Abstract
Turbines and construction will be almost entirely in farmland (dairy grazing, corn, and hay), with some activity in small woodlots. Habitat surrounding the project site consists of farms, small patches of early to mid-succession deciduous woodlots, and low density residential. Extensive forest does not occur within a mile of where turbines will be erected. Small, isolated wetlands occur in several places within the project footprint and wetlands will be crossed in places. Small wetlands will be crossed in places. The site cannot be considered sensitive or rare habitat, nor is such habitat located within the project area or immediately adjacent to the project.
This report details a Phase I Avian Risk Assessment for wind power development. It includes a literature review, interviews with local and regional experts (agency staff, environmental organizations, and local birders), and site visits by an avian expert on July 22 and 23, 2000. Together, these sources of information provide an indication of the type and number of birds that are known or suspected to use a project site and the area surrounding that site. This information is then used to determine the degree of risk to birds, if any, from wind power development at a particular site. In addition, the concerns of regulators and environmental organizations are determined and incorporated into the risk assessment. Notes on rare, threatened, and endangered bats are included as an appendix to this report.