We thank Judy Rodd, Director of the citizen group Friends of Blackwater, for providing this publication in the Federal Register announcing the extension of the comment period relative to the “Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit Associated With a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Beech Ridge Wind Energy Project, Greenbrier and Nicholas Counties, West Virginia.”

The announcement reads in part:  In response to substantial public interest and requests to extend the comment period, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, extend the scoping period on a notice of intent to gather information necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed issuance of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit (incidental take permit and associated Habitat Conservation Plan) for the Beech Ridge Wind Energy Project (HCP).

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we seek suggestions and information from the public on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision on the permit application.

DATES: The public comment period that closed on August 23, 2010, (75 FR42767) is reopened and extended until September 23, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Information, written comments, or questions related to the preparation of the EIS and NEPA process should be submitted to Ms. Laura Hill, Assistant Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, West Virginia 26241; FAX 304–636–7824; or fw5es_wvfo@fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Hill (See ADDRESSES) at 304–636–6586, extension18.

The full, formal publication is provided for your convenience: