FWS Agreement Number
30181-A-G011
Summary
While the greatest wind energy potential for Ohio lies over the waters of Lake Erie, there is very little information regarding the distribution of pelagic birds that may potentially be impacted by proposed offshore wind energy facilities. Though Lake Erie does not have the highest wind energy potential of the Great Lakes, its shallow waters and proximity to load centers (Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Buffalo) make it more economically feasible for wind energy than some of the deeper lakes. There are currently no offshore wind turbine facilities within the United States, though European studies have shown that these facilities may have direct and indirect impact on migratory birds. In 2009 and 2010 the Division of Wildlife, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, flew weekly surveys during the spring and fall migratory period to document the distribution and abundance of pelagic birds using Ohio's portion of Lake Erie. This information will be used to identify vital migratory or over-wintering areas in order to facilitate the siting of wind energy facilities in regions of Lake Erie that would minimize the likelihood of impacting pelagic birds.