(Jim Thompson, Hydro One Transmission Line Technician, in Ontario, who rescued eagle that had been hit be several trucks.  It recovered and was released. More HERE, scroll way down!)

Big week for the Wisconsin and Minnesota CapX 2020 Hampton-Rochester-LaCrosse line!

Next week is the time to turn out and tell the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service what you think of their Draft Environmental Impact Statement.  This is about whether the USDA will finance Dairyland’s share of CapX 2020 costs.  The meetings are in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, one every business day next week:

Here’s the USDA RUS Environmental Review page.

For example, look at the DEIS, p. 96, regarding protected Migratory Bird activity in the area of the proposed Mississippi River crossings:

And look at USFWS comments:

USFWS Comment on WI PSC DEIS

So by the RUS’ own admission on p. 96, all areas for river crossing are not “at least two miles away from important Eagle Use Areas.”

Apparently this needs to be pointed out to them.

The meeting (note they’re not called “hearings”) start with an “open house” from 5-6 p.m.  and then a “discussion period” from 6-8 p.m.

January 9, 2012, 5-8 p.m.
Alma High School Gym
S1618 State Rd 35
Alma,WI

January 10, 2012, 5-8 p.m.
Wanamingo Community Center
401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN

January 11, 2012, 5-8 p.m.
Cannon Falls High School Cafeteria
820 Minnesota St
Cannon Falls, MN

January 12, 2012, 5-8 p.m.
American LegionHall
2153rd St SW
Plainview, MN

January 13, 2012,  5-8 p.m.
Centerville/Town of Trempealeau Community Center
W24854 StateRd 54/93
Galesville, WI

Written comments are open until January 30, 2012.  Send to stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov or by mail to:

Stephanie Strength, Project Manager

USDA, Rural Development, Utilities Programs

1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2244

Mailstop 1571

Washington, DC  20250-1571