Wind

Early project coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is important for achieving compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703), the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668), and the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Planning a wind energy development that reduces wildlife conflicts can reduce liabilities under these statutes and lower project costs by minimizing repeated site modifications in response to wildlife issues. Data and information gathered in accordance with these guidelines, and evaluated in coordination with Service’s Wyoming Field Office biologists, will assist developers in planning projects that will avoid and minimize impacts to the Service’s trust resources.

We encourage project proponents to use a planning process that starts with conservative assumptions about what may be needed to ensure a wind energy development that is compatible with long-term wildlife conservation. To achieve this objective, both site screening (“macrositing”) and site development options (“micrositing”) need to be addressed. This document focuses on micrositing guidance to enhance wildlife conservation during project development and operation in Wyoming.

Recommendations in this Guidance for Wind Energy Development are specific to Wyoming and are tiered to the Service’s national wind energy guidance. The Service issued Final National Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines on March 23, 2012 http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/. These voluntary guidelines replace the voluntary interim guidance issued by the Service in 2003.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Interim Guidance for Wind Energy Development in Wyoming (12/1/2011)

General Considerations

Relevant Authorities and Policy

Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act)
Species of Mangement Concern

Coordination With the Service's Wyoming Field Office

Indentify Needs for Wildlife Surveys
Determine Area to be Surveyed
Identify Project Area Wildlife Resources
Consider Forming a Technical Advisory Committee

Field Survey Methodology

Duration and Timing of Surveys
Types of Surveys

Pre-Construction Monitoring
Post-Construction Monitoring

Reporting of Monitoring Results

Adjust Management and Implement Mitigation as Needed

Conclusion

Literature Cited

Appendix A: Best Management Practices

Appendix B: Avian Protection Plan Development General Guidelines

Last updated: April 10, 2013