop by the new the treatment center\, and take a tour. It is almost complete! There also be will be a cookie for every child. \nReservations are required to help BHRC  keep the numbers of people on site manageable. The event is free\, with a free will donation encouraged\, or donation of a bottle of unflavored Pedialyte\, Dawn dishwashing soap\, or a roll of paper towels. These items are all critical to BHRC’s ongoing efforts to care for injured and orphaned birds of prey.. \nhttps://www.blackhillsraptorcenter.org/owl-o-ween-celebration/ \n\n\n@ 12:00PM — 5:00PM Mountain Time (US & Canada) \n\n\nReservations: \nhttps://blackhillsraptorcenter.networkforgood.com/events/92527-owl-o-ween-2025
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/owl-o-ween-an-annual-event-at-the-black-hills-raptor-center-on-saturday-october-25th/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251027T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251027T170000
DTSTAMP:20251102T203735Z
CREATED:20251026T232547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T203735Z
UID:20234-1761555600-1761584400@phas-wsd.org
SUMMARY:Pennington County Planning Commission to review amendment to  Alternative Energy ordinance
DESCRIPTION:It is a review at the  Pennington County Planning Commission of an amendment to the Alternative Energy Ordinance. The Commission meeting starts at 9 am\, we are not sure when it will end. The Ordinance is item # 17 on the Agenda\, so likely not heard promptly at 9 am.   Check with staff for an estimate of when it will be discussed.\nIt will also likely end up for review at full Commission meeting eventually.  Thus this won’t be the last opportunity for review and comment\,   For adoption of ordinances >>the full Commission must consider them twice (two readings – two hearings at full Commission are pending.)\n\nThe National Audubon Society (NAS)  wants all of NAS’s chapters  to work on fighting climate change. . Climate change is very bad for birds and alternative energy mitigates climate change. Conversely wind energy facilities\, if improperly sited can cause excess bird deaths.  Large solar installations\, standing over prairie dog towns\, would likely reduce prairie dog numbers: solar installations can displace prairie dogs\, make habitats hostile\, and restrict movement due to fencing and new roads. This could be bad for black-footed ferrets (an endangered species found in Pennington County)\, if ferrets were using those impacted towns.  Thus there needs to be limits on locations in the ordinance. I have not read it yet.\n\n\nIt seems there is a long & complex proposed Ordinance and some right-wing folks may oppose large alternative energy facilities and will speak against them.\n\n\nLink to agenda of Planning Commission\, meets at 9 am.\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/{94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0}/uploads/10-27-25.pdf\n\nMeeting packet\, for Ordinance – see pages 149-220\nhttps://pennco.org/vertical/sites/{94B870DC-F4F5-409E-B25D-A72449C5D7C0}/uploads/10-27-25_PC_Packet.pdf\n\n\nORDINANCE AMENDMENT / OA 25-16: Pennington County. To amend Section 317\n“Alternative Energy” [to amend and supersede the existing Section 317 “Alternative\nEnergy”] of the Pennington County Zoning Ordinance.\n\n\n\nCurrent Planning Commission Members\n\n\nLori Litzen [2027]\nMikal Lewis  [2026]\nMatt Schmahl  [2028]\nJohn Santana  [2028]    \nCharlie Johnson [2026]\nKevin Kuehn [2027]
URL:https://phas-wsd.org/event/pennington-county-planning-commission-to-review-amendment-to-alternative-energy-ordinance/
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