USDA Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Austin-Tonopah Ranger District, Nye County, Nevada Legal Notice of 30-Day Public commenting for Pegasus Mineral Exploration Project

USDA Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Austin-Tonopah Ranger District, Nye County, Nevada Legal Notice of 30-Day Public commenting for Pegasus Mineral Exploration Project The Austin-Tonopah Ranger District has completed the review of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pegasus Exploration Project submitted by Kinross Gold USA, Inc. This project is a non-HFRA 10-year mineral exploration-only Plan of Operations located approximately 3 miles north of the town of Manhattan, Nevada. The proposed action consists of conducting exploration activities that would include overland travel and temporary road construction, exploratory drilling from constructed drill pads with sumps, and temporary laydown/staging areas. Through duration and completion of the Project, no more than 140.1 acres of surface disturbance would be exceeded during the 10 year exploration time frame. Concurrent reclamation practices would be used during the life of the Project to stabilize and minimize erosion. Project activities would be implemented using the appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs). Kinross would conduct seasonal exploration drilling activities, as weather and seasonal wildlife restrictions permit. The first phase of the Project would consist of approximately 83.2 acres of disturbance in the Project Area. Disturbance would include approximately 36.7 miles of new temporary road construction, and approximately 112 drill sites. Subsequent phases could include an additional 56.9 acres of disturbance including 138 drill sites. Existing access roads would be utilized to the extent practicable to minimize new surface disturbance. Reclamation consists of removal of drilling equipment and materials, recontouring all new constructed roads, drill pads, and sumps and recontouring disturbed areas followed by final seeding with an approved seed mix. The Responsible Official is Lance Brown, District Ranger. The draft Environmental Assessment and supporting documents are available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/humboldt-toiyabe/projects/68901 SOLICITATION OF COMMENTS, COMMENT PROCESS, AND TIME FRAME FOR SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS The USFS is now seeking public comments for the 30-Day Public commenting period. The purpose for this comment period is to provide opportunity for public participation prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. Submission of comments during this period is required to establish objection eligibility subject to 36 CFR 218 subparts (a) and (b). The final Findings of No significant Impacts (FONSI) will not be made until after the requirements of 36 CFR 218.12 have been met. Eligibility to File Comments Comments will be accepted only from individuals and entities who have submitted timely, specific written comments regarding a proposed project or activity per 36 CFR 218. Individual members of organizations must have submitted their own comments to meet the requirements of eligibility as an individual. Comments received on behalf of an organization are considered as those of the organization only. Comments will become part of the public record. Names and addresses of commentors will become part of the public record. Contents of a Comment Minimum content requirements of a comment as identified in 36 CFR 218 must include:(1) Commentor's name and address with a telephone number if available; with signature or other verification of authorship supplied upon request. (2) identification of the lead commentor when multiple names are listed, along with verification upon request. (3) Name of project, name and title of the responsible official, national forest/ranger district where project is located. (4) Sufficient narrative description of those aspects of the proposed project objected to, specific issues related to the project, how environmental law, regulation, or policy would be violated, and suggested remedies which would resolve the objection. Incorporation of documents by reference in the comment is permitted only as provided for at 36 CFR 218. Filing a Comment Comments must be postmarked (if sent via postal mail) or submitted electronically within 30 days following publication of the legal notice in the Reno Gazette. Mailed objections should be sent to the District Ranger, Pegasus Mineral Exploration Project, USDA Forest Service, P.O. BOX 3940, Tonopah, NV 89049. Electronic objections can be submitted using the project webpage at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/humboldt-toiyabe/projects/68901 "Get Connected" and "Comment/Object on Project". Hand delivery of written comments can be made during normal working hours to the Tonopah Ranger Station at 1400 S Erie Main St. Tonopah, NV 89049. A timely submission will be determined as outlined in 36 CFR 218.6(a) for project objections. It is the responsibility of objectors to ensure their objection is received in a timely manner (36 CFR 218.9). For more information, questions related to the project or accessing the digital materials on the project website, please contact Conni De Masi, Project Manager, Conni.DeMasi@usda.gov or 775-352-1216. December 19 2025 LNVS0426543