The consultation package for ESA was deemed complete by FWS on 11/1/2024. The FWS is currently working to complete the draft biological opinion for agency review. Sponsor has requested review of mitigation items prior to finalization. The milestone has been revised to 3/28/25.

On 2/12/2025 the Project Sponsor requested an extension of time for the publication of the biological opinion and the FEIS to allow for further review and incorporation of the revised site plan and appropriate mitigation measures into these documents. The BLM is in agreement with the extension and is working with the cooperating and participating parties regarding the affected dates. Updates to the Milestones are projected to be entered to the Dashboard by 2/19/2025.

The consultation package for ESA was deemed complete by FWS on 11/1/2024. The FWS is currently working to complete the draft biological opinion for agency review and should be on track to finalize on 3/1/25.

12/11/2024 Update - The consultation package for ESA was deemed complete by FWS on 11/1/2024.

The consultation package for ESA was deemed complete by FWS on 11/1/2024.

10/15/2024 - Consultation package for ESA submitted to FWS by BLM on 9/27/2024.

The BLM, NPS, Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and USFWS reviewed the draft Biological Assessment and Translocation Plan between 7/25/2024 and 8/13/2024 resulting in approximately 300 comments.  On 8/12/2024, the BLM determined two additional Ash Meadows ESA-listed plant species (Ash Meadows milkvetch and Ash Meadows sunray) needed to be included in the Section 7 consultation.  The total number of species being formally and informally consulted on for this project is now 16.  Follow-up meetings with BLM, USFWS, and USFWS Desert Tortoise Recovery Office are required.  The unforeseen addition of two species for consultation and the large volume of comments have delayed BLM’s submission of the ESA Consultation Request Package to USFWS. This shifts the milestone by 21 days to allow for resolution of outstanding comments and preparation of documents. To meet USFWS regulatory requirements the shift to the initial milestone for the ESA Consultation will affect both the second and milestone dates. The alternative dates for completion of the milestones are as follows: ESA Consultation Request Package Submitted (Agency Action) 9/27/2024 FWS determines ESA Consultation Package is Complete - Formal (Agency Action) 12/26/2024 ESA Consultation Concludes (Agency Action) 3/1/2025