News Release

For Release:  April 28, 2008       
Contact:   Stephen Razo, 951-697-5217
CA-CDD-08-48

BLM Announces Second Meeting for Proposed Wind Farm

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the county of San Bernardino (SBCO) have issued a notice of  intent (NOI) and notice of preparation (NOP), respectively, for the preparation of a joint draft environmental impact statement (EIS)/ environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed Granite Mountain wind farm in San Bernardino County.

A public scoping meeting was held Tuesday, March 18, 2008 in Apple Valley, California to receive comments on the proposal.  As a result of interest at that meeting and a request from local officials, a second informational meeting is being held April 29, 2008 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Granite Hills High School gymnasium, located at 22900 Esaws Avenue, in Apple Valley, California.  The informational meeting will include an open house, a short presentation at 6:30 pm, and a question and answer session after the presentation.  The formal presentation includes discussion about the proposal and the process to receive initial scoping comments on the issues and alternatives that should be examined as part of the environmental analysis.  Public input will be considered in the preparation of the environmental document.  Written comments will become part of the public record, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Administrative Procedures Act.

Granite Wind, LLC is proposing the Granite Mountain wind farm to be located between Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley, west of SR 247 and north of Lucerne Dry Lake in San Bernardino County, California.  The proposed project includes up to 28 2.3-megawatt (MW) wind turbines on approximately 80 acres. At full capacity, the proposed project would provide enough electricity for the residential electric needs of over 70,000 people.  A representative from Granite Wind LLC will also be present to answer questions.

All scoping comments are due by May 5, 2008.  For further information contact Edythe Seehafer, Barstow Field Office (760) 252-6021.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553