States
ArkansasEcosystem
Caves and Karst, Forest, MountainNimbus 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 approached our agency to discuss the creation of a Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan is essential for obtaining an Incidental Take Permit, which allows for certain impacts on protected species while promoting conservation efforts. After a pause in 2019, the process was reinitiated in August 2021.
The plan will evaluate potential impacts on endangered species, outline methods to minimize and mitigate these effects, and detail 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
Scout Clean Energy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are currently finalizing edits to the habitat conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment. They have not submitted an Incidental Take Permit application.
Please check back here for the latest updates on the permitting process for the Nimbus Wind Farm. Your interest and participation are important as we continue to work towards balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation.
For more information about the Nimbus Wind Farm Habitat Conservation Plan
