In response to a growing number of--and the anticipated potential for--wind energy projects across the range of Indiana bat, a quorum of biologists have raised questions regarding effects analyses and the HCP process with respect to wind energy. Specifically, staff has expressed a desire for practical and enforceable methods to: 1) determine anticipated take levels, 2) to develop monitoring plans, 3) to track take, and 4) to develop appropriate adaptive management plans. To assist these biologists and to improve consistency within and among Regions, a small group convened in March 2010 to identify critical issues (questions).
To discern the list of critical issues, we worked through the analytical framework typically applied in conducting section 7 effects analyses. Although the impetus for this effort is the impending wind projects, we anticipate any guidance forthcoming would also apply not only to wind energy projects but also to any Indiana bat related project. From this initiative and subsequent discussions, we identified 84 questions.
The questions and responses described below are those critical questions for which we were able to develop responses through internal deliberation and elicitation of expert opinion. The remaining questions either require further internal discussion or expert review. As those issues are resolved, the responses will be provided. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for Field Offices (FO) to use in reviewing wind energy projects. The information is rapidly evolving in this arena, thus it is appropriate to view the responses as interim guidelines that will be updated periodically.
The questions and responses are organized by subject. There are 7 subjects: 1) mist-netting, 2) summer biology, 3) migration biology, 4) swarming biology, 5) wind specific impacts topics, 6) section 10(a)(1)(B) issues, and 7) jeopardy and adverse modification analyses.
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