Eagle Conservation Plan for the High Plains and Mcfadden Ridge I Wind Energy Projects

On July 23, 2019, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 6 Migratory Bird Office recently released a new guidance document for development of Eagle Conservation Plans (ECP) titled U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Recommended Approach for Development and Submission of Eagle Conservation Plans submitted to Region 6, Migratory Management Office in support of an Eagle Incidental Take Permit [EITP] Application for Wind Energy Project (Guidance; USFWS 2019b). The following document has been prepared to address the items identified in the regional Guidance and is intended to serve as an ECP in support of an EITP application for the High Plains and McFadden Ridge I Wind Energy Project (Project). Per the Guidance, the text in this ECP is limited primarily to summaries with reference to technical reports provided as appendices. This document does not elaborate on every study, but rather emphasizes data that support the document objective: eagle conservation. Lastly, readers should be cognizant that after nearly 10 years of operation, the Project will undergo a repower fitting turbines with larger blades. The repower will occur in 2020.