The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accept public comment on a proposal to protect, the agency announced on Dec. 19.

“We are hoping to provide the public with an adequate opportunity to review and submit comments on the proposals by extending the public comment period,” Ted Koch, State Supervisor for the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office said in a statement. “This process is important so that a final decision made by the US. Fish and Wildlife Service reflects all of the best information available.”

The extension will allow people more time to voice their concerns about a proposal to list the Bi State sage grouse as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and the related proposal to designate about 2.9 million acres as critical habitat for the birds.

Additionally, scientific information will now be accepted until February 10, 2014.