Jeannie Stafford, Nevada FWO:
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced an extension of the comment period on a proposal to designate approximately 417,577 acres as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the federally endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana). The Service is also seeking a taxonomic revision of the species from distinct population segment to subspecies (Ovis canadensis sierrae) based on recent published information. Comments on the proposal must now be received by October 31, 2007. 

In addition to extending the comment period, informational meetings and public hearing have been scheduled at the following location and times:

October 10, 2007
Memorial Hall
744 N. School Street
Bridgeport, CA
Public Informational Open House
1-3 p.m.

October 11, 2007
Tri-County Fair Grounds Patio Room
Sierra Street and Fair Drive
Bishop, CA
Public Informational Open House
4-5 p.m. (Patio Area)
Formal Hearing 6-8 p.m. (Patio Room)

All comments on this proposal must be received by October 31, 2007 and can be:

1)      Electronically mailed to snbighorn@fws.gov;
2)      mailed to the Field Supervisor, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Suite 234, Reno, NV  89502; or
3)      faxed to (775) 861-6301.