This page that you are on - was the PHAS web site's home page until August 2021,
Scroll down immediately below for an index of how this "blog" is ordered..
Members can belong to only Prairie Hills Audubon Society or they can join both Prairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS) and the National Audubon Society (NAS)
To join Prairie Hills Audubon Society & the National Audubon Society
on-line - joining both at the same time go to
https://action.audubon.org/donate/chapter-membership
Our chapter code is V02, the 0 is a zero.
Chapter only memberships are also available, for which you must mail checks to
with approval of Board in each instance.
E) Alert on Resilient Landscape DEIS (Forest Service)
Free bird feeders
PHAS membership meetings are scheduled at the end of the month - in the last week. The day may vary, but check here for
PHAS schedules Zoom discussion & "working" meetings during most months that are not announced on this web page. but announcements are sent to members and friends who have expressed past interest in some of the issues we follow - let us know if you want to be invited to "working' meetings on topics we follow.
Eileen Dowd Stukel - of SD Game, Fish and Parks - will discuss Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA).
RAWA exists now as House and Senate bills that have made it out of committees and await scheduling for floor votes on bills that would give a great deal of money (almost 1.4 billion /year) to state and tribal entities to work to protect "at risk" wildlife. For more info. on RAWA by the NWF : - https://affiliates.nwf.org/resources/recovering-toolkit/ ,
Melissa Smith, Govt. Relations, Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance, Executive Director, Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife, Pat Clark, GLWA, Madison Audubon Chapter & Lewiston Outing Club - will speak about - wolves: “Wolves and Wildflowers"
Most wolves in the USA were delisted by the Trump administration in November 2020. But due to a February2022 court decision, they are currently re-listed under the Endangered Species Act in much of the USA (but not in the northern Rockies). Link to discussion of change: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/breaking-federal-judge-restores-protections-wolves Melissa will give history of listing/delisting actions, review wolf recovery needs & also discuss wolf ecology & lives of wolves.
Bradley Phillips - Wildlife Biologist, Black Hills National Forest, Dr. Riley F. Bernard, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor Depart. of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming – Brad & Riley will speak about northern long eared bat.
The bat is at risk due to a disease - whitenose syndrome. It has been listed as threatened, but the USFWS proposed in March 23rd, 2022 Federal Register to list it as endangered and the USFWS is currently accepting comments on the change to listed status - deadline: 5/23/22. . https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-03/proposal-reclassify-northern-long-eared-bat-endangered We have the bat in SD, but especially in the Black Hills.
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All PHAS Zoom meetings are recorded & a link to the recordings are posted to our web page under Resources and Recordings menu items.
Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation's wildlife and wild places. Started in 2006 by the US Congress, Endangered Species Day is the third Friday of May. We have celebrated ESD in Rapid City w/ a multi-group sponsored event for 15 years, excluding 2020 due to the Pandemic.
vimeo link to recording of meeting -https://vimeo.com/712389823
Passcode: hbxW.y3?
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 AT 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM
Time: Late March meeting , Thursday March 31st, 2022, 6:30 pm Zoom
Speaker: Lori Brown of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on Beaver and Beaver Dam Analogs
Time: Thursday, March 10th, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Speaker: Nancy Hilding will present and lead the discussion, other speakers are invited.
This is a meeting to discuss proposed GFP Shooting Complex & maybe, but only if time permits, we may talk about bills the 2022 legislature
Topic: Audubon Dakota - State Office Update
Speakers: Megan Carter-Johnson & Amanda Booher from Audubon Dakota, the National Audubon Society's field office for SD & ND. Meghan & Amanda will provide an update on Audubon Dakota's programs and 2021 conservation efforts. Audubon has community science projects across the country such as Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count & the Winter 2022 Climate Watch survey (currently underway). Learn more about Audubon Dakota’s programs & how you can also help birds.
Photos below: Meghan has brown hair, Amanda is the blonde
Saturday, Sept 18th, 2021
Video on - Beaver Dam Analog - "Partnering with Beaver to Restore Fish and Wildlife Habitat"
=======
Beavers: Dam Good For Songbirds
"The songbird has a friend in the beaver. According to a study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the busy beaver's signature dams provide critical habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds, particularly in the semi-arid interior of the Western U.S.” https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008151316.htm
More Beavers Equals More Birds - In Western Montana, Birds Flock to Beaver Ponds https://blog.nwf.org/2018/04/more-beavers-equals-more-birds/
Here is a link to a page with references on Beaver
https://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/the-ecological-benefits-of-beavers/ or go to home page https://www.martinezbeavers.org/ and look for ecological benefits
HISTORIC MEETINGS 2020 & 2021
Past two year's meeting videos - recording is on Zoom cloud or Vimeo
Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s August Meeting (Historic meeting recorded)
Monday, August 16th, 2021, 6 pm MT
Topic: Mountain Lions in our Region
and other issues related to SD Game Fish and Parks.
LINK TO RECORDING ON Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/590257448
==================
PHAS June membership Zoom meeting will be about beaver
When: at 6:00 pm MT Wednesday June 30th, 2021, (Historic meetings- recording on Vimeo )
Speaker: Michael M. Pollock of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is our speaker.
Topic: Working with beaver for the benefit of people, fish, wildlife and biological diversity
LINK TO RECORDING ON Vimeo https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/585509489
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PHAS Meeting is Endangered Species Day May 21st.(Historic meetings- recording on Vimeo )
Celebrate America's 16th Annual Endangered Species Day
on May 21st, 2021, 6 pm
PHAS will co-host west River SD's
Endangered Species Day Celebration
Charlene Bessken of the USFWS in Pierre SD spoke to us about two topics:
1. SD's Federally listed species and give us updates on what has happened with SD listed species in the last 2 years.
2. SD's bumble bees, which are listed or have been petitioned for listing -
Listed: Rusty-patched Bumblebee
Petitioned: Western Bumblebee, American Bumblebee, and Variable Cuckoo Bumble Bee
Link to recording of meeting: https://vimeo.com/553605916
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Prairie Hills Audubon Society (PHAS) April Zoom Member's Meeting.(Historic meetings- recording on Vimeo )
Thursday April 29th, 2021, 6:30 pm MT
2 topics: 1. SD GFP & killing of predators and also 2. BHNF over-cutting of conifers.
During the program we showed a video film, “Cull of the Wild” "The Truth behind Trapping" - you can find it here: https://vimeo.com/268875305
Link to recording of PHAS's entire meeting - https://vimeo.com/587401118
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Prairie Hills Audubon Society March Zoom Member's Meeting.(Historic meetings- recording on Vimeo)
Wednesday, March 31st, 2021, 6:30 pm MT
will be Cory Allen Heidelberger editor and publisher
of Dakota Free Press http://dakotafreepress.com
speaking about
Initiative and Referendum in South Dakota -
What is the status of our right to initiative and referendum
after years of monkeywrenching from the Legislature and court challenges.
Link to vimeo recording: https://vimeo.com/588844108
Also meeting is recorded on Zoom cloud (This is only temporary, will be removed) :
Access Passcode: m?0OrCgH
- a report that documents the Forest's not sustainable cut.
Speaker: Jonathan Word, BHNF's Natural Resources Staff Officer.
We helped co-sponsor a cracker barrel in Piedmont on the second Saturday of February 2020 and 2021 and other years.
we have temporarily discontinued those face-to-face eating meetings due to Covid19.
======================================================================================
Assessment (Integrated Report).
======================================================================================
==================
The 2022 SD Legislative Session section and our bill tracking of environmental and good government bills is just getting started.It is located in the chronological section under January 11th
The 2021 Legislative section has been moved to the bottom of the blog page, as it is now a year out-of-date
SD Legislature 2021Jan 12th-March 11, with Veto day March 29thINDEXLegislative section (which is far below) has1. Reference links for the SD Legislature and other lobbyists/groups (moved)who have information relevant to environmental bills (moved)2. Bill tracking for environmental and "good/bad government process" bills (moved)3. Bulk e-mail lists of all legislators and some committees (DELETED)4. Information on some committees (DELETED)5. Expired alerts on some bills (moved)6. Initiative and Referendum Reference
================================================================================================Chronological list of eventsBlue text is passed, black text is future.Late May forward
SD Legislature began on January 11th, 2022Cracker BarrelsAudubon Photo ContestClimate Watch 1/15/22-2/15/22PHAS Zoom meeting Jan 26th,The Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop Shooting Range Project - Draft EA deadline March 24thFeb 9th, Now Feb 28th, Now Maarch 28th - Pennington County Ordinance Hard Rock Mining, Great Backyard Bird CountSD GFP Commission March MeetingComment Deadline Pactola Vegetation Management ProjectSpruce Vegetation Management Projectdraft 2022 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality
Assessment (Integrated Report).
BELOW ABOVE EVENts Deadline to send written comments to SDGFP Commission 8/28SD GFP meeting, Sept 1st-2nd, Rapid City & Hybrid ZoomSDOU Bi-annual meeting, Sioux Falls 8/10-8/12 PHAS Field Trip Sept 18thNAS Convention - Virtual Oct 2nd-3rdPHAS Field Trip October 3rdWritten Comment Deadline SDGFP October Commission meeting, lionsIzaak Walton Meeting RC ChapterSDGFP October Commission meeting, meeting 10/7-10/8 Comments due Oct 22 - Jenny Gulch Gold Exploration EASDGFP November Commission meetingSDGFP December Meeting, Dec 9th-10thChristmas Bird Counts. 12/14-1/5Comment Deadline - SD Greater Sage Grouse Action Plan, Dec 15th, Jan 4th Testify SD GFPShooting Range Alert, Jan 4th Testify SD GFP SD GFP Commission meeting, January 4th-5thComment Deadline on WoodsTimber Sale, \extended January 5th
+++++++==========++++++++INDEX to this section -
================================================================================================
Assessment (Integrated Report).
+++++++==========++++++++
==================================================================
SD Legislature began on January 11th, 2022
To learn about session visit:Schedule
General resource
Lists of Bills
Committee and Chamber members and agendas
Groups or individuals wanting to testify before the committee via remote means or submit a digital handout or written testimony may submit their request and/or materials 24 hours in advance to committee's e-mail
Instructions on how to participate remotely in Legislative hearings
List of all legislators - click on yours for their e-mail address, which is FIRST NAME.LAST NAME@sdlegislature.gov (there is a dot between first and last name) If there are legislators with the same name it gets more complex
Or call and leave a message with the pages; tell them who message is for, the message, who you are. The page will deliver your phone message to their desk, Senate 773-3821, House 773-3851
SDGFP's Bill TrackingDANR/DENR usually has Bill Tracking, but not this yearFolks can testify remotely at committees. One must let the Committee know 24 hours in advance..
Dakota Rural Action, Sierra Club, Izaak Walton League, SD Camo Coalition all have full or part time lobbyists.The above may send out legislative alerts or weekly updates to members/friends. SD Camo Coalition has a web site and posts daily updates. PHAS does some bill tracking, but we haven't started yet.
We have our bill tracking and legislative alerts on the Prairie Hills Audubon Society web page this year
LEGISLATIVE CRACKER BARRELS/COFFEES - Most recent version of PHAS's 2022 list is Posted to PHAS Web page
==================================================================
1/12/22-3/9/22Audubon's Annual Photo Contest Entry Period -
This recycles every year
==================================================================================================================================================PASTClimate Watch January 15th-February 15th, 2022next season May-June 2022
https://www.audubon.org/news/participant-resources-climate-watch Climate 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). Like 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. These 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. Visit this page to see where these birds are in SD, and which are near you: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".How 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.
How data will be used
Audubon’s 2019 climate change report, ‘Survival By Degrees,’ 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!
Link to the Climate-watch program on the National Audubon Society web page
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch
Climate watch instructions for participants
Climate watch for beginners webinar, - this has much of the same info as our November meeting,
Our November meeting was on this topic (posted to the Zoom Cloud) November PHAS meeting recording Topic: Title: Climate Watch: Monitoring Birds in aChanging ClimateSpeakers: Kathy Dale, National Audubon Society’sDirector of Science Technology
Link to recording of meeting https://vimeo.com/534141563/4aa562697d ================================================================================
PASTPHAS monthly Zoom meeting January 26th, 2022-
Speaker - Meghan Carter + other staff, from Audubon Dakota, on the National Audubon Society's activities in SD and the Region/Nation
Time was: 6:00 pm Mountain time, Wednesday Jan 26th, 2022
Scroll up to get link to recording
================================================================================The Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop will be- The afternoon of Thursday, March 17 will be all online (via zoom) and will feature contributed talks.
- The morning of Friday, March 18 will be online and in-person at the Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. It will feature a symposium on Climate Resilience and Adaptation and symposium-related breakout-group discussions.
Finally, as a heads up, participation in each part of the workshop will require pre-registration (still no fee!) to help the planning committee prepare technology- and safety-wise - See hyperlink for registration - https://tnc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrd-2ppz8uGdYKxZvbihxzfVGLHKMHzIj9
Black Hills Area Botany & Ecology Workshop March 17 & 18, 2022 (BHABEW XIV) Contributed Talks (Thursday, March 17; Zoom only) 12:30 Symstad – Welcome and logistics 12:35 Blodgett – First report of Diplodia shoot blight and canker disease on ponderosa pine in Wyoming 12:50 Heidel – Plant diversity of the National Park System in the Black Hills 1:10 Latvis – Biodiversity assembly and maintenance in an "Island in the Plains": Proposed research on disjunct Black Hills species 1:25 BREAK 1:35 Brown – Nature-based solutions for improving riparian health and resilience 1:55 Krueger – Revising the Black Hills NF Forest Plan 2:20 Porensky – Increased precipitation variability causes boom-bust cycles in invasive annual grasses, while increasingly stressed perennials persist 2:40 BREAK 2:50 Ott – Prescribed fire effects on soil nutrient availability in mixed-grass prairie and sagebrush steppe-prairie ecotone 3:10 Bachle – Grassland wildfires: How do fuel loads impact air and soil temperatures? 3:25 Symstad – Grass leaf development following prescribed fire 3:40 Adjourn Climate Adaptation Symposium & World Café (Friday, March 18; Zoom and in-person) 8:30 Symstad – Welcome and logistics 8:35 Akyüz – Climate trends and projections 9:05 Ott – National Climate Assessment, Northern Great Plains region 9:35 Newman – RADical responses to ecological change in a transforming world 10:05 BREAK 10:15 Timberlake – Climate change vulnerability briefs to support forest plan revision on the Black Hills National Forest 11:00 Herrmann – Healthy soils are resilient to climate change 11:20 Welling – Management perspectives on the RAD framework 11:40 BREAK 11:50 Climate Resilience small-group discussion session 1 (within “agency”) 12:15 Climate Resilience small-group discussion session 2 (across “agency”) ================================================================================
March 31s deadlinePlease provide your input and complete this survey of how you want to recreate in SD - deadline is March 31st
2022 SCORP: Public Survey for Outdoor Recreation in South Dakota click here.
March 31st is the end date of this survey. SDSU and SD GF&P are working together for the 2022 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and are looking for your input through their survey to help them plan for future outdoor recreation opportunities. Help the state of SD to provide the kind of outdoor recreation you want, by filling out this form and indicating your interests
2022 SCORP: Public Survey
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. These 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.
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".How 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.
How data will be used
Audubon’s 2019 climate change report, ‘Survival By Degrees,’ 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!
Link to the Climate-watch program on the National Audubon Society web page
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch
Link to recording of meeting https://vimeo.com/534141563/4aa562697d ================================================================================
- The afternoon of Thursday, March 17 will be all online (via zoom) and will feature contributed talks.
- The morning of Friday, March 18 will be online and in-person at the Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. It will feature a symposium on Climate Resilience and Adaptation and symposium-related breakout-group discussions.
Finally, as a heads up, participation in each part of the workshop will require pre-registration (still no fee!) to help the planning committee prepare technology- and safety-wise - See hyperlink for registration - https://tnc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrd-2ppz8uGdYKxZvbihxzfVGLHKMHzIj9
Please provide your input and complete this survey of how you want to recreate in SD - deadline is March 31st
2022 SCORP: Public Survey for Outdoor Recreation in South Dakota click here.
March 31st is the end date of this survey. SDSU and SD GF&P are working together for the 2022 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and are looking for your input through their survey to help them plan for future outdoor recreation opportunities. Help the state of SD to provide the kind of outdoor recreation you want, by filling out this form and indicating your interests
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Rapid City Shooting Range - Please either oppose or ask for an EIS be done before building or funding it.
Protect the water quality in the area from lead pollution.
You can write or call Game, Fish and Parks Staff and/or Commission, your legislator (as GFP is asking the legislature for money to pay for this project.) or Meade County Commission, The USFWS staff in Denver is overseeing a NEPA analysis (GFP is asking them to help pay for the project)
Due to many demands on volunteer time in February 2022 - the web site is being updated more frequently than this blog. Most recent news on this issue is on alerts on our web page
Game, Fish and Parks has been unable to fund raise enough donations or grants to pay for building the range and are asking the 2022 legislature for millions to fund the project. Thus folks can contact your SD Legislator with concerns. We think attempts to appropriate money for this project in the legislature are dead – HB 1049 and SB 175 are both killed in the House of Representatives. Attempts to insert language about the funding into HB 1166 in conference committee died on March 9th.
SDGFP says they expects to break ground in spring. They are asking the SD National Guard to help them build it. The site is very rugged when the EPA recommends flat areas for shooting ranges, thus we assume major land sculpting & storm water management has to happen. That will be expensive. What other GFP projects for wildlife or parks could be afforded if a site that better conformed with EPAs location guidance had been chosen? SDGFP will be relying in part on Pittman Robertson funding given to them by the USFWS. FWS staff thus must sign off on a NEPA document, either an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS). SD National Guard may need to cooperate on that. Folks should insist on an EIS as the project won't comply with the EPA Best Management Practices for shooting ranges - it selected a site that does not match the site selection guidance.. https://fws.gov/press-release/2022-02/proposed-shooting-range-rapid-city-south-dakota https://fws.gov/library/collections/wsfr-rapid-city-south-dakota-proposed-shooting-range
SD GFP seeks funding for the Complex from the USFWS and wrote a draft EA to comply with USFWS NEPA policy. Public comments will be accepted on the Draft EA for a 30-day period, ending March 24, 2022, and can be electronically submitted to: fw6_FAGrants@fws.gov. Copies of the Draft EA, which include details of the proposed action and the alternatives considered, are available online at: https://fws.gov/library/collections/wsfr-rapid-city-south-dakota-proposed-shooting-range. Those without internet access may request copies by calling the Services’ Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program at 303-236-8165. Comments will be accepted until March 24, 2022, and should be sent to: Chief, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO, 80225.
Draft Environmental Assessment https://fws.gov/media/rapid-city-shooting-range-initial-environmental-assessment
Appendix
More information about this issue can be found at our PHAS web site at: https://phas-wsd.org/action-alerts/Bill tracking of bills in legislature can be found at PHAS web site https://phas-wsd.org/sd-legislature/
EPA and DANR only regulate shooting ranges at closure, or during construction for storm water runoff. EPA provides guidance that is not enforceable, except we can request discussion of this non-compliance in the NEPA document and ask for an EIS. The EIS's range of alternatives should offer an alternative site selection. Another request for the SD Legislature would be for Dept of Agriculture and Natural Resources (used to be DENR) to be given authority to regulate location, construction and operation of shooting ranges, for lead management concerns (it doesn’t have that power now). Map of proposed GFP shooting range, it is off Elk Vale Road north of Elk Creek
Money to help pay for the project is being sought under Pittman Robertson from the Denver USFWS office, An “environmental assessment" is being written, . EA is supposed to be almost written, but we suspect scoping did not happen. SDGFP Commission's Resolution about land purchase using South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation as a temporary intermediary to hold the land, can be found at link (The range will be in Meade not Pennington County): https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/meetings/21-03_Resolution_-_Authorizing_purchase_of_Rapid_City_Shooting_Range_(3).pdf GFP sheet about firing range.Plans/Drawings of proposed Range Meade County Map showing area's land parcels TALKING POINTS: Some environmental issues associated with shooting ranges can be - 1) Lead contamination from bullets with impacts to ponds/creeks/ground water in area2) Noise from gun fire with hundreds of shooting positions,3) Disturbance to wildlife, livestock and homes/ranche4) Bullets traveling to neighboring lands, including areas with high slope.5.) Fire risk,
6) Impacts of traffic to about 3 miles of dirt road with noise, dust and wear and tear and expense to county
7) Supervision of the property and law enforcement costs
The pond/wetland immediately to the south of the property has excellent birding. This range will be about 2.5 miles from Sevey Lake, a popular birding spot. Lead pollution is a major issue, especially as the site does not meet the EPA criteria for siting of ranges (not-flat -too much slope).EPA on BMP on managing lead at shooting ranges We quote that document at page II-5:
"The most important site selection criteria to consider when selecting a new rangelocation include: topography; surface water flow patterns; and depth to groundwater. Ifpossible, ranges should be developed on flat terrain, as it facilitates reclamation and reducesthe chance of off-site migration due to surface water runoff as compared with highly slopedterrain. When considering a prospective location for a range, ask yourself: What is the direction ofsurface water runoff? Does the site drain to surface water (e.g., streams, rivers) on-site?Off-site? Can the range design be modified to minimize potential runoff? Is reclaimationequipment accessible to the area to clean the range?” (Emphasis added). Fact sheet on Lead Pollution at Outdoor Firing Ranges: . There are several ponds/impoundments on or near edges of the property & several have some wetlands associated with them. The range's south boundary bisects or borders a pond on an unnamed tributary of Elk Creek. GFP won’t have access to all or parts of the edge/boundary ponds, as they are on private land. The proposed shooting range is divided between Elk and Antelope Creek drainage basins, likely with at least some of the northeast-end of range draining to Antelope Creek and the south-end will be draining to Elk Creek. As the crow flies the range is closest to Elk Creek, but as water flows toward the two drainages, it is closer to Antelope Creek. In the pink map below, the shooting range's south boundary crosses the heart shaped pond just east of Elk Vale Rd, that sits on a tributary that flows southeast to Elk Creek - merging in several miles. It's north boundary is near the slight bend in Elk Vale Rd at a mile and a quarter above that pond. The slight bend in road is on the ridge top. Property is a half mile wide and a mile and a quarter tall. The topography at the north end is much more hilly, with the north entrance at a ridge top. The smaller shooting bays in the north, are in a descending valley. The whole property is descending from the ridge towards the pond. This site does not meet the EPA’s guidance for siting shooting ranges: the EPA wants them on flat sites. Soil has clay in it. It is harder for reclamation machines to recover lead from clay soil and the machines need flat surfaces.
CUMULATIVE NOISE
See map below. Each of the smaller shooting bays may have 5 -10 shooting lanes/each. There are 29 such bays, 12 are in the south . The 200-400 ft bays may have 20 shooting position/each, 2 are in the south unit. The extra long bays may have 40 positions, 2 are in the south unit. The shooting clays have 12 positions/each. The south-end range may be used for local shooters. The north-end range may be used for competitions or training activities and some bays are called “action bays” without assigned lanes.Decibels from each gun fire are significant 150dB-163.2 dB ; https://earinc.com/gunfire-noise-level-reference-chart/. The north end is in a more steep and rugged location, it has a small flat area at the top, but descends into valleys and rugged territory.. ============ Feb 9th & Morning of Feb 28th, Pennington County Planning Commission Pennington County Ordinance on Hard Rock Mining To be Considered Earlier version of Ordinance
Then there will be a hearing before the Planning Commission on Feb. 9 at 5 PM and morning of 2/28 and 3/28 Agendas:
============ 2/18-2/21/22Great Backyard Bird Count every february - Event recycles every year =============================================
Deadline to comment is , March 2, 2022 Pactola Vegetation Management Project,Send comments to:Link the project's web pageScoping letterMap of Management AreasTreatment Map
Questions to Scott Albrecht, Timber MA, 605-343-1567, at the Mystic District
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March 3-4
SD Game, Fish & Parks Commission meeting in Pierre/Zoom
March 6th, deadline===========
Public notice of release of draft report for comment.
Download the Draft report
NOTICE OF THE 2022 SOUTH DAKOTA INTEGRATED REPORT FOR SURFACE
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND THE NATIONAL 303(D) PROGRAM VISION:
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is announcing the
availability of the draft 2022 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality
Assessment (Integrated Report). The Integrated Report also includes the National
303(d) Program Vision. This notice provides the opportunity for public comment on the
draft Integrated Report and the Vision.
The Integrated Report is required under the federal Clean Water Act. This report
combines the 305(b) Water Quality Report to Congress and the 303(d) Impaired
Waterbodies list into one document for the purpose of reporting on South Dakota’s
surface water quality. The Integrated Report also lists those waterbodies that require
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development. The final Integrated Report is due to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on or before April 1, 2022.
The 2022 Integrated Report contains the following information:
1. An assessment of the surface water quality of South Dakota’s waters;
2. A description of South Dakota’s water quality monitoring programs;
3. Pollutants causing violations of the applicable water quality standards;
4. Identification of waters targeted for TMDL development and;
5. A description of the process used by South Dakota to set priorities under the
National 303(d) Program Vision.
========================================
Quasi-deadline - comments received by March 25, 2022
Spruce Vegetation Management Project,”
The Black Hills NF today announced a scoping document for the “Spruce Vegetation Management Project,” which will involve the logging the largest spruce trees over up to 25,000 acres including via massive, 40-acre clearcuts (the size of 30 football fields).
Supporting documents, including a detailed scoping package and project map can be found online here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599.
The letter describes the project as follows:
Treatments would occur on up to 25,000 acres. Proposed activities include regeneration harvests with reserve trees, overstory removal, group selection, machine piling, pile burning, and prescribed fire using a condition-based management approach. Follow up maintenance treatments are proposed to ensure regeneration requirements are met and to encourage pine and aspen seedlings and saplings over spruce.
The scoping letter justifies this logging as necessary because the forest’s current acreage of spruce exceeds targets in the Forest Plan. See Scoping Package at 5 (“the total area of forestland considered as white spruce has significantly expanded from an estimated 15,000-20,000 acres forest-wide to approximately 50,000 acres”).
Proposed logging will break up “pure” spruce stands, to provide “heterogeneity” in structural condition. In mixed conifer stands where spruce are allegedly overtaking ponderosa pine and aspen, logging will purge spruce, and the landscape will be replanted with ponderosa.
Much of the logging will target the largest trees; it appears that in most prescriptions, everything over 7.0 inches DBH will be chainsawed. “Regeneration treatments,”, “larger than 40 acres are anticipated,” which may require approval by the regional forester. Scoping Package at 6.
Quasi-deadline - comments received by March 25, 2022 would be most useful.
The scoping “package” states that the agency will issue a draft EA for public comment before issuing a final EA and draft decision notice, all by July 2022; and then to issue a final decision and start logging in October 2022.
Prairie Hills Audubon Society submitted public comments on the scoping document of an earlier version of the project, insisting a Categorical Exclusion could not be supported and got an Environmental Assessment as a result. I will post those letters to Scribd and give you a link beore deadline.
How to Comment
Electronic comments can be submitted through the electronic comment form located on the project webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599) through the “Comment/Object on Project” link found on the right-hand side of the page. Comments may also be submitted by means of written or printed comment via the U.S. Postal Service or hand delivery to: Jeff Underhill, 1019 N. 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730.
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March 3-4
SD Game, Fish & Parks Commission meeting in Pierre/Zoom
===========
Public notice of release of draft report for comment.Download the Draft reportNOTICE OF THE 2022 SOUTH DAKOTA INTEGRATED REPORT FOR SURFACE
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND THE NATIONAL 303(D) PROGRAM VISION:
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is announcing the
availability of the draft 2022 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality
Assessment (Integrated Report). The Integrated Report also includes the National
303(d) Program Vision. This notice provides the opportunity for public comment on the
draft Integrated Report and the Vision.
The Integrated Report is required under the federal Clean Water Act. This report
combines the 305(b) Water Quality Report to Congress and the 303(d) Impaired
Waterbodies list into one document for the purpose of reporting on South Dakota’s
surface water quality. The Integrated Report also lists those waterbodies that require
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development. The final Integrated Report is due to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on or before April 1, 2022.
The 2022 Integrated Report contains the following information:
1. An assessment of the surface water quality of South Dakota’s waters;
2. A description of South Dakota’s water quality monitoring programs;
3. Pollutants causing violations of the applicable water quality standards;
4. Identification of waters targeted for TMDL development and;
5. A description of the process used by South Dakota to set priorities under the
National 303(d) Program Vision.
========================================
Quasi-deadline - comments received by March 25, 2022
Spruce Vegetation Management Project,”
The Black Hills NF today announced a scoping document for the “Spruce Vegetation Management Project,” which will involve the logging the largest spruce trees over up to 25,000 acres including via massive, 40-acre clearcuts (the size of 30 football fields).
Supporting documents, including a detailed scoping package and project map can be found online here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599.
The letter describes the project as follows:
Treatments would occur on up to 25,000 acres. Proposed activities include regeneration harvests with reserve trees, overstory removal, group selection, machine piling, pile burning, and prescribed fire using a condition-based management approach. Follow up maintenance treatments are proposed to ensure regeneration requirements are met and to encourage pine and aspen seedlings and saplings over spruce.
The scoping letter justifies this logging as necessary because the forest’s current acreage of spruce exceeds targets in the Forest Plan. See Scoping Package at 5 (“the total area of forestland considered as white spruce has significantly expanded from an estimated 15,000-20,000 acres forest-wide to approximately 50,000 acres”).
Proposed logging will break up “pure” spruce stands, to provide “heterogeneity” in structural condition. In mixed conifer stands where spruce are allegedly overtaking ponderosa pine and aspen, logging will purge spruce, and the landscape will be replanted with ponderosa.
Much of the logging will target the largest trees; it appears that in most prescriptions, everything over 7.0 inches DBH will be chainsawed. “Regeneration treatments,”, “larger than 40 acres are anticipated,” which may require approval by the regional forester. Scoping Package at 6.
Quasi-deadline - comments received by March 25, 2022 would be most useful.
The scoping “package” states that the agency will issue a draft EA for public comment before issuing a final EA and draft decision notice, all by July 2022; and then to issue a final decision and start logging in October 2022.
Prairie Hills Audubon Society submitted public comments on the scoping document of an earlier version of the project, insisting a Categorical Exclusion could not be supported and got an Environmental Assessment as a result. I will post those letters to Scribd and give you a link beore deadline.
How to Comment
Electronic comments can be submitted through the electronic comment form located on the project webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599) through the “Comment/Object on Project” link found on the right-hand side of the page. Comments may also be submitted by means of written or printed comment via the U.S. Postal Service or hand delivery to: Jeff Underhill, 1019 N. 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730.
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scroll down 6 inches PAST
PASTClimate Watch January 15th-February 15th, 2022scroll down 4 inches
PAST scroll down 4 inches
Saturday 8/28/21 at midnight MT Deadline SD GFP Commission Written Comments
Saturday 8/28/21 at midnight MT Deadline SD GFP Commission Written Comments
Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ or at https://rules.sd.gov/Comments.aspx?Id=669. To be included in the public record for September comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). Saturday 8/28/21 at midnight MT. Late comments go in the next month's public record. You may write the Commissioners individually at any day.List of Commission members with photos and contact information. Commissioner e-mails. <Travis.Bies@state.sd.us>, Jon.Locken@state.sd.us, Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us, Russell.Olson@state.sd.us, <Doug.Sharp@state.sd.us>, Charles.Spring@state.sd.us, There are two new Commissioners. Their e-mails are likely: Stephanie.Rissller@state.sd.us, and Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us, but their e-mails are not posted yet.
Scroll down to Sept 1st for more details
==================================================PASTWednesday Sept 1st-September 2ndNext SDGFP Commission MeetingRapid City and face-to-face Virtual Option
UPDATE -
Update, the Commission passed both proposed rules on mountain lions with no changes from proposalsThe Commission passed the rule on spring turkey with no changes from proposal.The only rule to which there was a change, was on blow guns used for fishing; they decided not to allow blow guns for fishing. Future action to protect mountain lions will be to contact federal and state land management agencies and ask them to prohibit hound hunting of mountain lions on their properties. Please watch for updates on that future campaign
BEAVER They plan to have a report or proposal on beaver trapping/hunting in the Black Hills at the November meeting. Thus if a rule change is offered it would likely be voted on in January. People should spend the next few months, writing or contacting SDGFP staff or commissioners, asking for a moratorium on beaver hunting/trapping in the Black Hills Fire Protection District and also ask SDGFP to reduce the months of beaver hunting/trapping from all other public land in SD, when the public land has a multiple use or wildlife management objective. Currently trapping/hunting is allowed 365 days of the year statewide on private and public land except on Black Hills National Forest land and a subset of private land in the Black Hills. Folks should ask for 5 months of beaver trapping statewide (not 12 months) on private & public land. SD has a law that allows folks with "conflict beaver" to call up SDGFP who will then allow them to kill the beaver. SDGFP staff will also come and kill beaver on request. Folks should ask SDGFP to create a beaver management plan, so SDGFP can address the importance of beavers as creators of habitat, and protectors of surface and ground water values and provide options for non-lethal management of conflict beaver.
Wednesday September 1st (afternoon) - Thursday September 2nd (morning) is the next SD Game, Fish & Parks Commission Meetingin Rapid City at Outdoor Campus West with virtual (Zoom) & teleconference optionsMeeting details will be posted by GFP on this website just before the meeting and after the meeting: Mountain lion hunting season will be among the rule proposalsSaturday 8/28/21 at midnight MT is the written comment deadline. Late comments go to the next month public record, but folks can give oral testimony in person or virtually at the hearing on 9/1/21. Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ or at https://rules.sd.gov/Comments.aspx?Id=669The only necessary written action on cougars that we suggest (besides filling in your contact info.) is to check that you oppose the two proposed rules on Mountain Lion hunting in SD…But scroll down for more explanation of issues and to have some text to add if you wish. Rule change proposals up for a vote
Terrestrial:- Spring Turkey- reducing area available for hunting,
- Setting Mountain Lion Hunting Season in the state for another two years,
- Cougar hunting restrictions eroded to allow hound hunting in the prairie unit onto more public lands ,
Aquatic:
- Changing fish limits in Iowa/SD Boundary waters,
- Allowing blow guns for fishing & setting limits on it,
- Hoop Nets and Setlines: adding floatlines to rule and setting fees and various limits on floatlines,nets & traps,
- Reducing various regulations on bait,
- Reducing regulations on fish hatcheries.
- Expanding ages within youth class at fish tournaments,
- Aquatic invasive species: increasing exemptions to rules about.
To see exact text of the proposed rule changes go to the LRC site - visit: https://rules.sd.gov/agency.aspx?agency=GFP%20%20Game,%20Fish%20And%20Parks
Alert On Mountain Lion Seasons Rule Changes
Here is a link to the letter that Prairie Hills Audubon Society submitted to SD GFP:
https://www.scribd.com/document/522625630/Mountain-Lion-Comment-LetterF?secret_password=EUwQZb1IK9yVyf3B5FY5We suggest folks oppose both proposed rules for mountain lion hunting. SD Mt. lion hunting is divided into the Black Hills Fire Protection District and every where else (Prairie unit). In the Prairie Unit there is 365 day hunting with no harvest limit and hound hunting is allowed on private land (with land owner/lessor permission) and moving from private land to BLM and State School Lands. Hound hunting is allowed in Custer State Park in two week time segments alternating with two weeks of "boot hunting" (boot = no hounds used). The first two week session is given to hound hunting and thus for many years the boot hunters are out-competed and have not gotten any lions.
The hunting season on the Black Hills Unit is too aggressive and will result in decreasing populations, perhaps dropping below the population below the population goals that SDGFP wants. We suggest at least lowering the female lion harvest limit in the Black Hills unit.
We suggest people object to hound hunting of lions, which occurs on Custer State Park (a sub-set of Black Hills unit) and in the Prairie unit. You can object due to 1. animal cruelty to both dogs and lions, 2. not fair chase, 3. provides huge advantage of success for hound hunters vs boot hunters 4. creates trespass risk, 5. disturbs non-target wildlife, livestock and other human users. However they are making a specific change to increase hound hunting..by increasing the area of public land in the Prairie Unit where hound hunters can travel from private land to hunt on public land, to include all of public lands unless public land manager specifically objects. Previously public land hound hunting in the Prairie unit was limited to expanding onto BLM and State School lands. . You can object specifically to that proposed increase in hound hunting area on the Prairie Unit.
We suggest allowing the boot hunters the first two week session in Custer State Park, for sake of boot hunters, lions & dogs.
Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ or at https://rules.sd.gov/Comments.aspx?Id=669
=============
SD has some Native American reservations with mountain lions with proof of breeding that are not covered by SDGFP regulations as their tribal lands are in alternate jurisdictions.
Prairie Hills Audubon Society had a Zoom meeting on Regional Mountain Lions on August 16th. This has much info. on SD cougars.
The meeting is recorded to the on Zoom cloud (The cloud location is only temporary)
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-YO-I-X4aOvglkZW7MZb3vmnrlIyj-HQv9Q2-srPUlRrguUYC4VSNt8t2uh1B6M.TvIpASLembReeBp5 Passcode: 7Nar+g9n Recording also is on Vimeo for the long term . Link to recording on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/590257448
The Mountain Lion Foundation has an alert
To see proposed rule changes at LRC site -
See public comment thus farSpring Turkey Proposal
Here are links to the proposal for Mountain lion season: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/PRO1_2021-2022_Mountain_Lion.pdf
Link to the petition for increasing access to public lands for hunting lions with hounds. The final proposal being offered is different than this and you must visit the LRC rules page (link is above) to see actual proposed text: https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/11_Petition_-_Mountain_Lion_Season_Restrictions.pdf
The public hearing will be 2 pm MT at Outdoor Campus West, with Zoom and teleconference hook up. SDCL 1-26-4 (5) requires reasonable time to comment per rule but during finalizations oral testimony time may be limited in any of the following ways: 1. Three minutes testifying per person, 2. Three minutes testifying per rule or 3. Three minutes testifying on any arranged set of rules. There is also normally 3 minutes allowed per person in the open forum. It is requested, but not required that folks wanting to testify contact Rachel Comes <Rachel.Comes@state.sd.us>, before the hearing, so GFP has a list.
Old meeting details, including document submitted and links to audio recordings https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/archives/Audio recordings are in a PC format and Mac users must have a translation software. If you don't have such installed, there arefree options such as VLC.
Recent SDGFP NewsKristi Noem appoint 2 Commissioners (Stephanie Rissler and Julie Bartling) both women to fill vacant positions on Game, Fish and Parks CommissionList of Commission members with photos and contact information.================================================================================PASTSept 10th-12th, - South Dakota Ornithologist Fall meeting, Sioux Falls
South Dakota Ornithologist Fall meetingSept 10th-12th, Sioux Falls, Augustana CollegeIncludes lectures, field trips, members meeting, Board meeting Please register by 9/8/21====================================================
===============================================PASTSaturday, Sept 18th, 2021
Saturday, Sept 18th, 2021, Prairie Hills Audubon Society’s Field Trips - Fall River, Hot Springs
Join Rajni Lerman on Saturday, Sept 18th, 2021 to learn about the Proposed Fall River Interpretive Trail along Fall River in Hot Springs, SD. Anyone interested in carpooling from Rapid City, contact Jedediah. Everyone else will meet at the Mueller Center Parking lot at 8:45 am. The entire trial is approximately 2 miles of mostly easy walking along the paved Freedom Trail. There is a section, "Spur" trail that has some more challenging footing. There are plenty of exit points along the way. We will end at Chautuqua park. For more info. contact Rajni @ rajni1love@gmail.com, (303) 564-0787, Jedediah @ jedediahbeadle@gmail.com,
If bad weather is expected, please check to verify the trip.
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======================================================================================================================================================================================PAST2021 Audubon ConventionFriday, October 1 and Saturday, October 21pm - 5pm ET | 10am - 2pm PT
Audubon Everywhere (Virtually) Bringing Together America’s Most Effective Conservation Network
https://2021.audubonconvention.org
===================================================================================
UPDATE -
Terrestrial:
- Spring Turkey- reducing area available for hunting,
- Setting Mountain Lion Hunting Season in the state for another two years,
- Cougar hunting restrictions eroded to allow hound hunting in the prairie unit onto more public lands ,
Aquatic:
- Changing fish limits in Iowa/SD Boundary waters,
- Allowing blow guns for fishing & setting limits on it,
- Hoop Nets and Setlines: adding floatlines to rule and setting fees and various limits on floatlines,nets & traps,
- Reducing various regulations on bait,
- Reducing regulations on fish hatcheries.
- Expanding ages within youth class at fish tournaments,
- Aquatic invasive species: increasing exemptions to rules about.
To see exact text of the proposed rule changes go to the LRC site - visit: https://rules.sd.gov/agency.aspx?agency=GFP%20%20Game,%20Fish%20And%20Parks
Alert On Mountain Lion Seasons Rule Changes
https://www.scribd.com/document/522625630/Mountain-Lion-Comment-LetterF?secret_password=EUwQZb1IK9yVyf3B5FY5
We suggest folks oppose both proposed rules for mountain lion hunting. SD Mt. lion hunting is divided into the Black Hills Fire Protection District and every where else (Prairie unit). In the Prairie Unit there is 365 day hunting with no harvest limit and hound hunting is allowed on private land (with land owner/lessor permission) and moving from private land to BLM and State School Lands. Hound hunting is allowed in Custer State Park in two week time segments alternating with two weeks of "boot hunting" (boot = no hounds used). The first two week session is given to hound hunting and thus for many years the boot hunters are out-competed and have not gotten any lions.
The hunting season on the Black Hills Unit is too aggressive and will result in decreasing populations, perhaps dropping below the population below the population goals that SDGFP wants. We suggest at least lowering the female lion harvest limit in the Black Hills unit.
We suggest people object to hound hunting of lions, which occurs on Custer State Park (a sub-set of Black Hills unit) and in the Prairie unit. You can object due to 1. animal cruelty to both dogs and lions, 2. not fair chase, 3. provides huge advantage of success for hound hunters vs boot hunters 4. creates trespass risk, 5. disturbs non-target wildlife, livestock and other human users. However they are making a specific change to increase hound hunting..by increasing the area of public land in the Prairie Unit where hound hunters can travel from private land to hunt on public land, to include all of public lands unless public land manager specifically objects. Previously public land hound hunting in the Prairie unit was limited to expanding onto BLM and State School lands. . You can object specifically to that proposed increase in hound hunting area on the Prairie Unit.
We suggest allowing the boot hunters the first two week session in Custer State Park, for sake of boot hunters, lions & dogs.
Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ or at https://rules.sd.gov/Comments.aspx?Id=669
=============
SD has some Native American reservations with mountain lions with proof of breeding that are not covered by SDGFP regulations as their tribal lands are in alternate jurisdictions.
Prairie Hills Audubon Society had a Zoom meeting on Regional Mountain Lions on August 16th. This has much info. on SD cougars.
The meeting is recorded to the on Zoom cloud (The cloud location is only temporary)
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-YO-I-X4aOvglkZW7MZb3vmnrlIyj-HQv9Q2-srPUlRrguUYC4VSNt8t2uh1B6M.TvIpASLembReeBp5 Passcode: 7Nar+g9n Recording also is on Vimeo for the long term . Link to recording on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/590257448
The Mountain Lion Foundation has an alert
PASTOctober 3rd field trip on Forestry Basics Sunday October 3rd field trip on Forestry Basics PHAS is working with the Norbeck Society to plan a field trip to teach forestry basics, to be taught by Sunday, a retired BHNF forester (Dave Mertz), which will be a half day field trip on Oct 3rd, meeting in Custer at 9:30 am near Crazy Horse.
9:30 am -meet at a gravel parking lot along the highway that is before and to the south of the admissions gate to Crazy Horse We will stop at approximately 7-10 stops. Some of this will depend on what the group would like to see and discuss. We will talk over basic forestry and terms. We will go over the types of harvesting occuring on the Forest. We should be done by 12:30 or so. If there is a lot of discussion and we want to go longer, we can do that. You can bring along a snack or lunch if you would like. We will end the tour at Hill City.
We request that foks wishing to attend this field trip RSVP so we have an idea of size, however RSVP is not required.. Compliance with Covid19 safety procedures will be asked of attendees, as carpooling will be offered. Attendees need to have had a Covid vaccine or to have recovered from diagnosed Covid within 6 months. Attendees who may wish to car-pool, should bring a mask, in case anyone within their shared car requests mask wearing inside the car.
Interested folks should e-mail phas.wsd@rapidnet.com, with the words Forestry Basics in the subject line or call Nancy 605-787-6466 or text/call 787-1248 her or contact Jim Petersen (605) 939-4995 (cell phone), nfearndesire@gmail.com
If weather is adverse or forest fires occurring, check to verify field trip - please call Jim for this, as he will be going to the field trip===================================================================================PASTOctober 3rd - Written comments due for the SDGFP Commission Meetingscroll down to Commission meeting on 10/7-10/8 ===================================================================================PASTOct. 6 - Ike's MeetingIzaak Walton League Rapid City Chapter meeting scheduled for Oct. 6th 2021 at 6:30 pm Meeting will be held at Outdoor Campus West and virtually.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89844558721?pwd=cjJLSmdnUXhaSTVNQmh2S3R5ZHFBQT09
Meeting ID: 898 4455 8721
Passcode: 123949
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,89844558721#,,,,*123949# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,89844558721#,,,,*123949# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
===================================================================================PASTThe October SDGFP Commission meeting 10/7-10/8 It is in Deadwood (First Thursday/Friday) https://gfp.sd.gov/commission/information/
October 7| 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. MTOctober 8 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MTCadillac Jacks-360 Main ST. Deadwood, SD/Zoom and Conference Call | Livestream link https://www.sd.net/ Thursday Zoom Link:Zoom Meeting Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/94710669351?pwd=RlVtNnFWdUtYZUtDUHRnUmFkWXNqZz09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 947 1066 9351 Password: 196938
Friday Zoom Link:Zoom Meeting Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/92993377687?pwd=M2JtRUV1MHFNeEhkVUpEKzNuTFR1Zz09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 929 9337 7687 Password: 786528
Public notice of hearing 3 issues related to parks: 1. validity and expiration date of park licenses, 2. camping fees, 3. lodge check out times
Agenda
Written comments are due 3 days earlier Oct 3rd at midnight either at MT or CT. By statute they should be due at midnight MT when the meeting is held in MT but previously when the meeting is held in MT they still made them due at midnight CT. Written comments can be submitted at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/ or at https://rules.sd.gov/Comments.aspx?Id=669. To be included in the public record for September comments must include full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of seventy-two hours before the meeting (not including the day of the meeting).Commissioners direct e-mails. <Travis.Bies@state.sd.us>, Jon.Locken@state.sd.us, Robert.Whitmyre@state.sd.us, Russell.Olson@state.sd.us, <Doug.Sharp@state.sd.us>, Charles.Spring@state.sd.us, There are two new Commissioners. : Stephanie.Rissller@state.sd.us, and Julie.Bartling@state.sd.us, ===================================================================================PASTOctober 22, 2021 Comments Due - Jenny Gulch Gold Exploration Drilling Project (Project).
The Draft EA is now available for the proposed Jenny Gulch Gold Exploration Drilling Project (Project). The Draft EA is currently available for a 30-day agency and public review period, with all Project materials located on the Black Hills National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57428. During this time, comments on the Draft EA may be submitted via US Mail to Jim Gubbels at 8221 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702; via email (Comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-mystic@usda.gov) with “F3 Jenny Gulch Gold Exploration Project” as the subject; or by facsimile (605-343-7134). Comments are due 30 days following the publication of the legal notice in the Rapid City Journal on September 22, 2021. Comments submitted are public information. This project is subject to 36 CFR 218 objection process.
Please Act Today to ask for an extension of time, so that we can do a thorough review of the document, and so everyone who wants to make comments gets the opportunity to make comments.
===================================================================================PAST
November 4-5
The November SDGFP Commission meeting In Pierre Face-to-Face and Virtual
===================================================================================PASTDecember 9th and 10th, 2021SD GFP Commission meetingFace-to-face and virtual
December 9th and 10th, 2021SD GFP Commission meetingFace-to-face and virtual - for more info:Agenda
December 9| 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. CTDecember 10 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. CTMcCrory Gardens – 631 22nd Ave, Brookings | Livestream link https://www.sd.net/
Thursday Zoom Link:Zoom Meeting Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/98621062875?pwd=VlEyTVRCbEc2VUYxZ0VzQXRNTmVRdz09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 986 2106 2875 Password: 931390Friday Zoom Link:Zoom Meeting Link: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/99212223274?pwd=Vm5UU2libU8yamIwV0hxVVhNbkV3QT09 or join via conference call Dial 1 669 900 9128 Meeting ID: 992 1222 3274 Password: 926951
Reports will be given on 2021 river otter season and inventory of beavers in the Black Hills
===================================================================================PASTDec 14th 2021- Jan 5th 2022 Christmas Bird Counts.
Links to CBC web pages:
ANNOUNCING THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN OUR REGION
A copy of this list can be downloaded in PDF format at Scribd:
This is a list of Christmas Bird Counts in South Dakota and immediate parts of nearby states. It is created by Prairie Hills Audubon Society of Western SD.
December 14th, 2021-January 5th, 2022 Christmas Bird Counts
December 14th- January 5thAudubon's 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
All official counts will be held between the dates Tuesday, December 14th, 2021through, Wednesday, January 5th, 2021.
This year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone.
The censuses provide valuable data about the number of bird species and numbers of each species occurring within set geographic areas on an early winter day. The results are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology, representing 122 years of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas.
When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
Again, this year’s 122nd Christmas Bird Count will be “CBC Live,” a crowd-sourced, hemisphere-wide storytelling function using Esri mapping software. This “story-map” will ask users to upload a photo taken during their Christmas Bird Count as well as a short anecdote to paint a global picture of the Christmas Bird Count in real time.
Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least ten volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, normally count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird they see. In most count circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes.
Interested birders must arrange with the count compiler in advance to participate.
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:See each CC results:Links to CBC web pages:
To find a count near you on an interactive map:
Other links:
SOUTH DAKOTA
NEBRASKA:
NORTH DAKOTA (This an old 2019 list:)http://www.ndbirdingsociety.com/customContent.php?seq=28&title=North Dakota Christmas Bird Counts
MINNESOTA:
IOWA
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,12/12/21 - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW + WIND, . Contact: Angela Jarding, angela_jarding@nps.gov , (605)-745-1157,
STURGIS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,12/18/2021, no pre or post meetings . Contact: Vic Fondy - (605) 269-2553, rotciv31@gmail.com
PIERRE/FT. PIERRE, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT, 12/18/2021, Bad weather alternate: 12/20/2021Ricky Olson, tatanka40@pie.midco.net
RAPID CITY, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,12/19/2021Contact: Michael Melius, mmmelius@hotmail.com, 605-255-4766
SHADEHILL, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,12/20/2021,Bad weather alternate: 1/3/2022Contact: Greg Schonert, gregory.schonert@usda.govGreg’s Phone: 701-989-7309 (office) 701-202-0833 (cell), Forest Service (Grand River District) 605-374-3592
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,12/28/2021
SPEARFISH, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,1/2/2022, Meet at McDonalds at 7:30 a.m. MTContact: Daniel Bjerke, 605-381-0493, dlbjerke@midco.net
HARDING COUNTY, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT1/2/2022, Meet in the Tatanka Plaza parking lot in Buffalo at 8amContact: Jessica Howell, 605-375-3218, jhowell@abcbirds.org
PINE RIDGE RESERVATION, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,Wednesday, Dec. 29. 2021 Contact: Peter Hill, petermhill@yahoo.com, 605-441-9346.
PIEDMONT, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,It is not happening this season- 2021-22Contact: Gene Hess: gene@neopaleo.net,
HOT SPRINGS, SD, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT,It is not happening this season - 2021-22Contact: Duane or Marie Weber - (605) 673-2032, mmcurtin@gwtc.net
BISON, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTIt is not happening this season - 2021-22
===========EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Waubay N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,12/16/2021Contact: Nicole Heller - 605-947-4521, nicole_heller@fws.gov
Madison Christmas Bird Count, 12/16/2021 Contact: Jeffrey S. Palmer, jeff.palmer@dsu.edu, (605) 256-5190
Aberdeen Christmas Bird Count, 12/18/2021Contact: Gary T Olson - olsonfam@nvc.net, 605-885-6284
Brookings Christmas Bird Count, 12/18/2021Contact: Mary Pearson, margypearson1@gmail.com, (605-651-1652)
Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count, 12/18/2021Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
Sand Lake N.W.R. Christmas Bird Count,12/23/2021 (Change from 18th)Contact: Lindsey Wickre, lindsey_wickre@fws.gov, 605-228-8421,
Huron Christmas Bird Count,12/18/21Contact: Ryan Thompson, ryemel4@santel.net
Yankton Christmas Bird Count,12/19/2021
Mitchell Christmas Bird Count, - 12/26/2021Contact: Jeff Hansen, jeff.hansen.sd@gmail.com, 785-806-6917
Canton Christmas Bird Count, 1/2/2021Contact: Chris Anderson, canderson1@sio.midco.net, 605-254-2550
Lake Andes Christmas Bird Count,It is not happening this season: 2021-22Contact: Mick Hanan, mick_hanan@fws.gov, (605) 487-7603 Ext. 107,
SOME OTHER CBC DATES, NEAR SD BUT IN NEARBY STATES:
Christmas bird counts in other states, that are near enough, that SD folks may be interested in them -We are especially interested those CBCs close to us in western SD:
SOME OF NEBRASKA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Scottsbluff, NE, Christmas Bird Count, 12/14/2021Contact: Kathy DeLara, renosmom@charter.net,
Ponca State Park, NE, Christmas Bird Count,12/14/2021
North Platte, NE, Christmas Bird Count, 12/17/2021, Contact: Thomas Walker, thomas.walker@nebraska.gov, 308,-530-7659
Fort Niobrara, NE, Christmas Bird Count,12/17/2021Contact: Kristine Askerooth, kristine_askerooth@fws.gov
Norfolk, NE, Christmas Bird Count,12/18/21Contact: Duane Wolff, duane.wolff@audubonmember.org, (402)-841-0130,Dave Heidt, David Heidt, heidtdw@gmail.com,
Crawford NE, Christmas Bird Count, 1/1/2022Contact: Bruce Walgren, piranga@bresnan.net, 307-234-7455,
Harrison NE, Christmas Bird Count, 1/2/2021Contact: Bruce Walgren, piranga@bresnan.net, 307-234-7455
Lake McConaughy, NE, Christmas Bird Count, 1/3/2022 Contact: Stephen Dinsmore, cootjr@iastate.edu, 515-294-1348
SOME OF NORTH DAKOTA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Long Lake N.W.R. ND, Christmas Bird Count,,12/14/21Contact: Mike Rabenberg, mjldrab@gmail.com
Tewaukon N.W.R., ND, Christmas Bird Count,12/17/2021Contact: Patrick Fitzmorris, patrick_fitzmorris@fws.gov, 701-724-3598 ext 2, 701-212-0175 cell
Bismarck-Mandan, ND, Christmas Bird Count, 12/19/2021Contact: Corey Ellingson, crackerjackbirder@bis.midco, 701-400-5891
Medora, ND, Theodore Roosevelt N.P. South Unit, Christmas Bird Count,1/2/2021
Theodore Roosevelt N.P., North Unit Christmas Bird CountUnknownContact: Kevin Melzo, kevin_melzo@nps.gov, 701-623-4730 ext 1403
SOME OF WYOMING's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Sheridan, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/18/2021Contact: Annie Dunn, anniegitterdunn@gmail.com, (253) 307-9082.
Casper, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/18/2021Contact: Bruce Walgren, piranga@bresnan.net, 307-234-7455,
Kane, WY, Christmas Bird Count,,12/18/2021Contact: Christy Fleming: christy_fleming@nps.gov, 307-548-5406
Buffalo, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/19/2021Contact: Deane Bjerke, bjerkedp@gmail.com,
Guernsey/Ft. Laramie, WY, Christmas Bird Count,12/19/2021Contact: Jane Dorn, 307-640-4002, linglebird@yahoo.com,
Gillette, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/28/2021Contact: Dustin Downey, 307.756.3941, 504.453.4139, ddowney@audubon.org,
Sundance, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/30/2021, Contact: Jen at 307-283-2467, ravenssong18@gmail.com,
Story-Bighorn, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 12/30/2021
Bates Hole, WY, Christmas Bird Count, 1/1/2022Contact: Hustace "Stacey" Scott, hustace@gmail.com, call Stacey at 307-262-0055 or Charlie at 307-473-2512
SOME OF IOWA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Westfield, IA, Christmas Bird Count, 12/16/2021Contact: Bill Zales, doczales44@hotmail.com
Sioux City, IA, Christmas Bird Count,12/18/2021Contact: Jerry Probst, probstsuebee@aol.com, 712-490-8256,
SOME OF MINNESOTA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Pipestone N.M., MN, Christmas Bird Count, 1/2/2022 Contact: Garrett Wee, garrettwee@hotmail.com, (507) 829-8187
Hendricks, MN, Christmas Bird Count, 1/4/2022Contact: William A. Schultze, bcbrats@itctel.com, 605-479-3015
SOME OF MONTANA's CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
Miles City, MT, Christmas Bird Count, 12/19/2021 Contact: Jennifer Muscha, jenmuscha@midrivers.com, 406-951-2799
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December 15th, 2021Sage Grouse Action Plan for Comment
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on the draft greater sage-grouse action plan.
All individuals interested in the management of greater sage-grouse in South Dakota have from now through December 15, 2021, to provide suggestions and comments on the draft action plan. A final draft of the action plan is scheduled to be presented to the GFP Commission in January for their consideration and adoption.
Written comments on the plan can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501, or emailed to sagegrouseplan@state.sd.us. Comments must be received by December 15, 2021 and include your full name and city of residence.
Sage Grouse Action Plan for Comment
Management Plan
=================================PASTDeadline December 22nd, 2021 - BHNF Timbersale - 2 week extension granted, to January 5th, 2022
The Black Hills NF issued a scoping notice last week for the “Woods Project” on the Bearlodge Ranger District in Wyoming. The Forest Service is proposing logging across 3,179 acres (~5 square miles) spread across a wide area which will include:839 acres of thinning of mature trees only588 acres of thinning of mature trees and smaller trees1,340 acres of thinning of smaller trees only412 acres of thinning in stands with uneven spacingThe project will require the use of approximately 35.5 miles of existing Forest Service roads that are closed to general public motorized use and 9.5 miles of roads that are part of the designated motorized trail system. Up to 7 miles of road would require reconstruction due to drainage problems or damage. No construction of new, permanent roads would occur. The Forest Service proposes to approve the project via a categorical exclusion, so there will be no environmental analysis subject to public comment. The public may submit comments on the 1.5 page scoping notice through Dec. 20.The Sierra Club, PHAS and Norbeck Society has asked for an extenson The project webpage is here. Attached find the project map and scoping notice.
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PASTJanuary 4-5 South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission held their monthly meeting at the Matthews Training Center in Pierre, .
This meeting will be held via Zoom/conference call and livestream. The meeting will begin Tuesday, Jan 4 at 1 p.m. CT The livestream can be found at https://www.sd.net.
There is no public hearing for this meeting and the open forum will begin shortly after 2 p.m. CDT. To provide comments, individuals can dial in via conference call or join online via Zoom. To conduct the open forum as efficiently as possible we ask those wishing to testify to register by 1:00 p.m. CDT by email to Rachel.comes@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names, whom they are representing, city of residence, and which proposed topic they will be addressing.
Click on the link below to join the Zoom Meeting. Depending on the application you use, you may be required to enter the meeting ID and password. Remember to mute your microphone when you are not speaking to keep background noise at a minimum.
TUESDAY Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/97856617225?pwd=WC9Nbm1RVEVMQVgvTktBNm8xcGRXQT09or join via conference callDial 1 669 900 9128Meeting ID: 978 5661 7225Password: 030115
WEDNESDAY Zoom Meeting Link https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/99124921708?pwd=dyttTFNVL0d6a0NhUVFiemhwRnRVUT09or join via conference callDial 1 669 900 9128Meeting ID: 991 2492 1708Password: 793943
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=scroll down 8 inches TO NEWS SECTION =======================================RECENT NEWS SECTION - Section # 3scroll down
Recent NewsKristi Noem appoint 2 Commissioners both women to fill vacant positions on Game, Fish and Parks Commission==========================================================================================================Recent news - Thursday July 15th
RETIRED FOREST SERVICE DEPUTY CHIEF (Jim Furnish) spoke about logging abuse of the Black Hills National Forest
Norbeck Society recorded..go to their Facebook Page to watch the press conference statement
or SDPB "In the Moment" 7/15/21 - covers several topics but at about 20:50 minutes includes an interview of Furnish https://listen.sdpb.org/post/moment-jim-furnishs-new-memoir-and-doc-allegations
=============================================================================SD Game Fish and Parks decisions - beaver & otter season .Recent news _
July 8th-9th, SDGFP Commission decided to move towards reducing beaver trapping in the Black Hills and will consider new amendments to the states trapping rules at a future meeting (maybe Sept 1st) . In the meantime it will investigate options such as closing the Black Hills Fires Protection district or subsets of that to trapping/hunting of beavers. It approved 365 day beaver trapping and the use of conibear (kill traps) during beaver trapping east river. It approved an otter season (east River) with 20 otter harvest limit. It moved forward a public petition to allow hound hunting of cougars on Forest Service grassland sand some of SD GFP properties in the prairie unit.=========================================================================================================
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Recent PHAS news - February 16th, 2021 - June 16th
In March the Forest Service released a report showing that the BHNF is being overharvested - - the current logging rate is not sustainable. Prairie Hills Audubon Society and other conservation/public interest groups & Oglala Sioux Tribe have called on the Forest Service to sharply reduce logging in the Black Hills National Forest.
Here are a links to three multi-party letter sent by PHAS and other groups and Oglala Sioux Tribe to the Forest Service about the overharvesting.
February letter to Regional Forester as
May letter to Regional Forester
May letter's attachment
June 16th letter to BHNF Supervisor
Some news article about that:“Groups call for reduced Black Hills logging”Marc Heller, E&E News reporterPublished: Wednesday, February 24, 2021
"Republicans jump into the fray over Black Hills logging"Marc Heller, E&E News reporterPublished: Thursday, March 4, 2021
Tuesday 23rd of March, the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station is releasing a scientific General Technical Report titled - A Scenario-Based Assessment to Inform Sustainable Ponderosa Pine Timber Harvest on the Black Hills National Forest.
Please see this press release for more information. Link to RMRS web page https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/bhnftimberreport The report itself https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_series/rmrs/gtr/rmrs_gtr422.pdfSummary of contents https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/sites/default/files/documents/GTR-422 Summary of Comments final.pdfWebinar flyer https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/sites/default/files/documents/Black Hills Science Webinar Flyer_FINAL.pdf
Rocky Mountain Research Station hosted a science webinar to discuss the data, methodology, and report findings on April 7, 2021 beginning at 10:30 a.m. MDT. Pre-registration was required. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/events/webinar-science-based-scenarios-inform-forest-management-black-hills-national-forest
News Article about in RCJ:News Article KOTA https://www.kotatv.com/2021/03/23/former-us-forest-service-employee-says-timber-sustainability-has-been-a-problem-for-years/
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Another win in our Sage-Grouse lawsuitRecent PHAS news February 11th, 2021 -
Federal Judge Overturns Trump Administration’s Gutting of Sage-Grouse Protections from Mining
BOISE, Idaho— A federal judge on 2/11/21 overturned a Trump administration decision to strip protections from 10 million acres, mostly in Nevada and Idaho, to allow mining in vital habitat for greater sage grouse. The ruling is the latest in a series of court victories for sage grouse conservation.
Attorneys from Advocates for the West represent Western Watersheds Project, the Center for Biological Diversity, WildEarth Guardians and Prairie Hills Audubon Society in this case.
Link to the press release:
Articles
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June 9th, Article in The Guardian ,Owner cancels Keystone XL pipeline months after Biden revoked permitTC Energy halts project that faced longstanding opposition from climate campaigners=====================================================================================================
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Rare Earth Mining Threat to BHNF- Bearlodge Mountains
Below are links to web articles about a January 2021 notice of $22 million financial award for General Atomics and Rare Element Resources (RER) for a rare earth element separation and processing demonstration project. This would likely impact mining proposal on the Bearlodge Ranger District. Go to to older posts button for more info. on mine threat:
https://apnews.com/press-release/business-wire/technology-business-corporate-news-construction-and-engineering-industrial-products-and-services-79e6668ec91c4469a4be32720adcd1f1
https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/1/wyoming-initiatives-receive-federal-funding-for-rare-earth-mineral-research
NYT Article on bill in Congress that will impact rare earth developement in USA.: "Biden Administration Moves to Fix Supply Chain Bottleneck" - A swath of recommendations calls for more investments, new supply chains and less reliance on other countries for crucial goods https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/08/us/politics/biden-supply-chain.html
Article on Recovering America's Wildlife Action 2021 version: https://mailchi.mp/andykerr/the-proposed-recovering-americas-wildlife-act?e=c8e1a371bcRepresentative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12th) has recently (4/22/21) reintroduced her Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R.2773, 117th). Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4th), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3rd), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5th), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1st) are some of RAWA cosponsors. "To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes." Link to bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2773?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr2773%22%5D%7D&s=6&r=1
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The Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) has released data from a Forest Inventory & Analysis that shows the BHNF is cutting trees faster than then forest growth replaces them. If current rate of cutting continues the live sawtimber volume will be depleted in the next several decades. To meet the current rate of cutting allowed by the Forest Plan, they need twice the standing live timber they have. The rate of cutting must be reduced to provide for a sustainable supply of timber, wildlife habitat, and other forest resources. Various laws require a sustainable logging program.
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The Black Hills National Forest has done research and determined it is cutting pine trees faster than they can grow back...the cut is not sustainable. Direct link to a report on this research: Timber Growth and Yield Draft General Technical Report (TGYDGTR)
These actions are illegal, violating the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act and the National Forest Management Act. In the future the Forest Service will need to change it's cutting rate. Future timber cutting scenarios proposed in the TGYDGTR do not reduce the cut fast enough or deep enough; they take years to reach timber sustainability and do not provide for sustainability of other values nor forbid logging on some lands that are unsuitable for logging nor do they forbid cutting young trees before their finish fastest growing period.
A not sustainable cut is not desirable, as viability of some wildlife species will be at risk and values such as some habitats, scenic quality, back country recreational & water quality will be harmed. The Forest has less than .5% old growth left, the Forest Plan says it was supposed to provide at least 5%. Some species at risk include the northern goshawk, brown creeper and black backed woodpecker that need mature dense stands, and the pgmy nuthatch that needs large old yellow barks. The forest does not have money, or ways to generate revenue to pay for all the needed pre-commercial thinning of the huge area of understory baby pine trees.
The timber industry is very opposed to the necessary reduction in annual timber volume. They are busy lobbying our elected leaders. Other forests have also had reports that found the forests had not-sustainable harvests. Several such reports were buried due to politics and never made it past draft form. We need the public to fully understand what has been discovered by the Forest Service, to listen to critiques of the analysis and to insist that politics does not bury this report and that the Forest Service commits to quickly reducing the annual harvest on the Black Hills to a level that is not just sustainable for commercial goals (i.e.: timber production) but also sustainable for wildlife habitat, scenery protection, back country recreation, water quality, soils etc. The natural amenities of the forest that give us spiritual renewal and cause us to want to live near the BHNF, need to be valued & protected, not just it's timber production valued.A comprehensive article about the Black Hills timber situation was recently published:
Here is a link to the Forest Service's (FS) web page on this topic:
This web page has a discussion of the issues & lots of links to more data on this issue, including the Timber Growth and Yield Draft General Technical Report (TGYDGTR) and links to webinars from 4 FS meetings with stakeholders/local governments, some of which include power-points created by the FS & stakeholder groups on the issues. April 3rd & May 1st are virtual meetings the FS had with "timber stakeholders" - namely NGO environmental, timber industry & state government stakeholders. Environmentalists attending the 4/3/20 meeting were from Prairie Hills Audubon Society, The Norbeck Society, BHG of the Sierra Club.
An ad hoc group of retired foresters was also represented. In May the Nature Conservancy was added as stakeholder. At least one future "timber stakeholder" meeting is planned. April 10th & May 15th are virtual meetings the FS had with the local government.All 4 meetings are recorded,A link to the April 3rd meeting's presentations and related documents (mostly saved as PDFs) is:We recommend that you view power points from Bob Burns of the Norbeck Society, Jim Margadant of Sierra Club and Dave Mertz of retired foresters.
Webinar link
https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/pf84e9rqbh6f/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal&proto=true.
Quote from Abstract of the TGYDGTR:
"If the current (2019) annual sawtimber harvest of 153,534 CCF per year (CCF = 64 100 cubic feet) were to continue, the live sawtimber volume will be depleted in the next several decades. To meet the current allowable sale quantity (ASQ) of 181,000 CCF as described in the BHNF Plan, a standing live sawtimber volume of approximately 12 million CCF would be required. However, current standing live sawtimber volume is approximately 5.9 million CCF. Furthermore, the current forest conditions in 2019 and probable growth and mortality estimates suggest a saw timber program on the BHNF with an annual harvest of 70,000 to 115,000 CCF per year would be possible. Nevertheless, these harvest levels would allow the live sawtimber inventory amounts to increase to 6 million CCF in approximately 60 years and return to the level needed to support ASQ as identified in the current forest plan (181,000 CCF) within a century." (emphasis added)
Page 4 at lines 80 to 82 TGYDGTR says:
“All scenarios assume no harvest reduction for other resources (e.g., wildlife, botany, aquatics, and so on) or for Forest Plan adjustments. However, Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) may have restrictions that could alter the amount of area treated and the volumes removed.”
At lines 431 to 437 TGYDGTR says:
“Forest Plan constraints such as slope steepness, wildlife, recreation, grazing, or other values were not considered in the scenarios.”
Page 6 of the TGYDGTR, Lines 111-120, states
“In 2019 the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (USDA 2019) identified 765,733 acres of timberland: (suitable), as forestland that is producing or is capable of producing 20 cubic feet per acre per year of industrial wood in natural stands and not withdrawn from timber utilization by statute or administrative regulation. Lands inaccessible and inoperable were included.”(Emphasis added)==========================
To help understand terminology used in timber management on the Black hills Structural stages are any of several developmental stages of tree stands described in terms of tree size and the extent of canopy closure they create. In the Black Hills stands are inventoried and assigned to one of 9 structural stages: SS1, SS2, SS3A, SS3B, SS3C, SS4, SS4B, SS4C, SS5. Various wildlife are associated with older dense stands of live trees. Some are associated with large snags (large dead trees).
The Rocky Mountain Research Station (the research branch of the Forest Service), has a draft report out that analyzes a large data set showing the current level of logging on the Black Hills National Forest is unsustainable. Below find a direct link to a report on this research: Timber Growth and Yield Draft General Technical Report (TGYD-GTR)
The BHNF has admitted it is cutting the pine trees at a faster rate than the trees can replace themselves. They have very little old growth (structural stage 5) left - less than1 percent (.6 percent) and an inadequate supply of one of their other structural stages for adult pine stands (SS4B) . If cutting continues at the current rate, they will run out of saw timber in about 30 years.
We worry about various species associated with dense forest conditions, older trees, large snags and fire/insects. The northern goshawk, brown creeper and black backed woodpecker need mature dense stands and the black-backed woodpecker needs them as snags, burned by wildfire. Pygmy nuthatch needs older yellow barks and it and the Lewis woodpecker need larger snags. The silver haired bat and fringed myotis need large snags for maternity roosts. The golden-crowned and ruby-crowned kinglets need relatively dense older forests. The northern flying squirrel and red squirrel need older, dense forests, at least mature stands. Pine Martins need connectivity corridors with 50% canopy closure. Rare snails need forest cover (shade) and damp ground. Some big game need thermal cover in the winter.
What tree habitat species need and which may be at risk if the Black Hills National Forest loses it's older dense saw timber and old growth? ===============
Excerpted slides from an April 2020 Powerpoint by Andrew Johnson of the Forest Service (BHNF)
"How the FIA data and sustainability analysis relate to the Forest Plan and available timber "Below are photos from Andrew Johnson's powerpoint and quotes from the Glossary of the Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan 2006 - at pages Glossary -67-68"DBH" stands for "diameter at breast height".
"Structural Stage 1 (Grass/Forb): The grass/forb stage was historically a product offires, windthrow or similar disturbances. Under forest management, this stage can becreated through harvesting. This stage is dominated by grasses and forbs lasting untiltree seedlings become established."
Structural Stage 2 (Shrub/Seedling): The shrub/seedling stage consists of shrubssuch as chokecherry, rose and serviceberry along with tree seedlings. A stand remainsin Stage 2 until the tree seedlings reach one inch diameter at breast height (DBH),which should take less than a decade
Structural Stage 3 (Sapling/Pole): The sapling/pole stage consists of trees withstems one to nine inches DBH. This stage typically persists up to 30 years to age 70.Less than 40 percent canopy closure is 3A; 40 to less than 70 percent canopy closuresis 3B; and greater than 70 percent canopy closure is 3C. Understory production isinversely related to overstory pine canopy cover.
Structural Stage 4 (Mature): The mature stage begins when trees reach the 9-inchDBH class. Trees remain in this stage until they are about 160 years old. As withStructural Stage 3, understory productivity depends upon the overstory canopy cover.Less than 40 percent canopy closure is 4A; 40 to less than 70 percent canopy closuresis 4B; and greater than 70 percent canopy closure is 4C. The sizes of trees in thisstage will vary depending upon growing-site potential and the density of the stand.
Structural Stage 5 (Late Succession): This structural stage is characterized by verylarge trees (16+ inches DBH). Trees are at least 160 years in age; ponderosa pinethat reach this age are commonly referred to as “yellow barks.” Late successionponderosa pine may occur in dense stands, but may also grow in the open or in “parklike”stands (Mehl 1992).
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A not sustainable cut is not desirable, as viability of some wildlife species will be at risk and values such as some habitats, scenic quality, back country recreational & water quality will be harmed. The Forest has less than .5% old growth left, the Forest Plan says it was supposed to provide at least 5%. Some species at risk include the northern goshawk, brown creeper and black backed woodpecker that need mature dense stands, and the pgmy nuthatch that needs large old yellow barks. The forest does not have money, or ways to generate revenue to pay for all the needed pre-commercial thinning of the huge area of understory baby pine trees.
Here is a link to the Forest Service's (FS) web page on this topic:
Webinar link
https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/pf84e9rqbh6f/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal&proto=true.
The BHNF has admitted it is cutting the pine trees at a faster rate than the trees can replace themselves. They have very little old growth (structural stage 5) left - less than1 percent (.6 percent) and an inadequate supply of one of their other structural stages for adult pine stands (SS4B) . If cutting continues at the current rate, they will run out of saw timber in about 30 years.
"How the FIA data and sustainability analysis relate to the Forest Plan and available timber "
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES SECTION========================================
Wildlife watching exceeds hunting/fishing for participants
2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview Download the USFWS survey on wildlife related recreation 2016. Wildlife watching - page 7, fishing- page 5, hunting -page 6 Nationwide: Total wildlife watching expenditures: $75.9 billion, Total fishing expenditures: $ 46.1 billion, Total hunting expenditures: $ 25.6 billion, Total wildlife watching participants: 86.million, Total Anglers 35.8 million, Total hunters: 11.5 million Of this Wildlife Watching subset Wildlife watching away from home: 23.7 million participants or at watching home: 81.1 million; --- Observe Wildlife away from home:19.6 million, at home 43.8 million, Photograph Wildlife away from home:13.7 million, at home 30.5 million Feed wildlife away from home: 4.9 million, at home 59.1 million, Visit public parks or areas 11.4 million; Maintain plantings or natural areas 11.0 million Bird Observers: 2016 Away-from-Home Observers : 16.3 million Around-the-Home Observers: 38.7 million
Total Bird Observers: 45.1 million==================================
=========================We include link to another report, done just for SD by SD Game, Fish and Parks"Economic Impact of Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Boating, and Wildlife Viewing in South Dakota"=====
"South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks commissioned this study to estimate the regional and statewide economic activity generated by the State’s fish, wildlife and boating-related resources. Drawing from license sales records and survey-based data sources, this report presents economic contributions based on retail spending in South Dakota attributable to recreational fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, boating and trapping. "---Please note the report does not include income from "at home wildlife watching" - which is very significant in the federal study..
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===================================================================================================================Wild Earth Guardians Alert on Trump's latest attack on the Endangered Species Act, late August 2020
==========================We are not sure what will happen to this bill due to pandemic, we think it is on hold.Recovering America’s Wildlife Act PHAS and the National Audubon Society support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act bill - it is in the House.It seeks to increase federal funding to state and tribal wildlife agencies, to protect "at risk wildlife".
RAWA passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 26-6. All of the Democrats voted for it, and 7 of the 13 committee Republicans voted for it. Such an overwhelming, bipartisan vote should provide real momentum for the bill. All totaled, RAWA now has 163 co-sponsors, including 41 Republicans. Such a large number of co-sponsors should also help make it easier for the bill to move forward towards a successful House floor vote. It may go to the floor in February or March.
Dusty Johnson, John Thune, Mike Rounds are not yet co-sponsors or indicated support
(as of Feb 6th). Link to the billHere is a link to some basic South Dakota-centric facts regarding the bill that might be good to include in your message:
National Audubon Society Review of the bill:
Excerpt from above NAS article:"In wildlife action plans submitted to USFWS, state agencies have identified some 8,000 animal species of “greatest conservation need,” including more than 800 birds. To implement those plans and keep species from sliding toward extinction, each state would need an average of $26 million a year—a total of $1.3 billion. But current federal spending for state and tribal wildlife grants falls far short of the mark, "
National Wildlife FederationHere are some South Dakota media hits that might be helpful:
There is a resolution to support this in the SD Legislature, passed house and to be considered next in Senate Ag and Natural Resources (as of 3/2/20)============== ================================================================================= Endangered Species Act under Attack - Contact Congress=====================================================================================================Trump's Department of Interior rule-making to harm the Endangered Species Act
National Audubon Society Alert - Send a letter to SD congress members:
New York Times Article
Earth Justice Alert:
Common Dreams Article
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Trump Administration to delist wolves,
Trump strips protections for endangered gray wolves
"Hunters and ranchers celebrate while conservationists say wolves will be hunted to extinction".
link to Washington Post article:
=============================================================
RAWA passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 26-6. All of the Democrats voted for it, and 7 of the 13 committee Republicans voted for it. Such an overwhelming, bipartisan vote should provide real momentum for the bill. All totaled, RAWA now has 163 co-sponsors, including 41 Republicans. Such a large number of co-sponsors should also help make it easier for the bill to move forward towards a successful House floor vote. It may go to the floor in February or March.
Dusty Johnson, John Thune, Mike Rounds are not yet co-sponsors or indicated support
(as of Feb 6th)
Here is a link to some basic South Dakota-centric facts regarding the bill that might be good to include in your message:
Excerpt from above NAS article:
National Wildlife Federation
Here are some South Dakota media hits that might be helpful:
Trump strips protections for endangered gray wolves
"Hunters and ranchers celebrate while conservationists say wolves will be hunted to extinction".
Washington Post Article:
Tracking Biden’s environmental actions
The new president is unwindingTrump’s legacy while forging his own
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2021/climate-environment/biden-climate-environment-actions/
"In just over three months, President Biden has begun to transform the nation’s energy and environmental landscape, according to a Washington Post analysis, by overturning 29 of former president Donald Trump’s policies and finalizing 19 of his own. From pausing new oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters to rejoining the Paris climate agreement, Biden has elevated the issue of climate change across the U.S. government and signaled a shift away from fossil fuels."
===================================================================
Washington Post article Trump rolls back 125 Environmental Regulations/Policies
Trump rolled back more than 125 environmental safeguards. Here’s how.
"The administration has allowed more pollution, drilling and loggingwhile weakening protections for animals such as bees, bears and birds"
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/climate-environment/trump-climate-environment-protections/?itid=hp-more-top-stories
"In just over three months, President Biden has begun to transform the nation’s energy and environmental landscape, according to a Washington Post analysis, by overturning 29 of former president Donald Trump’s policies and finalizing 19 of his own. From pausing new oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters to rejoining the Paris climate agreement, Biden has elevated the issue of climate change across the U.S. government and signaled a shift away from fossil fuels."
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There is a Oct 15, 2020 update of the New York Times Article - a summary of Trump's war on environmental regulation -The Trump Administration Is Reversing Nearly 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List. Here is an earlier July 15th, version, New York Times Article
"The Trump Administration Is Reversing 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List."Link to a New York Times Article, updated July 15th, 2020https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks.html
Excerpt from article:After three years in office, the Trump administration has dismantled most of the major climate and environmental policies the president promised to undo.
Calling the rules unnecessary and burdensome to the fossil fuel industry and other businesses, his administration has weakened Obama-era limits on planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and from cars and trucks, and rolled back many more rules governing clean air, water and toxic chemicals. Several major reversals have been finalized in recent weeks as the country has struggled to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
In all, a New York Times analysis, based on research from Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School and other sources, counts counts nearly 70 environmental rules and regulations officially reversed, revoked or otherwise rolled back under Mr. Trump. More than 30 additional rollbacks are still in progress."
Rollbacks completed - 68 Rollbacks in process - 32; Total rollbacks - 100 The sequence of numbers is
1) # of rollbacks completed, 2) # in progress and 3) total # rollback -- these numbers appear to right side of text
Air pollution and emissions - 19, 8, 27, Drilling and extraction - 11, 8, 19, Infrastructure and planning - 12, 1, 13 Animals - 11, 1, 12 Toxic substances and safety - 6, 2, 8 Water pollution - 4, 7, 11, Other - 5, 5, 10
We suggest you read the article to learn more details on rollbacks- see link above Also Nancy can send you a PDF of the Article (nhiding (at) rapidnet.com) PHAS has sued Trump Administration over greater sage grouse management plans, We won an injunction & are thus part of fighting these 100 roll backs, under animals.
TRUMP HARMS NEPAOn January 10, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (“CEQ”) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) that would revise NEPA’s implementing regulations.[1]=========
====================================Trump announced changes to NEPA rules in mid July.Articles about:https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/15/donald-trump-environmental-reviews-pipelines-highwaysCouncil on Environmental Quality publications:
CEQ’s website has the final CEQ NEPA rule, https://ceq.doe.gov/laws-regulations/regulations.html At the website, you can access the following documents. - The advance notice publication Federal Register version of the final rule: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-fr-notice-2020-07-16-prepublication.pdf
- CEQ’s response to comments: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-response-to-comments-2020-06-30.pdf (603 pages!)
- The “Regulatory Impact Analysis”: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-regulatory-impact-analysis-2020-06-30.pdf
- The redline version comparing soon-to-be former, and soon-to-be final, regs: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-redline-changes-2020-07-16.pdf
Proposed rule's text:Fact Sheet from Government"
Alerts
American Rivers: Don’t let the Trump administration kneecap NEPA!Audubon Society: Don’t Let the White House Gut the National Environmental Policy ActEarthjustice: PROTECT THE PEOPLE’S ENVIRONMENTAL LAWEnvironmental Defense Fund: Tell Trump: Don't Roll Back Environmental StandardsOhio Environmental Council: Action alertNational Wildlife Federation: Don’t Let the Trump Administration Mute Your Voice for WildlifeNRDC: Don’t let Trump silence the American people and embolden pollutersSierra Club: Stop One of the Trump Administration’s Biggest Environmental Assaults YetWaterkeeper Alliance: Undermining a Fundamental Law*WildEarth Guardians
================
Here is an earlier July 15th, version, New York Times Article
Excerpt from article:
====================================
Proposed rule's text:CEQ’s website has the final CEQ NEPA rule, https://ceq.doe.gov/laws-regulations/regulations.htmlAt the website, you can access the following documents.
- The advance notice publication Federal Register version of the final rule: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-fr-notice-2020-07-16-prepublication.pdf
- CEQ’s response to comments: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-response-to-comments-2020-06-30.pdf (603 pages!)
- The “Regulatory Impact Analysis”: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-regulatory-impact-analysis-2020-06-30.pdf
- The redline version comparing soon-to-be former, and soon-to-be final, regs: https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/laws-regulations/ceq-final-rule-redline-changes-2020-07-16.pdf
This is a long section, scroll past it to get to next INDEX of the Chronological events sectionT======================== legislature 2021==========================================================
SD Legislature 2021Jan 12th-March 11, with Veto day March 29thINDEXLegislative section (which is far below) has1. Reference links for the SD Legislature and other lobbyists/groups (moved to here)who have information relevant to environmental bills (moved here))2. Bill tracking for environmental and "good/bad government process" bills (moved here))3. Bulk e-mail lists of all legislators and some committees (DELETED)4. Information on some committees (DELETED)5. Expired alerts on some bills (moved here)6. Inititive and Referendum Reference (moved here)
The legislature is over , Noem may call it back in May or June for special session to address transgender athletics, medical marijuana and/or federal funds received
SD Legislative Research Council
Legislature's Calendar
To view bills and their progressTo get a copy of the Bill Status Report - published at end of day and lists history of all bills
To find all bills sponsored by your legislator
Join "My LRC"This is a service where the LRC will track bills or committees for you & let you know when a change in status occurs.You have to create an account & enter bills/committees of concern
Find your legislatorScroll down past the bill list and bill alerts to find House and Senate & committee's bulk e-mail address lists
Call and leave a message with the pages; The page will deliver your phone message to them. (during active session)Senate 773-3821House 773-3851
You can testify remotely if you contact the committee 24 hours in advance- details:link to Commitee e-mails
Kristi noem, SOUTH DAKOTA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, 500 EAST CAPITOL AVENUE, PIERRE, SD 57501
During the legislature - Dakota Rural Action (DRA) & SD Camo Coalition Provide On-line Resources,
Dakota Rural Action (weekly updates)
DRA Legislative Guide -the guide has lots & lots of information, including legislator & committee lists)
SD Camo Coalition (daily updates - bill tracking )
Both organizations have full time lobbyists (Rebecca Terk and Chris Hesla)that cover environmental and outdoor recreation at least in part & they post daily alerts or post weekly summaries on their web pages and send to members & Camo Coalition sends out with on-line registration.Sierra Cub and SD Izaak Walton League (Ikes) have part time lobbyists (Ailee Johns and Paul Lepisto) and Ikes send weekly summaries to members and Sierra Club sends some alerts to members .Steven Wegman for South Dakota Renewable Energy Association will also lobby
SD DENR and GFP have bill tracking, available on their web sites.SDGFP link this year - https://gfp.sd.gov/legislative-updates/
DENR link this year (find legislative review on this web page)
https://denr.sd.gov/dfta/info/info.aspx
Other NGOs with bill tracking
SD Farm Bureau also has bill tracking:
https://www.sdfbf.org/policy-advocacy/state-legislative
Prairie Hills Audubon Society does some bill tracking, updated periodically
https://gfp.sd.gov/legislative-updates/
DENR link this year (find legislative review on this web page)
https://denr.sd.gov/dfta/info/info.aspx
Other NGOs with bill tracking
SD Farm Bureau also has bill tracking:
https://www.sdfbf.org/policy-advocacy/state-legislative
Prairie Hills Audubon Society does some bill tracking, updated periodically
Veto day March 29th has passed. Regular session is over. Legislature may be recalled by Governor in May or June for special session to address transgender athletics, medical marijuana and/or federal funds received Status of environmental bills full update - 4/1/21) Government process bills, full update - 4/1/21) . Let Nancy know what you think about bills, nhilding (at) rapidnet.com. - help us review bills.Please go & download the most current bill status report, (Link above) for exact status details.
ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS (full update - 4/1/21)
HOUSE (environmental) (full update - 4/1/21 )
HB 1027 Title: An Act to identify Water Management Board officers, authorize appointment of a prehearing officer, and define the duties of the pre-hearing officer. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22057UP IN COMMITTEE ON JAN 26TH, Passed 13 to 0, To House, placed on consent. Passed House 69 to 1,> AG & NR to COMMITTEE TUES. 2/9, passed 6 to 1, Senate Floor passed 34 to 1, 2/16 signed by Pres.> signed governor,States officer positions and creates option of pre-hearing officer and states duties
HB 1028 Title: An Act to revise petition requirements and the criteria for issuance of a water right permit.UP IN COMMITTEE ON JAN 26TH, Passed to floor & on 2/27 calendar, Passed House - 49 to 21 - see vote: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/68004 to > S AG & NR to COMMITTEE TUES. 2/9, passed 4 to 3, Should go to the SENATE FLOOR 2/10.. Passed the senate floor 24 to 11, > go governor 2/16,signed Gov PHAS opposed, DRA has review in their literature - see link to their alert BELOW
House Bill 1029 Title: require a permit to conduct mining operations for certain ore milling facilities.UP IN COMMITTEE ON JAN 28TH, Passed 13 to 0, placed on Consent, Passed House > S Ag & N R , 2/18 IN COMMITTEE, sent to Senate Floor on Consent, vote 2/22, passed Senate 33 to 0, signed speaker/president, > Gov. signed
It proposes to regulate free-standing milling facilities. Right now there are no regs governing. This is progress.
House Bill 1034 Title: revise certain youth hunting requirements. https:/sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22024/210653 , Amended & Passed House 56 to 13, > S Ag & N R, IN COMMITTEE 2/16, Passed 5 to 1, 2/17 Passed Senate , 34 to 0 , signed by speaker/president, signed gov.Changes the age definition for youth from 16 to 18, (youth get special deals from GFP)
House Bill 1035 Title: remove the locking seal requirement for the transportation of big game animals.FAILED House, YEAS 33, NAYS 36 will reconsider, Passed House YEAS 45, NAYS 25. , > S Ag & Nat R. IN COMMITTEE 2/11, passed 4 to 1, To Senate FLOOR 2/16, > passed 31 to 4, Signed by Speaker/President, signed gov. Does away with requirement in statute to have a locking device (tag). It would let SDGFP consider other ways to tag big game.
House Bill 1038 Title: make an appropriation from the coordinated natural resources conservation fund to the State Conservation Commission and declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22052 UP IN COMMITTEE ON JAN 26TH, Ag and NR sent to Appropriations, IN COMMITTEE 2/8, passed 8 TO 0 , 2/10 H Floor passed 68 to 0 > Senate> Ag & NR IN COMMITTEE 2/18, 6 to 0 sent to > S Appropriations, IN COMMITTEE 3/2 > passed 8 to 0 > S floor 3/8 passed 35 to 0, > signed speaker/president > Gov signed Gives $500,000 to State Conservation Commission
HB 1039 Title: An Act to make an appropriation for costs related to suppression of wildfires in the state and to declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22053 (to Appropriations) COMMITTEE 2/4, Passed 8 to 0 > H FLOOR, deferred, Passed 68 to 0 > Senate> Ag & NR IN COMMITTEE 2/18, 6 to 0 sent to > S Appropriations, IN COMMITTEE 3/2 passed 9 to 0, > Floor do pass 35 to 0, Signed by Speaker/President, > Gov signed, Gives $973,514 to fires suppression special fund
House Bill 1042 Title: Revise certain provisions regarding riparian buffer strips. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22063, > to H Ag & NR Hearing UP IN COMMITTEE 2/2/21, Amended, Passed 13 to 0, Amended & Passed 69 to 0, > S Ag & NR, in COMMITTEE 2/11, Passed & placed on consent, passed Senate, Signed by Speaker/President, > Gov signed ,Changes some criteria needed to get a tax break.- Limits certification to 10 year periods unless changed use or failed conditions ...
House Bill 1047 Title: provide limited deer and antelope licenses to landowners. > H Ag & NR, UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 4th, amended to limit such tags to #250, passed 9 to 4 > H FLOOR 2/8/20Passed 51 to 17 > S Ag & NR, UP IN COMMITTEE ON 3/4, > passed 4 to 2 > Floor, Senate passed 27 tp 8,>signed by speaker/president > gov. vote: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70897, SDGFP is supporting the ability of Non-Res landowners to get up to 2 tags for their land, as long as they own a min. of 160 contiguous ac, these proposed tags are good for only on their own land. Amended to limit total tags to 250/per year by lottery, although can be smaller number if herd health so dictates.
House Bill 1053 Title: An Act to establish an annual fee for certain electric motor vehicles.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22004, > Trans, amended and passed 10 to 0 > House Floor passed House 51 to 18 > UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 2/17, passed S Trans 6 to 1 to S Floor, deferred 2/18 to 2/22 , Senate passed 29 to 6, Signed speaker/president > Gov signed,In addition to license fee, pay $50 fee per year for non-commercial electric vehicles, but not motorcycles
House Bill 1066 Title: authorize the transfer of wind energy tax revenue from a school district general fund.> H Education , UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 3rd, Amended & deferred UP IN COMMITTEE ON 2/10, passed 14 to 0 > House Floor , passed 68 to 0. > S Education, COMMITTEE 2/23, passed 6 to 1,> Floor 2/24 passed 35 to 0, Signed speaker > Gov signed
HB 1085 Title: An Act to redefine the criteria for classifying land as agricultural for tax purposes.> H Tax, UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 2nd , Amended Passed 10 to 2, Failed House Floor 34 to 35, Intent to reconsider, 2/5 Amended & passed 41 to 27, > S Tax > IN COMMITTEE 2/24 , amended & passed 5 to 2, > S Floor 3/1, Passed S floor 28 to 7,> 3/2 House concurred 68 to 1 > signed speaker/pres, > Gov signed This would impact smaller-scale ag enterprises and those closer to municipalities. It may also serve to force land out of ag production in places where development pressure is high.
HB 1094 - revise certain provisions regarding the municipal zoning and appeals process.> H Local Gov. , UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 2nd , Amended Passed 12 to 1 > H Floor, deferred twice,passed 50 to 18 > S Local Gov. UP IN COMMITTEE 3/3 , passed 5 to 1, 3/4 S Floor deferred,amended & passed 30 to 5 vote: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70882 , signed speaker/pres, > Gov signed Changes approval processes for conditional use and special permitted uses. Makes it easier to get approvals and keep status. This is a bad bill like SB 157 last year. Here is link to Dakota Free Press Article about this bill. http://dakotafreepress.com/2021/01/28/hb-1094-noem-guts-local-control-of-conditional-use-permits/
HB 1099 - revise the property tax exemption amount for certain agricultural property. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22167 > H Tax, UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 2nd , Tabled 12 to 0
House Bill 1111 Title: revise certain provisions regarding inspections and seizures by, and forfeitures involving, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22148> H State Affairs, UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 3rd , passed 13 to 0 > H Floor, 2/4 deferred, Passed 68 to 0, > S Ag & Nat R.3/2 IN COMMITTEE > Passed 7 to 0 > Floor passed 35 to 0> signed by speaker/president > gov signed.
House Bill 1112 Title: revise the safety zone within which a firearm may be discharged.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22183 > H Ag & Nat R.> IN COMMITTEE 2/23 passed 10 to 2, > H Floor 24th, Failed 27 to 40, DEAD vote: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70149Changes the distance restrictions from 660 feet to 900 feet for hunting/trapping on highways or right of ways near dwellings/church/school/livestock without owner's written permission. Exception allows trapping in the restricted area for adjoining land owner or with written permission from owner. This will help protect pets/children/livestock/people from accidental take. PHAS supports - this improves safety for humans and domestic animals. We have a long term campaign to reform some of trapping regulations in SD - this setback helps..
House Bill 1115 Title: revise the qualifications of Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners. > H Ag & Nat R. In COMMITTEE 2/9, Passed 12 to 0, > Floor 2/10, Passed 45 to 22, > S Ag & Nat Res. COMMITTEE 3/2, DEAD, split 4 to 3, vote: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70442, Removes balance between political parties. Currently the Commision has 8 folks on it, and at least half must make two thirds of their living from agriculture and no more than 4 can be from one political party. This change would remove the required balance in parties, allowing the Governor to just appoint Republican friends.There is no requirement of providing for balance of sexes, or for a distribution of conservationists, outdoor recreators, animal welfare advocates, representation for tribal folk etc. PHAS opposes
House Bill 1116 Title: make an appropriation for the maintenance and repair of the dam in Lake Andes and to declare an emergency https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22263 > H Ag & Nat R. In COMMITTEE 2/9, > DEAD , 9 to 3 One million to repair the dam.
House Bill 1121 Title: establish criteria governing the sale of homemade food items. > H Commerce & En > Local Gov , In COMMITTEE 2/23, DEAD, 10 to 3, DRA is following this bill House Bill 1133 Title: reduce fees for annual state park licenses for South Dakota residents.> H Ag & Nat R. In Committee 2/23, DEAD 12 to 1, Would set resident entrance fee at 25% less than the fee for nonresidents.
House Bill 1138 Title: revise provisions regarding the issuance of state park camping permits.> H Ag & Nat R, in Committee 2/23, amended & passed 10 to 2, passed H floor 2/25 42 to 24,> S Ag & NR, 3/4 In COMMITTEE, > DEAD, residents get twice as long to reserve as non-residents, opponents concerned impacts to LWCF funds
House Bill 1140 Title: restrict the entry of conservation officers onto certain private land without permission.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22226, > H Ag & Nat R., Feb. 16th, 7:45 am CT., passed 10 to 2 > floor 2/17 2 pm CT. It passed House 41 to 28, - link to the vote https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/69359 > Judiciary, COMMITTEE March 2nd, was Temporarily DEAD, unanimous vote, Smoked out - reincarnation, second half amended and passed Senate with a split vote, signed by speaker/president > gov signed. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70843Requested by Gov. to oppose/kill open fields doctrine for GFP's conservation officers (game wardens) .“ Open Fields doctrine” is something ALL law enforcement people can use to protect and serve the public. It allows officers to check for violation of laws in the open space/outdoors on private land, but not inside homes. This bill takes away "open fields". This is especially important for wildlife related laws. PHAS opposes this bill.
House Bill 1149 Title: establish timberland as a separate classification of property for tax purposes, define the criteria for timberland classification, and set the tax parameters for property classified as timberland. > Taxation, COMMITTEE 2/16 Withdrawn at request of sponsor,
House Bill 1155 Title: remove certain restrictions on gifts of agricultural land. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/21903 > Judiciary > H Ag & NR > TaxCOMMITTEE 2/23, passed & placed on consent , Floor passed 64 to 3, > S Ag & NR, > COMMITTEE 3/4 > uncontested placed on consent, passed 33 to 2 signed by speaker/president > gov. signed Allows for a gift of land to a nonprofit organization -
House Bill 1162 Title: establish the Re-Homestead South Dakota Program.> Ag & NR > Tax , In COMMITTEE 2/11, Dead, 10 to 3, sets up terms for small parcels to get ag. tax status.
House Bill 1170 Title: appropriate funds to pave Sheps Canyon Road in Fall River County.> Transp, In COMMITTEE 2/9, > DEAD 8 to 5, 4 million $ to pave the Road.
House Bill 1183 Title: establish certain provisions related to the names of geographic places.> State Affairs, IN COMMITTEE 2/24, DEAD, substitutes "naca topa" for scalp in place names
- House Bill 1190 Title: revise the process to vacate a part of certain highways.> Transport, In COMMITTEE 2/9, > deferred , In COMMITTEE 2/16, Tabled 10 to 0 Bill changes criteria for number of folk petitioning for rule making and allows local governments discretion to vacate just because they think it in public interest. Lessens the process to close roads - (companion bill is SB 136, see below, both bills in same Committee same day)
House Bill 1194 Title: authorize the review of certain executive orders issued by the President of the United States.Bill listed in the "Government section - scroll down.
House Bill 1198 Title: make an appropriation for a hydrology study of Brule County and to declare an emergency.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22378 > Ag & NR, In COMMITTEE 2/11> Appropriations > In COMMITTEE 2/17, 7 to 0, DEAD, $67,500 in funds to School and Public Lands for a Brule County study of Red Lake & American Creek.
House Bill 1202 Title: require that commercial pesticide applicators provide proof of financial responsibility. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22269 > Ag & NR, In COMMITTEE 2/23, DEAD 11 to 1, Proof of fiscal responsibility required - $100,000
House Bill 1213 Title: provide for an inventory of known abandoned mined lands and to make an appropriation.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22185 > Ag & NR, 2/22, Withdrawn at request sponsor, Request $250,000 for DENR and SDSMT to inventory
House Bill 1219 Title: An Act to provide for the betterment of agriculture in South Dakota (Has as new name about joining interstate meat packing compact) https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/12273> Ag & NR, In COMMITTEE 2/23, amended & deferred, passed 7 to 5, > 2/25 Floor FAILED 30 to 37 DEAD Hog house vehicle amended to be about joining interstate meat packing compact
House Bill 1235 Title: provide for the platting of certain land without infrastructure requirements.> Tax, In COMMITTEE 2/9, passed 13 to 0, placed on consent, Passed Floor 2/10 68 to 0 > S Local Gov.> In COMMITTEE, 2/24, passed placed on consent, 3/1 Passed Floor 34 to 1> 3/2 House Concurred> 3/3 signed by speaker/president > gov signed
House Bill 1237 Title: make an appropriation for the purpose of funding county and township roads and bridges and to declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22197 > Trans , In COMMITTEE 2/11 > to H Appropriations In COMMITTEE 2/23 > amended passed 9 to 0 > 2/25 Passed H Floor 68 to 0 > S Appropriations, In COMMITTEE 3/3 > amended, passed 9 to 0, S floor tabled 27 to 8
House Bill 1250 Title: repeal an exception to trespass liability on certain lands within national forests.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22468 > Ag & Nat R, In COMMITTEE 2/23, DEAD Would repeal an existing law that says owner not liable for animal's damage after wandering to unfenced land within BHNF (40-28-5)
House Bill 1253 Title: make an appropriation for developing the Mickelson Trail and to decla emergency.re an> H Transp, In COMMITTEE 2/18 > Amended and passed to Appropriations Committee, 7 to 5., House Appropriations, COMMITTEE Monday, 2/22, 10:15 am, > DEAD 9 To 0, Bill sponsor Derby says he will bring again next year. Sought 15 million to connect Mickelson trail to Mt Rushmore. The DEIS has not been completed, but they ask for emergency approval. At first they asked for 15 million, but the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee reduced this to $1, conditioned it on completion of the EIS & sent to H Appropriations, which is a way to defer choice on amount of $$ to H Appropriations. Part of this trail would go through the Norbeck Wildlife Refuge, which is illegal. PHAS Opposes
House Bill 1256 Title: make an appropriation for the cleanup of the Big Sioux watershed and River and to declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22363 > Tax,> House Appropriations, COMMITTEE , Monday 2/22, 10:15 am,passed 7 to 0, H Floor passed 48 to 20 > S Appropriations,> COMMITTEE Tuesday 3/2 > 3/3 > passed 7 to 0, S passed 29 to 6, signed by speaker/president > gov. signed $20M for cleanup Big Sioux
House Bill 1259 Title: create the rural access infrastructure fund, to provide for the use and distribution of the fund, make an appropriation, and to declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22404> Transp, COMMITTEE 2/23 > Joint Appropriations IN COMMITTEE 3/1 & 3/1 Amended & passed 17 to 0 > 3/3 house amended & passed 69 to 0, 3/4 Senate waived committee, S amended and passed 35 to 0, signed by speaker/president > gov signedappropriated millions to counties for small structures on road systems
House Bill 1260 Title: repeal the South Dakota Board on Geographic Names. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22426
House Bill 1264 Title: make appropriations from the water and environment fund and its revolving fund subfunds for various water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22056 > H Appropriations, COMMITTEE 2/22, passed 9 to 0,> Floor passed 66 to 2, > S Appropriations, COMMITTEE 3/2 >3/3 passed 9 to 0, signed by speaker/president > gov signed
House Bill 1278 Title: An Act to make an appropriation for the purchase of a new skid steer and to declare an emergency.> H Appropriations, COMMITTEE 2/22, passed, 7 to 1, Floor passed 60 to 8, > S Appropriations COMMITTEE 3/2, Tabled,6 to 0 $69,565 for new skid steer, which is a compact loader for construction or landscaping
House Concurrent Resolution 6010 Title: Calling on President Joe Biden and the United States Congress to prevent the enactment of energy policies that negatively impact the State of South Dakota, https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22486 , Passed House, 60 to 7, > Commerce & Energy 3/2, passed 8 to 1, Senate concurred 32 to 3, https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Vote/70660, Res. considers many pro-environmental actions as bad
SENATE BILLS (environmental) (full update 4/1/21 update)
Senate Bill 37 Title: update certain citations to federal regulations regarding pipeline safety inspections.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/21990 PASSED SENATE 34 TO 0, > To House State Affairs, Passed, placed on consent, Passed House 69 to 0 > Gov & signed by her
Senate Bill 47 Title: An Act to make an appropriation for the maintenance and repair of state-owned dams and to declare an emergency https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22039(to Ag & NR) Comm (1/21 to Joint Appropriations w/ favorable recommendation) IN COMMITTEE 2/17, Amended voice vote,IN COMMITTEE 3/1, do pass 18 to 0,> 3/3 S floor passed 35 to 0, > 3/4 house, waived committee, passed 68 to 0, signed by speaker/president > gov. signed
Senate Bill 50 Title: An Act to repeal the requirement for a well pump installer licensehttps://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22058 in Committee, but got to S Floor where it passed, > Commerce , Dead in H Committee 2/3/21
*Senate Bill 51 Title: An Act to transfer licensure of individuals who may alter, repair, construct, or install on-site wastewater systems to the Plumbing Commission. https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/210644.pdf ,PASSED SENATE 34 to 0, > to H Com & E, 2/8 to COMMITTEE > Passed 9 to 0 > 2/9, Passed H, 70 to 0,> Gov. signed
Senate Bill 52 Title: revise the permit duration on certain concentrated animal feeding operations.Passed 11 to 0, House FLOOR 2/16, PASSED 54 to 14 ,signed, > Gov. signed Increases length of permit from 5 to 10 years in certain instances,
Senate Bill 53 Title: revise certification and renewal fees for water supply and treatment system operators.https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22061 , PASSED SENATE 33 TO 1 > H Ag & Nat R, 2/4 to COMMITTEE. Passed 9 to 4 > H Floor 2/5 deferred 2/8 FAILED 35 to 33 > Intent Reconsider, 2/9, H amended & passed 63 to 7, back to Senate, 2/16 Senate concurred 32 to 0, 2/17 > Gov,signed
Senate Bill 54
It proposes to regulate free-standing milling facilities. Right now there are no regs governing. This is progress.
HB 1099 - revise the property tax exemption amount for certain agricultural property. https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22167 > H Tax, UP IN COMMITTEE ON Feb 2nd , Tabled 12 to 0 |