Photo by Curioso Photography
Mining, Oil/Gas and Pipelines
SAND GRAVEL and CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATE MINING – Prairie Hills Audubon Society believes that SD law and rule governing Sand and Gravel Mines (Chapter 45-6) is very inadequate and needs reform. Folks living in Piedmont SD are the latest community to discover this inadequacy, with a pending sand/gravel mine licensed on the south east side of town. They have organized a new community group Protect Piedmont’s Future which has a Facebook page and some legislators from district 29 are sympathetic. In 2026 legislature we saw 4 bill(s) for reform of the inadequate statute on sand/gravel and construction aggregate mines (Chapter 45-6). All 4 bills were killed – 3 in committees (House Agriculture and Natural Resources and Commerce Committees) and one made it to the House floor were it was killed. For more info on legislature go to our web site on bill tracking – https://phas-wsd.org/phas-bill-tracking-for-sd-legislature/ . For more info – go to our events/deadline calendar at https://phas-wsd.org/event/protect-piedmont-valley-from-sand-gravel-mine-meeting-eve-of-11-20-25/ or https://phas-wsd.org/event/meade-county-planning-commission-meeting/
EVENTS & DEADLINE
EVENTS & DEADLINES MID SEPTEMBER 2025
Go to the PHAS events and deadline calendar – https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/ – In the Week of Sept 14th-20th, there is notice of a Sept 15th deadline to comment on EPA’s plans to rescind their endangerment finding, which allows them to regulate green house gas pollution . The is a notice mid week (Wednesday 9/17/25) meeting of the SD Board of Mineral And Environments in the Northern Hills, where they are touring mine sites and the public is welcome to join the tour.
NEWS OF PAST EVENTS, SD
The trial over whether to allow exploration for uranium above Craven Canyon will likely happen in 2026 and will only happen in Hot Springs if the local city or county pay for DANR’s accommodations.
Monday July 21st 11:59 pm MT is the deadline to comment on proposed Ponderosa mining exploration project in the northern Black Hi
https://phas-wsd.org/event/comments-due-on-ponderosa-mining-project-to-bhnf
Ponderosa Exploration Drilling Project #6455
The Northern Hills District of Black Hills National Forest has released information for the proposed Ponderosa gold drilling project, with a 30-day comment period. https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=64551
Black Hills Clean Water Alliance has an alert at: https://bhcleanwateralliance.org/2025/06/21/attention-ponderosa-project-comment-period-begins-now/
==============================================
CONCERNS FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Hearing on the Craven Canyon interventions is likely to be August 20-21 2025, It is a hearing before the Board of Minerals and Environment on August 20 – 21 (I suspect they’ll have to schedule additional days). There are 35 intervenors, including two tribal gover nments. The time to intervene is past and the next duty will be to get people to attend the hearing.
DEADLINES May 14th, 2025 and May 16th 2025,
WE were asking folks to comment on threats to Native American sacred Landscapes via uranium exploration near Craven Canyon and graphite exploration near Pe Sla (Reynolds Prairie) – both sacred landscapes. You needed to contact DANR about protecting Craven Canyon and you have an option to also intervene . Now (March 2026) you need to contact the Black Hills National Forest about protecting Pe Sla. There might be 2 comment opportunities to the Forest Service.
If you go to our events/deadline calendars on those dates (5/14/25 & 5/16/25) you learn how to download relevant documents and out-of-date d instructions on how to comment to DANR in 2025- Calendar: https://phas-wsd.org/events-alerts/ ,
Craven Canyon & uranium exploration calendar notice : https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-intervene-in-project-to-explore-for-uranium-above-craven-canyon/,
Pe Sla’ and graphite exploration calendar notice : https://phas-wsd.org/event/extended-deadline-to-comment-on-exploration-for-graphite-mine-bhnf/, also here is a link to a powerpoint slide show that has been sent to us on how to comment, with talking points and sample letters on both projects – https://www.canva.com/design/DAGmDCLr5oc/4f0GEt4oTl6E2UamY84P3w/edit
===========
PHAS MEETING ON MINING 12/16/24
Our December 16th 2024 – 6:30 pm MT evening meeting by Zoom will be about mining threats to our area with Lilias Jarding of BH Clean Water Alliance and Gary Placco of Black Hills Preservation Project as speakers. This meeting was recorded & the link is on our recordings web page For more information:
https://phas-wsd.org/event/prairie-hills-audubon-societys-december-meeting-on-mining-by-zoom/
WHO APPROVES MINES IN LAWRENCE COUNTY
Hearing on TUESDAY 11/26/24 – November 26th,
In Lawrence County mining projects currently need a Conditional Use Permits (CUP).. . Lawrence County Commission second reading of Ordinance about CUPs and the Board of Adjustments . It would take authority for approvals of Conditional Use Permits (CUP) away from the County Commission and give CUP approval authority to the Board of Adjustment. This would result in the public not being able to refer CUP approvals (no more referendums on mining approvals). https://phas-wsd.org/event/lawrence-county-commission-2nd-reading-of-ordinance-24-05/
The County Commission approved the proposed change, that change of the ordinance was referred, with enough signatures collected during the next month to mandate referendum election (Due December 20th 2024). https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-return-notarized-petitions-on-referring-lawrence-countys-zoning-ordinances-24-05-changes/
The County Auditor refused to schedule a referendum election. Organizers hired Attorneys & sued the County. They seek donations to help with legal bills.
https://phas-wsd.org/event/meeting-by-organizers-of-referendum-on-lawrence-county-zoning-changes/
For more info – go to our alerts on our Events/deadlines Calendar for 11/26/24, 12/18/24 & 1/9/25 and a late March (3/26/25) court hearing on a request for writ of mandamous
https://phas-wsd.org/event/trial-about-requiring-referendum-on-zoning-ordinance-24-05/:
=======================
PIPELINES – REFERRED LAW 21
At our July 2024 Board Meeting, the PHAS Board of Directors endorsed the referendum of the controversial bill from the SD 2024 legislature:
Senate Bill 201. We opposed SB 201 during the legislature. The referendum is called Referred Law 21. This is related to the fight in eastern SD
over CO2 pipelines and local control vs. state control over regulations about pipelines as they go through local counties.
SB 201 preempts all local ordinances for linear infrastructure projects (pipelines, electric transmission, broadband, etc.).
The only way for these ordinances to be enforced is for the Public Utilities Commission to require a permit seeking company to comply with them, as a special
condition of a permit approval. This is a major loss for communities’ ability to create reasonable laws that take into account their particular
environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Dakota Rural Action has a web page on the fight over C02 pipelines in South Dakota. https://www.dakotarural.org/our-work/carbon
They also endorse the referendum & have a web page on referred law # 21 – https://www.dakotarural.org/vote-no-on-referred-law-21/
Here is an article about this issue: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/10/04/summit-carbon-pipeline-south-dakota-ballot/8001727972861/
– Vote NO on referred law 21 (You are thus voting no on SB 201) OUR SIDE WON – SB 201 (Referred Law 21) was rejected by the public.
==============================
MINING – MINERAL WITHDRAWAL FOR PACTOLA AREA
There was an old historic October 21st deadline to comment IN FAVOR of the
mineral withdrawal for Pactola Reservoir. See our alert on our calendar page:
https://phas-wsd.org/event/deadline-to-comment-on-mineral-withdrawal-for-pactola-area-in-bhnf/
===================================
LONGER TERM CONCERNS
These issues (mining,oil & gas, pipelines) are generally not major focuses of Prairie Hills Audubon Society as there are
several groups in SD who are dedicated to these issues. We tend to follow their lead and comment on NEPA or other documents, testify at hearings when
asked, or lend to their lobbying efforts with elected officials. We schedule meetings on the mining issues. In the far past we joined with
others and litigated over Brohm mining pollution mitigation failures.
================================
MINING CAMPAIGNS OF PHAS
The exception to this rule (of primarily serving as backup support to other groups), is with Sand/Gravel mining and mining in the Bear
Lodge District of the Black Hills National Forest.
There are alternative groups working on hard rock (mineral) mining in South Dakota. The groups in Wyoming tend to focus on the Front Range
and mining in the Black Hills of Wyoming can sometimes fall through the cracks. Sand and Gravel mining is less threatening than mineral mining to the
environment so following it can be neglected due to demands of addressing the
larger threat of mineral mining. We have watched for decades mining threat to Sand Creek
Roadless Areas. We have litigated to prevent the exploration by dozing for a placer mining in the Sand Creek Inventoried Roadless Area of Wyoming and
successfully stopped that. We have convinced the EPA that sections of Sand Creek were intermittent not ephemeral, which is critical to various laws
that protect water and streams. We have commented on Wyoming water quality laws. We helped Biodiversity Conservation Alliance prepare a Very
Rare and Uncommon Petition for Sand Creek, which was denied. We studied and commented on the plans for rare earth mining
in Bear Lodge District north of Sundance and milling in Upton. We have organized, have had educational meetings on these topics.
We participated in stake holder meetings before Pennington County proposed a Sand and Gravel ordinance and helped with petition drive and
opposing such ordinance as inadequate.
We testify at County Commission meetings on Sand/Gravel isues and communicate with DANR. One day we hope to reform the states very lax
sand/gravel mining laws. We are concerned about proposals to explore for mining on lands near Craven Canyon (a place with Native American rock art). The DANR is waiting on State Historic Preservation review of the mining proposal before moving the application forward. When it moves folks will need to intervene in the case before the Board of Minerals and Environment.
PIPELINES
With pipelines, we just generally send comments in on documents or legislation and/or remind others to do so. We investigated
intervening in the Keystone Pipeline XL permitting before the Public Utility Commission (PUC), but corporations have to hire lawyers and we could not afford
that, so our president intervened as an individual (individuals can represent themselves pro-se). We now support the referendum of SB 201 (Referred law
21
OIL-GAS DEVELOPMENT
With Oil and Gas, in the past we just have sent in comments on NEPA documents or comments for rule making or bills. However we
recently joined with other groups for an intervention in federal court to help defend parts of BLM’s new rules on oil/gas (fluid) leasing rules. These
sections are an improvement over old rules.
Oil/Gas Intervention: https://westernlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024.10.08-BLM-Public-Lands-Rule-Intervention.pdf
News release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lb-n5LN0biZIRZVP_Ghhrrz8pFIT59agqjEtHLHvmdc/edit
=====
https://phas-wsd.org/phas-bill-tracking-for-sd-legislature/
REGIONAL 126th CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ANNOUNCEMENT (12/14/2025-1/5/2026).
TBD means – CBC Date To Be Determined
were counting on the first day -Sunday, Dec 14th, 2025;
===========================
SHORT SUMMARY OF CBCs FOR AREA
IN & AROUND WESTERN SD:
ANNOUNCING THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN OUR REGION
This is a list of Christmas Bird Counts in South Dakota and the closer parts of nearby states.
It is created by Prairie Hills Audubon Society of Western SD.
December 14th- January 5th
Audubon’s 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
Christmas Bird Counts
https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
All official counts will be held between the dates, Saturday, December 14th, 2025 through, Sunday, January 5th, 2026.
The Audubon CBC is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for safely organizing volunteers and submitting observations directly to Audubon. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day—not just the species but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.
When combined with other surveys like the Breeding Bird Survey, the Audubon CBC provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. For example, in 2019, Science published a study using decades of Audubon CBC data and other datasets to describe a grim picture: a steady loss of nearly three billion North American birds since 1970. Over the years, Audubon CBC data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
Audubon CBC data are also used to measure how birds are already responding to climate change. A 2022 Audubon study used 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data to show how birds have shifted amid a century of major environmental changes. By tracking how bird ranges have moved over time, conservation efforts can be prioritized in areas that are important for birds today and in a climate-altered future. With two-thirds of North American bird species at increasing risk of extinction by the end of this century, Audubon CBC data is more important than ever for effective conservation.
Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. Volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. If there is adverse weather on the count day, please check with compiler to make sure the count is not postponed.
What to bring?
Participants should bring lunch, drinking water, warm clothing and footwear. Binoculars, field guides and spotting scopes are suggested, for those who have them. The five-dollar fee has been dropped to encourage more participation and the annual published report, (American Birds) previously available in paper has been made digital – see link:
https://www.audubon.org/content/american-birds-annual-summary-christmas-bird-count
Links to CBC web pages:
https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
To find a count near you on an interactive map:
https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount/
Other links:
SOUTH DAKOTA
https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/
http://sdoubirds.org/SDOU/Calendar.aspx
NEBRASKA:
http://www.noubirds.org/Activities/CBC.aspx
MINNESOTA:
http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php
IOWA
https://iowabirds.org/Connections/CBC.aspx
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*RAPID CITY, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Peg Mcintire, mcintire14@me.com, (605) 858-8242,
Maggie Engler, birdwomanSD@gmail.com, (605) 391-2511 ,
*STURGIS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday,12/14/25,
Contact: Eric Davis: speargoose@gmail.com
*PIERRE/FT. PIERRE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/15/25
Contact: Ricky Olson, tatanka40@pie.midco.net
*WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/25 2025,
Meet at 7:30 am Visitor Center’s front doors
Noah Robison , noah_robison@nps.gov, (605) 745-1149, (720) 404-1708
This CBC is not affiliated with National Audubon Society
*SHADEHILL, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Tuesday, 12/30/2025
Date changed – this is the bad weather alternate
Contact: JJ Nelson at Forest Service (Grand River District – Bismark office) 701-989-7300 ,
also Vivian.Raasch@usda.gov
*BISON, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Friday, December 19th 2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/20/25
Contact: Janice Bovankovich, jbovankovich@abcbirds.org
*BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Thursday, 1/1/ 2026
Meet at Ben Reifel visitors center (near Interior and Cliff Shelf) at 7:45 am
Please contact Nancy in advance if you are going.
Contact: Nancy Drilling, dril0008@gmail.com, 605-791-0459.
*HARDING COUNTY, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Friday, 01/02/2026,
Contact: Janice Bovankovich, jbovankovich@abcbirds.org,
*SPEARFISH, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 1/4/2026,
Meet at McDonalds at 7:30 a.m. MT
Contact: Daniel Bjerke, 605-381-0493, dlbjerke@midco.net
—-
————–
*PINE RIDGE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Compiler has moved out-of-state & this CBC needs a new compiler
Contact: Peter Hill, petermhill@yahoo.com, 605-441-9346.
*PIEDMONT, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
There is no compiler – thus 126th count is not happening
Contact: Gene Hess: gene@neopaleo.net,
*HOT SPRINGS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
The Count will not happen this year, but Webers still run it, and it will occur again in the future
Contact: Duane or Marie Weber – (605) 673-2032, mmcurtin@gwtc.net
This CBC has not affiliated with National Audubon Society, but that will change in the future.
===========
EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Mitchell Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Jeff Hansen, jeff.hansen.sd@gmail.com, 785-806-6917
*Aberdeen Christmas Bird Count,
12/14/2025
Contact: Gary T Olson – olsonfam@nvc.net, 605-715-5242,
*Yankton Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/2025
Contact: Roger Dietrich: 1947rogerd@gmail.com, (605) 660-6247
*Madison Christmas Bird Count,
Monday, 12/15/25
Contact: Jeffrey S. Palmer, jeff.palmer@dsu.edu, (605) 256-5190
*Sand Lake N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Lindsey Wickre, lindsey_wickre@fws.gov,
605-228-8421,
*Brookings Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Dan Kemp, dankemp@brookings.net
*Watertown Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday 12/20/2025
Owen Mcelroy, owen.mcelroy@state.sd.us
*Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
*Huron Christmas Bird Count,
Monday, 12/22/25
Contact: Ryan Thompson, ryemel4@santel.net
Office: (402) 281-3140
*Canton Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 1/3/2026
Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
*Waubay N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Brad Johnson, brad_johnson@fws.gov, 605-947-4521
———-
*Lake Andes Christmas Bird Count,
It stopped happening in a previous year & it is not expected to happen this season.
We need a new compiler to adopt this CBC.
Contact: Mick Hanan, mick_hanan@fws.gov, (605) 481-2347
OTHER ADJACENT STATES
SOME NEBRASKA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Scottsbluff, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net,
*Ponca State Park, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
12/14/2025
Contact: katie leware, katie.leware@nebraska.gov,
*Fort Niobrara, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Katie Schober, katie_schober@fws.gov, Cell: (308) 645-7440,
Office: (402) 281-3140
*North Platte, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Wednesday, 12/17/2025
Wenesday, 12/17/2025Contact: Thomas Walker, thomas.walker@nebraska.gov, 308-530-7659
*Norfolk, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Duane Wolff, duane.wolff@audubonmember.org, (402)-841-0130,
David Heidt, heidtdw@gmail.com, 402-371-3412 leave message
*Lake McConaughy, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/27/2025
Contact: Stephen Dinsmore, cootjr@iastate.edu, 515-294-1348
*Crawford Christmas Bird Count,
Friday, 1/2/2026
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net
*Harrison Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 1/3/2026
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net
=======
SOME WYOMING CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Buffalo, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/2025
Contact: Deane Bjerke, bjerkedp@gmail.com,
*Gillette, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: William Vetter, wm_vetter@msn.com, (307) 670-1145
or Dustin Downey, 307.756.3941, 504.453.4139, Dusty.Downey@audubon.
*Goshen Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count
Saturday,12/20/2025
Contact: Zachariah Hutchinson, zhutchinson@audubon.org
*Casper, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Bruce Walgren, piranga@bresnan.net, 307-234-7455,
or Stacey Scott at hustace@gmail.com or (307) 262-0055
*Sheridan, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Annie Dunn, anniegitterdunn@gmail.com, (253) 307-9082
*Story-Bighorn, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/27/2025
Contact: Ariel Downing: at 307-751- 2303, bandgeek832@gmail.com,
*Kane, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Christy Fleming: christy_fleming@nps.gov, 307-548-5402
*Bates Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Thursday, 1/1/25
Contact: Hustace “Stacey” Scott, hustace@gmail.com, call Stacey at 307-262-0055 or Charlie at 307-473-2512
——–
*Guernsey/Ft. Laramie, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Jane Dorn, 307-640-4002, linglebird@yahoo.com,
*Sundance, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Jen at 307-290-0457, ravenssong18@gmail.com,
SOME IOWA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Westfield, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Tucker Lutter, tuckerlutter@yahoo.com,
*Sioux City, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday 12/20/2025
Contact: Jerry Probst, probstsuebee@aol.com, 712-490-8256
=====
SOME MINNESOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Hendricks, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/25
Contact: William A. Schultze, bcbrats@itctel.com,
*Ortonville, MN, Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Brandon Semel: brandon_semel@fws.gov
605-479-3015
*Pipestone National Monument, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
12/30/25
Contact: Mike Majeski, 651 247 9459, mmajeski@eorinc.com, garrettwee@hotmail.com,
Gabriel Yellowhawk at Park – Gabriel_Yellowhawk@nps.gov, 507-215-9118, Beth Collins <bc309167@gmail.com>,
A new compiler is needed
=========
SOME NORTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Long Lake N.W.R. ND, Christmas Bird Count,,
Wednesday, 12/17/2025
Contact: Patrick Chastan, patrick_chastan@fws.gov, 701-321-0865 or Jared Newton, Jared_Newton@fws.gov
*Bismarck-Mandan, ND, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Corey Ellingson, crackerjackbirder@bis.midco, 701-400-5891
*Medora, ND, Theodore Roosevelt N.P. South Unit, Christmas Bird Count,
at South Visitor Center
Date will likely not be determined before 12/23/25
Kevin Melzo, kevin_melzo@nps.gov, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or Neil at 701-623-4466
*North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt N.P., ND, Christmas Bird Count
Date will likely not determined before 12/23/25
Contact: Kevin Melzo, kevin_melzo@nps.gov, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or Neil at 701-623-4466
REGIONAL 126th CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ANNOUNCEMENT (12/14/2025-1/5/2026).
TBD means – CBC Date To Be Determined
were counting on the first day -Sunday, Dec 14th, 2025;
===========================
SHORT SUMMARY OF CBCs FOR AREA
IN & AROUND WESTERN SD:
ANNOUNCING THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN OUR REGION
This is a list of Christmas Bird Counts in South Dakota and the closer parts of nearby states.
It is created by Prairie Hills Audubon Society of Western SD.
December 14th- January 5th
Audubon’s 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
Christmas Bird Counts
https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
All official counts will be held between the dates, Saturday, December 14th, 2025 through, Sunday, January 5th, 2026.
The Audubon CBC is one of the longest-running wildlife censuses in the world. Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for safely organizing volunteers and submitting observations directly to Audubon. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day—not just the species but total numbers to provide a clear idea of the health of that particular population.
When combined with other surveys like the Breeding Bird Survey, the Audubon CBC provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. For example, in 2019, Science published a study using decades of Audubon CBC data and other datasets to describe a grim picture: a steady loss of nearly three billion North American birds since 1970. Over the years, Audubon CBC data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
Audubon CBC data are also used to measure how birds are already responding to climate change. A 2022 Audubon study used 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data to show how birds have shifted amid a century of major environmental changes. By tracking how bird ranges have moved over time, conservation efforts can be prioritized in areas that are important for birds today and in a climate-altered future. With two-thirds of North American bird species at increasing risk of extinction by the end of this century, Audubon CBC data is more important than ever for effective conservation.
Birders of all ages and abilities are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. Volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate. If there is adverse weather on the count day, please check with compiler to make sure the count is not postponed.
What to bring?
Participants should bring lunch, drinking water, warm clothing and footwear. Binoculars, field guides and spotting scopes are suggested, for those who have them. The five-dollar fee has been dropped to encourage more participation and the annual published report, (American Birds) previously available in paper has been made digital – see link:
https://www.audubon.org/content/american-birds-annual-summary-christmas-bird-count
Links to CBC web pages:
https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count
To find a count near you on an interactive map:
https://gis.audubon.org/christmasbirdcount/
Other links:
SOUTH DAKOTA
https://phas-wsd.org/christmas-bird-counts-regional/
http://sdoubirds.org/SDOU/Calendar.aspx
NEBRASKA:
http://www.noubirds.org/Activities/CBC.aspx
MINNESOTA:
http://moumn.org/CBC/cal/calendar.php
IOWA
https://iowabirds.org/Connections/CBC.aspx
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*RAPID CITY, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Peg Mcintire, mcintire14@me.com, (605) 858-8242,
Maggie Engler, birdwomanSD@gmail.com, (605) 391-2511 ,
*STURGIS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday,12/14/25,
Contact: Eric Davis: speargoose@gmail.com
*PIERRE/FT. PIERRE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/15/25
Contact: Ricky Olson, tatanka40@pie.midco.net
*WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 12/14/25 2025,
Meet at 7:30 am Visitor Center’s front doors
Noah Robison , noah_robison@nps.gov, (605) 745-1149, (720) 404-1708
This CBC is not affiliated with National Audubon Society
*SHADEHILL, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Tuesday, 12/30/2025
Date changed – this is the bad weather alternate
Contact: JJ Nelson at Forest Service (Grand River District – Bismark office) 701-989-7300 ,
also Vivian.Raasch@usda.gov
*BISON, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Friday, December 19th 2025, Adverse weather alternate is 12/20/25
Contact: Janice Bovankovich, jbovankovich@abcbirds.org
*BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Thursday, 1/1/ 2026
Meet at Ben Reifel visitors center (near Interior and Cliff Shelf) at 7:45 am
Please contact Nancy in advance if you are going.
Contact: Nancy Drilling, dril0008@gmail.com, 605-791-0459.
*HARDING COUNTY, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Friday, 01/02/2026,
Contact: Janice Bovankovich, jbovankovich@abcbirds.org,
*SPEARFISH, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Sunday, 1/4/2026,
Meet at McDonalds at 7:30 a.m. MT
Contact: Daniel Bjerke, 605-381-0493, dlbjerke@midco.net
—-
————–
*PINE RIDGE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
Compiler has moved out-of-state & this CBC needs a new compiler
Contact: Peter Hill, petermhill@yahoo.com, 605-441-9346.
*PIEDMONT, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
There is no compiler – thus 126th count is not happening
Contact: Gene Hess: gene@neopaleo.net,
*HOT SPRINGS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,
The Count will not happen this year, but Webers still run it, and it will occur again in the future
Contact: Duane or Marie Weber – (605) 673-2032, mmcurtin@gwtc.net
This CBC has not affiliated with National Audubon Society, but that will change in the future.
===========
EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’s CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Mitchell Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Jeff Hansen, jeff.hansen.sd@gmail.com, 785-806-6917
*Aberdeen Christmas Bird Count,
12/14/2025
Contact: Gary T Olson – olsonfam@nvc.net, 605-715-5242,
*Yankton Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/2025
Contact: Roger Dietrich: 1947rogerd@gmail.com, (605) 660-6247
*Madison Christmas Bird Count,
Monday, 12/15/25
Contact: Jeffrey S. Palmer, jeff.palmer@dsu.edu, (605) 256-5190
*Sand Lake N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Lindsey Wickre, lindsey_wickre@fws.gov,
605-228-8421,
*Brookings Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Dan Kemp, dankemp@brookings.net
*Watertown Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday 12/20/2025
Owen Mcelroy, owen.mcelroy@state.sd.us
*Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
*Huron Christmas Bird Count,
Monday, 12/22/25
Contact: Ryan Thompson, ryemel4@santel.net
Office: (402) 281-3140
*Canton Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 1/3/2026
Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
*Waubay N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Brad Johnson, brad_johnson@fws.gov, 605-947-4521
———-
*Lake Andes Christmas Bird Count,
It stopped happening in a previous year & it is not expected to happen this season.
We need a new compiler to adopt this CBC.
Contact: Mick Hanan, mick_hanan@fws.gov, (605) 481-2347
OTHER ADJACENT STATES
SOME NEBRASKA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Scottsbluff, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net,
*Ponca State Park, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
12/14/2025
Contact: katie leware, katie.leware@nebraska.gov,
*Fort Niobrara, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Katie Schober, katie_schober@fws.gov, Cell: (308) 645-7440,
Office: (402) 281-3140
*North Platte, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Wednesday, 12/17/2025
Wenesday, 12/17/2025Contact: Thomas Walker, thomas.walker@nebraska.gov, 308-530-7659
*Norfolk, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Duane Wolff, duane.wolff@audubonmember.org, (402)-841-0130,
David Heidt, heidtdw@gmail.com, 402-371-3412 leave message
*Lake McConaughy, NE, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/27/2025
Contact: Stephen Dinsmore, cootjr@iastate.edu, 515-294-1348
*Crawford Christmas Bird Count,
Friday, 1/2/2026
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net
*Harrison Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 1/3/2026
Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net
=======
SOME WYOMING CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Buffalo, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/2025
Contact: Deane Bjerke, bjerkedp@gmail.com,
*Gillette, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Sunday, 12/14/25
Contact: William Vetter, wm_vetter@msn.com, (307) 670-1145
or Dustin Downey, 307.756.3941, 504.453.4139, Dusty.Downey@audubon.
*Goshen Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count
Saturday,12/20/2025
Contact: Zachariah Hutchinson, zhutchinson@audubon.org
*Casper, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Bruce Walgren, piranga@bresnan.net, 307-234-7455,
or Stacey Scott at hustace@gmail.com or (307) 262-0055
*Sheridan, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/2025
Contact: Annie Dunn, anniegitterdunn@gmail.com, (253) 307-9082
*Story-Bighorn, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/27/2025
Contact: Ariel Downing: at 307-751- 2303, bandgeek832@gmail.com,
*Kane, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Christy Fleming: christy_fleming@nps.gov, 307-548-5402
*Bates Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
Thursday, 1/1/25
Contact: Hustace “Stacey” Scott, hustace@gmail.com, call Stacey at 307-262-0055 or Charlie at 307-473-2512
——–
*Guernsey/Ft. Laramie, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Jane Dorn, 307-640-4002, linglebird@yahoo.com,
*Sundance, WY, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Jen at 307-290-0457, ravenssong18@gmail.com,
SOME IOWA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Westfield, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/2025
Contact: Tucker Lutter, tuckerlutter@yahoo.com,
*Sioux City, IA, Christmas Bird Count,
Saturday 12/20/2025
Contact: Jerry Probst, probstsuebee@aol.com, 712-490-8256
=====
SOME MINNESOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Hendricks, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
Tuesday, 12/16/25
Contact: William A. Schultze, bcbrats@itctel.com,
*Ortonville, MN, Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, 12/20/25
Contact: Brandon Semel: brandon_semel@fws.gov
605-479-3015
*Pipestone National Monument, MN, Christmas Bird Count,
12/30/25
Contact: Mike Majeski, 651 247 9459, mmajeski@eorinc.com, garrettwee@hotmail.com,
Gabriel Yellowhawk at Park – Gabriel_Yellowhawk@nps.gov, 507-215-9118, Beth Collins <bc309167@gmail.com>,
A new compiler is needed
=========
SOME NORTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Long Lake N.W.R. ND, Christmas Bird Count,,
Wednesday, 12/17/2025
Contact: Patrick Chastan, patrick_chastan@fws.gov, 701-321-0865 or Jared Newton, Jared_Newton@fws.gov
*Bismarck-Mandan, ND, Christmas Bird Count,
TBD
Contact: Corey Ellingson, crackerjackbirder@bis.midco, 701-400-5891
*Medora, ND, Theodore Roosevelt N.P. South Unit, Christmas Bird Count,
at South Visitor Center
Date will likely not be determined before 12/23/25
Kevin Melzo, kevin_melzo@nps.gov, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or Neil at 701-623-4466
*North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt N.P., ND, Christmas Bird Count
Date will likely not determined before 12/23/25
Contact: Kevin Melzo, kevin_melzo@nps.gov, 701-623-4730 ext 1403, or Neil at 701-623-4466
*Tewaukon N.W.R., ND, Christmas Bird Count,
Wednesday, 12/17/25
Contact: 701-403-0041, Eric Wilson, Eric_Wilson@fws.gov
=============
SOME MONTANA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
*Miles City, MT, Christmas Bird Count,
Friday, 12/19/2025
Contact: Jennifer Muscha, jenmuscha@midrivers.com, 406-951-2799
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