Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Nancy Upham (760) 873-2427

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Bishop, CA (January 9, 2009)...The Inyo National Forest will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, January 20, at the Mammoth Ranger Station Auditorium, starting a 7:00 p.m.  The purpose of this meeting will be to begin a discussion with the public and Mono County citizens on the potential for wind energy development on national forest land  in Mono County.

 In September of 2007, a notice of proposed Forest Service Directives regarding wind energy development on National Forest System lands was published in the Federal Register.  This was prompted by the emphasis on development of alternative energy sources in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and increasing industry interest in development of wind energy facilities on national forest lands.  These draft directives are currently waiting finalization.

District Ranger Jon Regelbrugge will be present to speak about these proposed directives and the role National Forests might play in development of wind energy. 

Andy Zalay from EwindFarm, Inc. will also be present to answer questions regarding wind energy development and production.  EWindFarm was one of the first wind energy proponents to submit a proposal to the Inyo National Forest for installation of meteorological towers to test for wind energy potential in Mono County.  Prior to acceptance and processing any wind energy application, the Forest Service hopes to better understand public perceptions and concerns in regard to the potential for wind energy farms to be constructed on the Inyo National Forest.  Any wind energy development proposal, if accepted, will be subject to environmental analysis in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Any questions regarding this meeting can be directed to Sheila Irons, Lands Specialist at (760) 924-5534 or sirons@fs.fed.us.