BETHESDA, MD — The Wildlife Society (TWS) announced today that their latest technical review, Impacts of Wind Energy Facilities on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat, is now available for purchase at www.wildlife.org. The 50-page report, prepared by a committee of experts, discusses both direct and indirect effects of wind power on wildlife and makes recommendations about addressing these effects to better protect native wildlife and their habitats.

Economically developed countries worldwide, most notably the United States, are highly dependent on fossil fuels to supply their energy needs. Conventional power generation from fossil fuels has a host of well-documented environmental impacts, the most notable being the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a key contributor to climate change. Development of wind power offers promise of producing energy, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions from carbon-based sources. "While wind power offers an array of benefits to developed and developing countries, wind energy is not environmentally neutral," commented Dr. Ed Arnett, Conservation Scientist with Bat Conservation International and chair of the technical review committee. "There are both direct and indirect consequences of wind energy facilities, including the often overlooked impacts resulting from loss of habitat for wildlife due to construction, the footprint of the facility, and increased human access."

The TWS Technical Review summarizes information on the impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat primarily at land-based facilities. The experts gathered and analyzed information on world energy demands, wind energy development and technology, state and federal permitting processes, wildlife fatalities, habitat alteration (including animal displacement, and fragmentation), offshore development, and issues surrounding monitoring and research methodology and use of technological tools. Also discussed are information needs for siting wind energy facilities where risks to wildlife can be minimized. The report emphasizes the need to monitor wind energy impacts so that agency managers and biologists, researchers, decision makers, wind industry providers, and other stakeholders are sufficiently informed to help avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

In the report synopsis, the experts note that "there is a dearth of information upon which to base decisions regarding siting of wind energy facilities, responses by wildlife, and possible mitigation strategies. With few exceptions, most work conducted to date at terrestrial facilities has been relatively short-term (e.g., one year or in some cases only one field season). Longer-term studies are required to elucidate patterns and develop predictive models for estimating fatalities and evaluating possible habitat fragmentation or other disturbance effects."

"Clean, renewable and economically feasible 'green energy' sources are worth pursuing, and wind power contributes to renewable energy portfolios," stated Dr. Michael Hutchins, Executive Director of TWS. "We will pursue policy initiatives that seek to persuade developers of wind energy sources to cooperate with scientists and natural resource agencies in developing and testing methods to minimize harm to wildlife."

"It would represent a step backward to develop 'green energy' to the detriment of wildlife and their habitats, especially when we profess to be in an age of environmental awareness and action," Hutchins concluded.

The full technical review, "Impacts of Wind Energy Facilities on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat," is available for purchase at www.wildlife.org.

About The Wildlife Society
TWS is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to enhancing the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure the responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society. TWS also is an advocate for science-based wildlife policy. For more information visit www.wildlife.org

Contact Info:

Laura Bies
Tel : 301-897-9770 ext. 308

Website : The Wildlife Society