Community engagement and collaboration, Fish and wildlife, Habitat management
Nimbus Wind Farm Habitat Conservation Plan
An Overview of the Nimbus Wind Farm Habitat Conservation Plan
Status
Ongoing

States

Arkansas

Ecosystem

Caves and Karst, Forest, Mountain

Subject

Bats
Endangered and/or Threatened species
Habitat conservation
Migratory birds

Nimbus Wind Farm Habitat Conservation Plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Scout Clean Energy, the developer of the Nimbus Wind Farm in Carroll County, Arkansas. This project involves constructing wind turbines and building infrastructure such as roads and turbine pads.

Habitat Conservation Plan

In 2018, Scout Clean Energy voluntarily approached our agency to discuss the creation of their Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the operation of wind turbines at the Nimbus Wind Farm. This plan is essential for obtaining an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which considers impacts on protected species while promoting conservation efforts. 

A single Indiana bat rests on a ledge in a cave, wings folded at its sides
Image Details

Construction activities and the clearing of trees for the Nimbus Wind Farm will take place during the bat inactive season, so no adverse effects to listed species are expected.  As that is the case, Scout Clean Energy only needs an incidental take permit for wind turbine operations. 

Their HCP evaluates potential impacts on threatened and endangered species, outlines methods to minimize and mitigate these effects, and details funding strategies for conservation efforts. These plans are designed to foster partnerships that protect at-risk species within their ecosystems, ensuring long-term conservation commitments.

Eagle Conservation Goals

We also prioritize maintaining stable or increasing populations of bald eagles and golden eagles. While we may authorize limited "take" of these birds, any such actions must align with the goal of preserving their populations. Therefore, we recommended that Scout Clean Energy coordinate with our Southeast Region Migratory Bird Program to secure an eagle incidental take permit under the 2024 Eagle Rule Revision.

Through this partnership, we aim to balance renewable energy development with effective wildlife conservation, demonstrating our commitment to protecting both the environment and endangered species. 

Nimbus Wind Farm HCP Process Overview

The Habitat Conservation Plan process for the Nimbus Wind Farm can be broken down into three main phases:

  • Developing the plan and environmental compliance documents
  • Processing the application, making a permit decision, and issuing the incidental take permit.
  • Implementing the plan and conducting compliance monitoring

Since 2021, Scout Clean Energy has been collaborating with our Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office and Southeast Region Office to create their plan for the operation of the wind farm.

Evaluating Environmental Impacts

We have a legal obligation under the National Environmental Policy Act to assess our actions related to this project, specifically concerning the potential issuance of the Incidental Take Permit. We are currently preparing a Draft Environmental Assessment to analyze the impacts of both issuing and not issuing the permit.

Public Involvement

The Draft Environmental Assessment will be available for public review during a 60-day comment period. This will be announced in the Federal Register and shared through local media outlets. Once an applicant submits their permit application, it usually takes several months to process, followed by a notice in the Federal Register that opens a public comment period.

We also plan to hold a public informational meeting during this comment period. Details about this meeting will be communicated through the Federal Register and local outreach efforts.

This process shows our commitment to transparency and public engagement while balancing renewable energy development with conservation goals.

News and Updates

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not received an incidental take permit application; however, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Service is developing a draft environmental assessment (EA) based on Scout Clean Energy's proposed habitat conservation plan.  Once complete, the public will be offered an opportunity to comment on the draft versions of the EA and HCP.  

Since construction activities are not expected to adversely affect threatened and endangered species, the draft habitat conservation plan and draft environmental assessment for the proposed Nimbus Wind Farm will only address operation of wind turbines.

Contact Us

For more information about the Nimbus Wind Farm Habitat Conservation Plan

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