For Wind Energy Developers

 

What should you do when considering wind power development?

 

The most important step a developer can take is to consult with the Service early in the development of a wind energy project. Early consultation offers the greatest opportunity for avoiding areas where development is precluded or where wildlife impacts are likely to be high and difficult or costly to remedy or mitigate at a later stage. By consulting early, project developers can also incorporate appropriate wildlife conservation measures and monitoring into their decisions about project siting, design, and operation.

 

The Service does not regulate wind energy development, however, we are the lead agency responsible for safeguarding federally-protected wildlife and administering Federal wildlife protection laws.

 

• The Service prepared the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidance to help developers and agency staff work together to site and construct wind developments that minimize harming wildlife. We urge voluntary adherence to the Guidelines and communication with the Service when planning and operating a facility. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services Field Office nearest the project area as early in the planning process as possible.

 

• Resources for
  Developers

  • Guidances
  • Maps of Biological Resources
  • Maps of Wind Potential
  • Meeting Results
  • References

   

  Locations for proposed wind projects should be assessed for their potential impact on birds and bats before advanced project planning and making final decisions. Resources for making such an assessment include maps of biological resources and county distributions of threatened and endangered species.

 

• Depending on the size of the facility and its location, a study may be necessary to characterize use of a site by birds and bats. Because some studies may take up to several years to complete, early involvement of resource agencies, including the Service, is imperative.

 

• Additional guidances are available if your project is in an area that has the potential to kill eagles or the endangered Indiana bat. The guidances include suggestions for measures to minimize mortality.
  • Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance
  • Indiana Bat: Section 7 and Section 10 Guidance for Wind Energy Projects

 

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For Wind Developers

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