Project Description and Current Status:

We believe that to provide information on potential impacts of wind power development on eagles in the mid-Appalachians requires a multi-step strategy. Our approach focuses on three components, as follows.

With these models we can then develop region-wide maps that describe the relative risk to golden eagles of wind power development in different areas along their migration routes. These maps will allow us to make specific recommendations to mitigate the impact of development of wind power on eagles and other raptors.

This project will have numerous benefits to wildlife and to people, primarily because it will provide a framework for safer development of wind power.

At present there is little empirical evidence documenting the impacts of wind power development on birds in the eastern United States. Because golden eagles are an important potential “umbrella” for other migratory bird species, especially raptors, this project will benefit a suite of species that may be exposed to risk from development of wind turbines in the mid-Appalachians.

In addition, because there are ongoing educational programs at the institutions collaborating on this project, the results of this project will be disseminated beyond government offices, to a broad section of society.

Finally, we believe that this work will contribute to a recognized conservation priority for Pennsylvania and many adjoining states, thereby enhancing prospects for multi-state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies.

In summary, the products resulting from our research-region-wide maps of relative risk to eagles of development of wind power in the mid-Appalachians will be a very important tool regional land managers can use to protect the distinct eastern golden eagle population. Our hope is that this approach to solving conservation problems (i.e., using empirical data to develop spatially explicit models describing relative threats to wildlife) will serve as a guide for other projects aimed at advancing conservation of other species of wildlife.

Finally, although we have not consulted with the wind power industry in developing this research, we expect that this project will generate products that are exactly those required so that the industry can make its efforts even more environmentally friendly.

Funding: This project is currently supported by the National Aviary and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. We are also supported by Pennsylvania State Wildlife Grants, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the government of the province of Quebec, with the support of Hydro-Quebec.

Contacts: For questions about birds in the USA, please contact Todd Katzner (todd.katzner[at]aviary.org). For questions concerning birds in Canada, please contact Charles Maisonneuve (Charles.Maisonneuve[at]mrnf.gouv.qc.ca).