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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Dear Ohio Bat Working Group Member,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is opening a public scoping period for preparation of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that will evaluate the proposed Midwest
Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (multi-species HCP). Specifically, the EIS will evaluate several alternatives relating to our issuance of Endangered Species Act (ESA) incidental take permits under the multi-species HCP. The EIS will also
evaluate impacts from issuing a programmatic permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for incidental take of bald eagles that may result from operation of wind energy facilities covered under the multi-species HCP. Scoping offers the public and
other agencies an opportunity to participate in development of the EIS and assists the Service in identifying issues and concerns. Scoping begins with publication in the
<i>Federal Register </i>of the Notice of Intent on June 12, 2015, which opens a public comment period that ends August 11, 2015.<o:p></o:p></p>
<pre><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">The draft multi-species HCP addresses incidental take of eight species that may be injured or killed at wind turbine facilities. Habitat conservation plans are agreements between
a landowner or non-federal company or group and the Service, allowing permit applicants to undertake otherwise lawful activities on their property that may result in the incidental death, injury or harassment of covered species; the applicant agrees to conservation
measures designed to minimize and mitigate the impact of those actions. In addition to measures to avoid, minimize and mitigation all potential incidental take of covered species, the multi-species HCP includes measures for long-term conservation of covered
species. An HCP is required under the Endangered Species Act for anyone to apply for an incidental take permit.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-right:7.5pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-right:7.5pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">
The incidental take permits that we would issue under the multi-Species HCP would authorize take that could result from existing and future wind energy development and operations in parts of eight states in the Service’s Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin). Species included in the multi-species HCP (i.e., covered species) are six federally listed species: Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, Kirtland’s warbler, piping plover (Great Lakes population and northern
Great Plains population), and interior least tern; and two unlisted species - little brown bat and the bald eagle. The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-right:7.5pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-right:7.5pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">
Partners with the Service in the effort to prepare the multi-species HCP include the conservation agencies for seven of the eight states, The Conservation Fund, and the American Wind Energy Association. The American Wind Energy Association is representing
a consortium of wind energy companies. The planning partners intend to request a 45-year permit term covering these species.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">The primary purpose of scoping is to provide an opportunity for the public and other agencies to assist in developing the EIS by identifying important issues and alternatives related
to the multi-species HCP and the Service’s proposed action (issuance of incidental take permits under the multi-species HCP and a programmatic eagle permit under the Eagle Act). We are requesting data, comments, new information, or suggestions. Specifically,
we are seeking comments on:<o:p></o:p></p>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Biological information and relevant data concerning covered species;</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Additional information concerning the range, distribution, population size, and population trends of covered species;</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that implementation of the proposed covered activities could have on endangered, threatened, and other covered species, and their communities or habitats;</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Other possible alternatives to the proposed action that the Service should consider;</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Other current or planned activities in the subject area and their possible impacts on covered species;</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The presence of archaeological sites, buildings and structures, historic events, sacred and traditional areas, and other historic preservation concerns, which are required to be considered in project planning by the National Historic Preservation Act; and</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<pre style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Identification of any other environmental issues that should be considered with regard to the proposed multi-species HCP and permit action.</span><o:p></o:p></pre>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">You may submit your comments and materials by any of the following methods:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.5in">
<i>U.S. Mail</i>: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in">
Regional Director, Attn: Rick Amidon<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in">
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in">
5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in">
Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.5in">
<i>Electronically:</i> Visit the Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">
www.regulations.gov</a>. In the search box enter (Docket Number FWS-R3-ES-2015-0033). This docket number will not be accessible until Friday, June 12.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">More information about the draft EIS for the proposed Midwest Wind Multi-Species HCP can be found at
<a href="http://midwestwindenergyhcpeis.org">http://midwestwindenergyhcpeis.org</a>. We will also be holding public information meetings in all of the eight states of the project area. The meetings will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time at the
following locations:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo1">
<b>July 13 – Minneapolis, Minnesota.</b> Elliot Recreation Center, 1000 E. 14<sup>th</sup> St. 55404<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo2">
<b>July 14 – Madison, Wisconsin.</b> Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive, 53704<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<b>July 15 – Ames, Iowa.</b> Iowa State Memorial Union, Campanile Room, 2229 Lincoln Way, 50011<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.5in">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4">
<b>July 16 – Columbia, Missouri.</b> Battle High School Commons, 7575 E. St. Charles Road, 65202<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.5in">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo5">
<b>July 20 – Lansing, Michigan. </b>Letts Community Center Gymnasium, 1220 W. Kalamazoo Street 48915<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6">
<b>July 21 – Columbus, Ohio.</b> Columbus Downtown High School Commons,364 South 4<sup>th
</sup>Street 43215<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7">
<b>July 22 - Indianapolis, Indiana.</b> World Sports Park Ballroom, 1313 South Post Road, 46239<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%">
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8">
<b>July 23 - Bloomington, Illinois.</b> Illinois Wesleyan University, Memorial Center, Young Main Lounge, 104 E. University Avenue, 61701<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">We will also host an online public meeting on Thursday, July 28, 2015 at 1:00 pm (CST). For more information on this meeting, go to
<a href="http://www.midwestwindenergyhcpeis.org">www.midwestwindenergyhcpeis.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Additional opportunities for public comment during development of the EIS will be provided when the draft is released for public review and comment, which is anticipated for spring
of 2016.<b> </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">If you have any questions, please contact Rick Amidon (Phone: 612-713-5164 – Email:
<a href="mailto:rick_amidon@fws.gov">rick_amidon@fws.gov</a>).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">-- <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kim Mitchell<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ecological Services<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">5600 American Blvd. East, Suite 990<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bloomington, MN 55437<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">612-713-5337<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><a href="mailto:Kim_Mitchell@fws.gov" target="_blank">Kim_Mitchell@fws.gov</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><a href="http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered" target="_blank">www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered</a>
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">**My work schedule is Mon. to Thursday 7:30 to 4:00 (Central)**</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><br>
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