San Bernardino National Forest Completes Cleghorn Ridge Renewable Energy Review

The Forest Service has completed its initial screening of the Cleghorn Ridge renewable energy project application by the November 30th deadline.  Prompt action was made possible by the agency’s new wind energy policy which includes the procedures and considerations for screening proposals, issuing site testing and feasibility permits, and authorizing construction and operation activities.  The Forest Service has given the Cleghorn Ridge proposal review the highest possible priority.

The initial screening raised concerns that the Cleghorn Ridge proposal would affect inventoried roadless area, a national scenic trail, a natural research area, a popular recreation trail, and a fuelbreak that is critical for fire suppression activities. The screening process showed the proposal, as presented, cannot be approved and meet current law, regulation, and policy.

Lessons Learned

• Initial screening saves proponents time and money
• Large issues that cannot be mitigated or avoided can be identified early on in the process
• The new wind energy policy provides the appropriate guidelines for reviews