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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it is beginning the process to evaluate an exploration plan for hardrock geological prospecting northeast of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (NVM). Beginning in March 2011, Ascot Resources Ltd. (Ascot) -- a Vancouver, B.C.-based company incorporated in the State of Washington as Ascot USA Inc. -- applied for two prospecting permits. The purpose of this initial public scoping process is to determine the nature and range of issues to be addressed in the environmental assessment, including alternatives. Ascot's pending application pertains only to mineral exploration at 23 sites by directionally drilling approximately 63 small two to three inch diameter holes using portable equipment. This work will take place over former roads and drill pads, many of which were established by a previous company that held patent to these lands in the early 1980s. In addition to the meetings that took place on February 15 and 16, the BLM will also hold a public open house on Tuesday, March 13. Rock Creek Hegewald Center 710 SW Rock Creek Drive Stevenson, Washington 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Members of the public will have an opportunity to hear from the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and Ascot, and have an opportunity to comment on the scope of the prospecting permit environmental assessment. Comments will be accepted at the public meetings, as well as the web, email, and mail. Web: Additional information about the project, including a project area map, drilling sites and equipment, scoping report, and other related information can be obtained from the BLM Website at: blm.gov/or/programs/minerals/prospecting Email: BLM_OR_Prospecting_EA@blm.gov Mail: BLM Oregon/Washington Office Edward W. Shepard, Oregon/Washington State Director (OR-936.2) P.O. Box 2965 Portland, OR 97208 U.S. Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Permit) Kristie Miller, Cowlitz Valley District Ranger P.O. Box 670 Randle, WA 98377-9105 Scoping comments must be received prior to midnight March 16, 2012, to be considered for public record. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at: Oregon State Office Public Room 333 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97204. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at: 1(800) 877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.