11

Refining the Protocol for a Rapid Assessment Methodology for Refining the Protocol for a Rapid Assessment Methodology for Wind Development, and Developing a Matrix/Key to Integrate Pre- Wind Development, and Developing a Matrix/Key to Integrate Pre-

and Post-construction Monitoringand Post-construction Monitoringfor Commercial Wind Projects Based on Riskfor Commercial Wind Projects Based on Risk

Albert M. Manville, II, Ph.D.Albert M. Manville, II, Ph.D.Senior Wildlife BiologistSenior Wildlife Biologist

Division of Migratory Bird Management, USFWSDivision of Migratory Bird Management, USFWS4401 N. Fairfax Dr., MBSP-41074401 N. Fairfax Dr., MBSP-4107

Arlington, VA 22203Arlington, VA 22203(o) 703/358-1963(o) 703/358-1963

Albert_Manville@fws.govAlbert_Manville@fws.gov

Douglas H. Johnson, Ph.D., Douglas H. Johnson, Ph.D., Research Statistician, USGS Northern Prairie Research Statistician, USGS Northern Prairie

Wildlife Research Center, St. Paul, MNWildlife Research Center, St. Paul, MNEdward B. Arnett, Ph.D.,Edward B. Arnett, Ph.D., Conservation Scientist and Conservation Scientist and

Co-Director of Programs, Bat Conservation International, Co-Director of Programs, Bat Conservation International, Austin, TXAustin, TX

Research VII National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Research VII National Wind Coordinating Collaborative MeetingMeeting,, Session on Cumulative Impacts to Wildlife Habitat Session on Cumulative Impacts to Wildlife Habitat and Behavior, We Energies Headquarters, Milwaukee, WIand Behavior, We Energies Headquarters, Milwaukee, WI

October 29, 2008October 29, 2008

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Project CollaboratorsProject Collaborators

• Lori Nielsen,Lori Nielsen, Senior Wildlife Biologist/Project Manager, EDM Senior Wildlife Biologist/Project Manager, EDM International, Inc., Ft. Collins, COInternational, Inc., Ft. Collins, CO

• Keith Lott,Keith Lott, Wind Energy Wildlife Biologist, Ohio Division of Wind Energy Wildlife Biologist, Ohio Division of Wildlife, OH DNR, Huron, OHWildlife, OH DNR, Huron, OH

• Robert Hazlewood,Robert Hazlewood, Retired USFWS Wildlife Biologist and Retired USFWS Wildlife Biologist and Consultant, Helena, MTConsultant, Helena, MT

• Alex Hoar,Alex Hoar, Wildlife Biologist and Northeast Energy Permits Wildlife Biologist and Northeast Energy Permits Coordinator, R5 Ecological Services, USFWS, Hadley, MACoordinator, R5 Ecological Services, USFWS, Hadley, MA

• Jeff Gosse,Jeff Gosse, Ph.D., Regional Environmental Coordinator, R3 Ph.D., Regional Environmental Coordinator, R3 Ecological Services, USFWS, Ft. Snelling, MNEcological Services, USFWS, Ft. Snelling, MN

• Michael Green,Michael Green, Ph.D., R1 Nongame Landbird Program Ph.D., R1 Nongame Landbird Program Coordinator, Migratory Birds, USFWS, Portland, ORCoordinator, Migratory Birds, USFWS, Portland, OR

• Vernon Lang,Vernon Lang, Asst. Field Supervisor, New England Field Office, Asst. Field Supervisor, New England Field Office, USFWS, Concord, NHUSFWS, Concord, NH

• Tim Sullivan, Tim Sullivan, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, NY Field Office, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, NY Field Office, USFWS, Cortland, NYUSFWS, Cortland, NY

• Dave Stout, Dave Stout, Chief, Div. Habitat and Resource Conservation and Chief, Div. Habitat and Resource Conservation and DFO for Wind Turbine FAC, USFWS, Arlington, VADFO for Wind Turbine FAC, USFWS, Arlington, VA

33

Issues to Be Briefly Addressed:Issues to Be Briefly Addressed:• Assessing Risk at a Site Prior to Construction.Assessing Risk at a Site Prior to Construction.

• What is a Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM)?What is a Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM)?

• How are Issues of Subjectivity Better Addressed in a RAM?How are Issues of Subjectivity Better Addressed in a RAM?

• Components of a RAM, including a Checklist for Temporal and Components of a RAM, including a Checklist for Temporal and Spatial Use of Airspace.Spatial Use of Airspace.

• Next steps: Developing and Using a Decision Tree/Matrix/Key Next steps: Developing and Using a Decision Tree/Matrix/Key for Performing Pre- and Post-construction Studies.for Performing Pre- and Post-construction Studies.

• Purpose of a Matrix.Purpose of a Matrix.

• Aligning and Integrating the Matrix – Aligning and Integrating the Matrix – Tools that Need to be Accessed. Tools that Need to be Accessed. Next Steps.Next Steps.

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Introduction and Background:Introduction and Background: Airspace as a habitat is a relatively new concept, Airspace as a habitat is a relatively new concept,

including for USFWS. including for USFWS. Our goal as an agency is to do Our goal as an agency is to do no harmno harm..

Wind turbines use airspace, heights topped out 440 Wind turbines use airspace, heights topped out 440 ft AGL, rotor swept areas approaching 4 ac.ft AGL, rotor swept areas approaching 4 ac.

More than 22,000 industrial turbines now operate in More than 22,000 industrial turbines now operate in

the U.S. (with 45% growth in 2007), and projections the U.S. (with 45% growth in 2007), and projections by AWEA and NREL call for 20% of our energy by AWEA and NREL call for 20% of our energy development from wind by 2030 (now at just over development from wind by 2030 (now at just over 1%). 1%).

The rapid growth of this industry creates challenges The rapid growth of this industry creates challenges as well as opportunities.as well as opportunities.

SourceSourceWWEAWWEA

55

Selecting Potential Sites:Selecting Potential Sites:

• Depends on many variables including but not Depends on many variables including but not limited to: limited to: – good to excellent wind resources, good to excellent wind resources, – large plots of available (ideally private) land,large plots of available (ideally private) land,– proximity to an available electric grid with unused proximity to an available electric grid with unused

capacity, capacity, – ease in development, ease in development, – permitting requirements, permitting requirements, – cost, and cost, and – ecological issues ecological issues (after P. Ponebshek, ERM, Feb. 2008 AWEA (after P. Ponebshek, ERM, Feb. 2008 AWEA

conference).conference). This presentation focuses primarily on This presentation focuses primarily on ecological issuesecological issues and how to and how to assessassess, , rankrank and and ideally ideally quantifyquantify them. them.

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Assessing Risk:Assessing Risk:• Because of concerns regarding cumulative impacts to birds, bats, Because of concerns regarding cumulative impacts to birds, bats,

other wildlife, and their habitats from wind facilities, selection of wind other wildlife, and their habitats from wind facilities, selection of wind development sites development sites shouldshould be based on the known and/or perceived be based on the known and/or perceived level of risk to species and habitats.level of risk to species and habitats.

Ideally, the most wildlife- and habitat-friendly sites Ideally, the most wildlife- and habitat-friendly sites shouldshould be selected be selected

for development, making site selection a critical issue.for development, making site selection a critical issue.

Few options presently exist to avoid or minimize collisions of birds Few options presently exist to avoid or minimize collisions of birds and bats once turbines are operating.and bats once turbines are operating.

These options essentially include increasing blade cut-in speed, These options essentially include increasing blade cut-in speed, “feathering” (i.e., idling) blades, and, in elevated terrains, setting “feathering” (i.e., idling) blades, and, in elevated terrains, setting turbines back from ridge lines, and – based on Altamont Pass studies, turbines back from ridge lines, and – based on Altamont Pass studies, replacing end-of-row turbines w/ pylons and not placing turbines in replacing end-of-row turbines w/ pylons and not placing turbines in dips. Research is ongoing in refining these practices.dips. Research is ongoing in refining these practices.

Thus, Thus, proper site locationproper site location is critical, and methods to better assess risk is critical, and methods to better assess risk at a site prior to construction based on the best available science are at a site prior to construction based on the best available science are needed.needed.

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Reality of Project Siting:Reality of Project Siting:

• Time may be limited when sites are being selected, taking into Time may be limited when sites are being selected, taking into account production tax credit “sunsets” and renewable account production tax credit “sunsets” and renewable portfolio standard thresholds.portfolio standard thresholds.

• This can result in little time and few resources being made This can result in little time and few resources being made

available to available to objectively evaluate sitesobjectively evaluate sites for risk prior to a for risk prior to a company negotiating a landowner agreement, establishing a company negotiating a landowner agreement, establishing a power-purchase contract, and acquiring funding for a project. power-purchase contract, and acquiring funding for a project.

• While USFWS has strongly encouraged wind developers to While USFWS has strongly encouraged wind developers to contact our nearest Ecological Services Field Office at the contact our nearest Ecological Services Field Office at the outset of any proposed development, this has generally not outset of any proposed development, this has generally not happened – often occurring only as an afterthought.happened – often occurring only as an afterthought.

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A First Attempt at Site Assessment:A First Attempt at Site Assessment:

• USFWS developed a USFWS developed a Potential Impact IndexPotential Impact Index ( (PIIPII) ) scoring protocol in 2002 that became part of its 2003 scoring protocol in 2002 that became part of its 2003 voluntary land-based wind turbine guidelines. The voluntary land-based wind turbine guidelines. The PII was developed to quickly assess risk and to rank PII was developed to quickly assess risk and to rank sites prior to construction. sites prior to construction.

• PII workshops were planned to field test, evaluate, PII workshops were planned to field test, evaluate, and fine-tune the protocol, but they were cancelled, and fine-tune the protocol, but they were cancelled, the industry did not generally embrace the PII the industry did not generally embrace the PII protocol, it has had limited use by the industry, and protocol, it has had limited use by the industry, and the PII lacked a component involving temporal and the PII lacked a component involving temporal and spatial use of airspace.spatial use of airspace.

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Assessing Risk at a Site Prior to Construction:Assessing Risk at a Site Prior to Construction:

• There are various methodologies for assessing site risk – both There are various methodologies for assessing site risk – both to wildlife and to habitats – but they are mostly used for to wildlife and to habitats – but they are mostly used for addressing risk addressing risk following constructionfollowing construction, , notnot at the pre- at the pre-construction or initial site-survey review levels. construction or initial site-survey review levels.

• These post-construction surveys can range from These post-construction surveys can range from reconnaissance-level site assessmentreconnaissance-level site assessment ( (e.ge.g., the WEST model), ., the WEST model), to to quantitative data collectionquantitative data collection ( (e.ge.g., at projects such as ., at projects such as Klondike, State Line, and Big Horn), to Klondike, State Line, and Big Horn), to ecological risk ecological risk assessmentassessment ( (e.ge.g., Pandion’s Chautauqua project).., Pandion’s Chautauqua project).

• Pre-developed sites can be identified and evaluated, for Pre-developed sites can be identified and evaluated, for

example, based on example, based on permit requirementspermit requirements, a , a “first-cut” PII review“first-cut” PII review of site suitability, a of site suitability, a “fatal flaw” analysis“fatal flaw” analysis, studies to , studies to characterize characterize site risksite risk, and , and Environmental Impact assessmentsEnvironmental Impact assessments..

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Initial Site Screening:Initial Site Screening:• One pre-construction site-screening tool is called a One pre-construction site-screening tool is called a ““Critical Critical

Environmental Issues AnalysisEnvironmental Issues Analysis”” (CEIA) – jointly developed by (CEIA) – jointly developed by Environmental Resources Management and WEST. Environmental Resources Management and WEST.

• It includes components such as site mapping, biological It includes components such as site mapping, biological evaluation, and expert judgment.evaluation, and expert judgment.

• CEIA contains site scoring components, not unlike the 3 CEIA contains site scoring components, not unlike the 3 scoring checklists developed in the PII site scoring – scoring checklists developed in the PII site scoring – e.g.,e.g., for for 1)1) physical attributes, physical attributes, 2)2) species occurrence and status, and species occurrence and status, and 3)3) ecological attractiveness.ecological attractiveness.

• However, CEIA includes other environmental attributes such as However, CEIA includes other environmental attributes such as road access, slope, and use of radar, and can result in a road access, slope, and use of radar, and can result in a summary score for an environmental footprint and a score for summary score for an environmental footprint and a score for an ecological value.an ecological value.

• Like the PII, it allows for multiple site analyses, but does Like the PII, it allows for multiple site analyses, but does notnot

include a “reference site” (include a “reference site” (i.e.,i.e., the ecologically worst site in the the ecologically worst site in the immediate area where wind energy could be developed) immediate area where wind energy could be developed) suggested in the PII protocol.suggested in the PII protocol.

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Developing and Refining a Developing and Refining a RAPID ASSESSMENT RAPID ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY (RAM): (RAM):

• Given time constraints and competition among wind Given time constraints and competition among wind developers, we suggest development and refinement developers, we suggest development and refinement of a of a Rapid Assessment MethodologyRapid Assessment Methodology ( (RAMRAM) to ) to assess site risks prior to development – building on assess site risks prior to development – building on efforts already created for the PII.efforts already created for the PII.

• The RAM can be used both for The RAM can be used both for macromacro- and - and micro-micro-

sitingsiting of facilities and individual turbines, fine-tuning of facilities and individual turbines, fine-tuning landscape features for micro-site review.landscape features for micro-site review.

• Here are the rudiments of the desired components of Here are the rudiments of the desired components of

a RAM.a RAM.

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Purpose of the Rapid Assessment Methodology:Purpose of the Rapid Assessment Methodology:

• The RAM is to be designed to quickly assess potential wind The RAM is to be designed to quickly assess potential wind development sites in an development sites in an expeditiousexpeditious and and inexpensiveinexpensive way. way.

• Like the PII was originally intended, the RAM is designed to Like the PII was originally intended, the RAM is designed to

provide a provide a “first cut” analysis“first cut” analysis of the suitability of a site by of the suitability of a site by establishingestablishing and and quantifyingquantifying the the potential impactspotential impacts and and riskrisk to to wildlife specieswildlife species present on the site or in the immediate area, present on the site or in the immediate area, and the potential risk to and the potential risk to habitatshabitats that may be impacted. that may be impacted.

• The RAM protocol is intended to be The RAM protocol is intended to be user-friendlyuser-friendly, and quickly , and quickly and easily conducted in the field – often with and easily conducted in the field – often with ~ 1 day~ 1 day at the site at the site collecting data and assessing risk.collecting data and assessing risk.

• Due to Due to access issuesaccess issues, one may not need to visit the actual site, , one may not need to visit the actual site, but rather assess it from a nearby site or even perform aerial but rather assess it from a nearby site or even perform aerial over flights.over flights.

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Additional Needs for RAM Additional Needs for RAM Off-siteOff-site Assessments: Assessments:• The RAM will require additional searching – likely more than 1 The RAM will require additional searching – likely more than 1

day of effort – especially if the area proposed for development day of effort – especially if the area proposed for development is new. These searches include:is new. These searches include:

• A literature review;A literature review;

• map and GIS assessments of the immediate area to map and GIS assessments of the immediate area to better help to understand site risk, including, better help to understand site risk, including, e.g.e.g., , information in electronic or hard copy of adjacent information in electronic or hard copy of adjacent wetlands and mountain passes used as migratory wetlands and mountain passes used as migratory corridors; corridors;

• terrain and vegetation determinations;terrain and vegetation determinations; • documented and/or suspected bird, bat, and wildlife documented and/or suspected bird, bat, and wildlife

presence on or adjacent to the site – including State and presence on or adjacent to the site – including State and Federally-listed species, birds of conservation concern, Federally-listed species, birds of conservation concern, Breeding Bird Survey declining species, watchlist Breeding Bird Survey declining species, watchlist species, known staging, roosting and breeding areas, species, known staging, roosting and breeding areas, known maternity colonies and hibernacula, and specific known maternity colonies and hibernacula, and specific migratory corridors or pathways;migratory corridors or pathways;

1414

Additional Needs for RAM Additional Needs for RAM Off-siteOff-site Assessments, Assessments, cont.:cont.:

• site-specific information already available to the public site-specific information already available to the public including NEXRAD (provided the Doppler beam width is including NEXRAD (provided the Doppler beam width is appropriate to the site, algorithms have been developed appropriate to the site, algorithms have been developed for “targets,” and the information is user-friendly), for “targets,” and the information is user-friendly), marine radar, thermal imagery, acoustic, mist netting, marine radar, thermal imagery, acoustic, mist netting, harp trapping, surveys, or related studies conducted in harp trapping, surveys, or related studies conducted in the immediate proximity of the site;the immediate proximity of the site;

• contacts with appropriate State and Federal agencies; contacts with appropriate State and Federal agencies; andand

• inclusion of any inclusion of any surveyssurveys that review temporal and that review temporal and

spatial use of airspace in and around the project area.spatial use of airspace in and around the project area.

1515

Purpose and Intentions of RAM:Purpose and Intentions of RAM:• The RAM is intended to provide a site assessment The RAM is intended to provide a site assessment

methodology that is:methodology that is:

– consistent and standardized, consistent and standardized, – relies on existing information, relies on existing information, – can access studies made available to the public can access studies made available to the public

conducted at adjacent sites, conducted at adjacent sites, – is iterative allowing for feedback from previous is iterative allowing for feedback from previous

study results, study results, – and based on the rigor and scientific validity of and based on the rigor and scientific validity of

existing information, would minimize subjective existing information, would minimize subjective reviews.reviews.

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Reducing Subjectivity:Reducing Subjectivity: The issue of The issue of subjectivitysubjectivity in determining species presence was in determining species presence was

a concern raised in PII scoring. To reduce subjectivity, the a concern raised in PII scoring. To reduce subjectivity, the RAM will assess:RAM will assess:

o Giving State and Federal threatened and endangered Giving State and Federal threatened and endangered species species additional weightadditional weight ( (i.ei.e., comparatively higher ., comparatively higher scores based on the imperiled status of the species in scores based on the imperiled status of the species in question compared to more common species); question compared to more common species);

o Score/rank species/groups of birds and bats based on Score/rank species/groups of birds and bats based on their their collision riskcollision risk as a measurement category. This as a measurement category. This could include the highest scoring could include the highest scoring

1) 1) “red list”“red list” of species present with high risk of colliding with of species present with high risk of colliding with turbines based on studies completed to date (turbines based on studies completed to date (e.g.,e.g., nesting nesting Golden Eagles and migrating tree-dwelling bats),Golden Eagles and migrating tree-dwelling bats),

2) an 2) an “orange list”“orange list” of those species/groups considered to be of those species/groups considered to be at moderate risk based on published information, and at moderate risk based on published information, and

3) a 3) a “yellow list”“yellow list” of species/groups with a lower score based of species/groups with a lower score based on a low risk of collision.on a low risk of collision.

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Reducing Subjectivity, Reducing Subjectivity, cont.:cont.:

o Maintain a Maintain a flexible RAMflexible RAM such that new information can such that new information can be included, be included, e.ge.g., new information on grouse avoidance ., new information on grouse avoidance of above-ground structures, and raptor predation on of above-ground structures, and raptor predation on grouse, desert tortoise, and Burrowing Owl.grouse, desert tortoise, and Burrowing Owl.

o Maintain Maintain transparencytransparency by providing information for by providing information for future reviewers to assess that will reduce the relative future reviewers to assess that will reduce the relative subjective nature of data input and review.subjective nature of data input and review.

o Provide and weight a Provide and weight a screening toolscreening tool for for episodic eventsepisodic events, , especially those that would put birds or bats at serious especially those that would put birds or bats at serious risk of collision. These, for example, should include risk of collision. These, for example, should include evidence of migratory fall-out along coastal areas, evidence of migratory fall-out along coastal areas, including from hurricanes and other inclement weather including from hurricanes and other inclement weather events, and a high magnitude of daily bird/bat events, and a high magnitude of daily bird/bat movements.movements.

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Funding the Research:Funding the Research:

• Funding from the Service’s Funding from the Service’s Science Support ProgramScience Support Program was was recently approved to develop and field test the RAM during the recently approved to develop and field test the RAM during the next year. next year.

• Dr. Douglas Johnson is the principal project investigator. He Dr. Douglas Johnson is the principal project investigator. He will work with the project collaborators and other specialists will work with the project collaborators and other specialists interested in fine-turning this project.interested in fine-turning this project.

• As a starting point, they will assess, review, update and modify As a starting point, they will assess, review, update and modify

– where necessary – the 3 checklists previously used in PII – where necessary – the 3 checklists previously used in PII scoring (reference the Service’s voluntary guidelines for scoring (reference the Service’s voluntary guidelines for details), and will develop a new 4th checklist regarding details), and will develop a new 4th checklist regarding temporal and spatial use of airspace. temporal and spatial use of airspace.

• They will also evaluate the CEIA and other pertinent protocols.They will also evaluate the CEIA and other pertinent protocols.

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A Checklist for Temporal and Spatial Airspace UseA Checklist for Temporal and Spatial Airspace Use

Checklist Information should include, but not necessarily be Checklist Information should include, but not necessarily be limited to:limited to:

o relevant GIS data layers, relevant GIS data layers, e.g.,e.g., the Whooping Crane migration the Whooping Crane migration corridor, Kirtland Warbler breeding habitat, staging and roosting corridor, Kirtland Warbler breeding habitat, staging and roosting areas, hibernacula, ridgeline features (areas, hibernacula, ridgeline features (e.g., e.g., passes or gaps) passes or gaps) affecting migration, and the degree of cultivation and crop affecting migration, and the degree of cultivation and crop monoculture shown to reduce bird or bat presence at a site; monoculture shown to reduce bird or bat presence at a site;

o NEXRAD (Doppler) radar data – provided the beam coverage is NEXRAD (Doppler) radar data – provided the beam coverage is appropriate for the site and “targets” are quantifiable (even if appropriate for the site and “targets” are quantifiable (even if qualitative) – to better understand broad-front migration qualitative) – to better understand broad-front migration movements and use of stopover sites;movements and use of stopover sites;

o other radar data from modified marine radar studies in the area, other radar data from modified marine radar studies in the area, profiling and pencil beam radar studies of flying vertebrate profiling and pencil beam radar studies of flying vertebrate “targets;”“targets;”

o thermal imagery studies that help in identifying “target” levels and thermal imagery studies that help in identifying “target” levels and habitat use;habitat use;

2020

Temporal and Spatial Airspace Checklist, Temporal and Spatial Airspace Checklist, cont. 1:cont. 1:o landscape and site-specific gap analyses;landscape and site-specific gap analyses; o soil survey data on vegetative associations and their attraction to soil survey data on vegetative associations and their attraction to

birds and bats;birds and bats;

o habitat fragmentation evaluations in GIS and their airspace habitat fragmentation evaluations in GIS and their airspace relationships, including a direct way to include fragmentation relationships, including a direct way to include fragmentation issues in a checklist; issues in a checklist;

o State Heritage Program information on stopover sites and State Heritage Program information on stopover sites and migrational pathways;migrational pathways;

o habitat suitability indices; habitat suitability indices;

o other information on “broad front” bird movements, raptor survey other information on “broad front” bird movements, raptor survey results, sensitive species surveys and assessments, migration results, sensitive species surveys and assessments, migration corridor use, key bird stopover and staging areas;corridor use, key bird stopover and staging areas;

o data on bird and bat use of forest edges;data on bird and bat use of forest edges;

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Temporal and Spatial Airspace Checklist, Temporal and Spatial Airspace Checklist, cont. 2:cont. 2:o bird and bat roosting sites; bird and bat roosting sites; o bat maternity colonies and hibernacula; bat maternity colonies and hibernacula; o datasets and results from bird and bat radio-telemetry datasets and results from bird and bat radio-telemetry

studies;studies;o site-specific information on wind speeds, wind gusts, cloud site-specific information on wind speeds, wind gusts, cloud

ceilings, precipitation, temperature, and the incidence of ceilings, precipitation, temperature, and the incidence of inclement weather that may indicate the temporal scale of a inclement weather that may indicate the temporal scale of a site can vary from minutes to hours as opposed to nightly site can vary from minutes to hours as opposed to nightly or seasonally;or seasonally;

o any information on blade wake turbulence, blade-tip any information on blade wake turbulence, blade-tip vortices, and the wind wake phenomenon that has been vortices, and the wind wake phenomenon that has been shown to negatively affect birds, bats, or insects, especially shown to negatively affect birds, bats, or insects, especially related to the newer and larger/taller turbines operating related to the newer and larger/taller turbines operating under a variety of weather conditions; andunder a variety of weather conditions; and

o any other data sources that would be useful in developing a any other data sources that would be useful in developing a 4th checklist, let alone refining/modifying the previous 3. 4th checklist, let alone refining/modifying the previous 3. There should inherently be an ability to customize any of There should inherently be an ability to customize any of the checklists (the checklists (e.ge.g., PII’s Physical Attributes and Ecological ., PII’s Physical Attributes and Ecological Attractiveness lists) to fit a specific site.Attractiveness lists) to fit a specific site.

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Use of the RAM; Next Steps:Use of the RAM; Next Steps:• Provided the previous information is Provided the previous information is availableavailable and and user-friendlyuser-friendly

to those familiar w/ site assessment, the RAM should specifically to those familiar w/ site assessment, the RAM should specifically include information from a proposed development site, or at a include information from a proposed development site, or at a minimum, immediately adjacent to the site.minimum, immediately adjacent to the site.

• The project investigators plan to The project investigators plan to developdevelop, , refinerefine, and , and field testfield test the RAM during the next year. In addition to refining the site the RAM during the next year. In addition to refining the site ranking process, they will evaluate the use and utility of a ranking process, they will evaluate the use and utility of a “reference site” suggested in the PII. “reference site” suggested in the PII.

• Scoring and site-ranking will be Scoring and site-ranking will be re-examinedre-examined and may be and may be significantly modified based on previous recommendations. significantly modified based on previous recommendations.

• Bird, bat, and habitat issues will be the key components of RAM Bird, bat, and habitat issues will be the key components of RAM protocol. protocol.

• These may be integrated into a These may be integrated into a single RAMsingle RAM calculation, or calculation, or assessed assessed separatelyseparately for birds, bats and habitats, based on the for birds, bats and habitats, based on the review and field testing.review and field testing.

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Using the RAM; Next Steps, Using the RAM; Next Steps, cont:cont: Once a RAM is Once a RAM is performedperformed and a and a site ranking score is obtainedsite ranking score is obtained

– like the PII, CEIA, a hybrid, or some other related tool – – like the PII, CEIA, a hybrid, or some other related tool – information from that site should ultimately be made available information from that site should ultimately be made available to anyone for use in assessing future sites adjacent to the to anyone for use in assessing future sites adjacent to the RAM-scored site(s).RAM-scored site(s).

Once the RAM is field-tested, fine-tuned, and ultimately Once the RAM is field-tested, fine-tuned, and ultimately adopted, adopted, training coursestraining courses not unlike the electric utility “short not unlike the electric utility “short courses” – used to instruct lines persons in avoiding and courses” – used to instruct lines persons in avoiding and minimizing electrocutions and collisions at power lines – minimizing electrocutions and collisions at power lines – should be offered, ideally in collaboration between should be offered, ideally in collaboration between investigators and USFWS. investigators and USFWS.

Training will help maintain consistency and continuity among Training will help maintain consistency and continuity among reviews, spell out the requirements for qualified biologists, and reviews, spell out the requirements for qualified biologists, and overall benefit the process. overall benefit the process.

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Part 2:Part 2: A DECISION TREE/MATRIX/KEY for Performing A DECISION TREE/MATRIX/KEY for Performing Pre- and Post-construction Monitoring:Pre- and Post-construction Monitoring:

• The metrics and methods used to assess and rank sites and The metrics and methods used to assess and rank sites and determine risk using pre- and post-construction monitoring determine risk using pre- and post-construction monitoring vary greatlyvary greatly..

• Assessments will depend on the site being assessed, time Assessments will depend on the site being assessed, time available to conduct reviews, the project budget, the nature and available to conduct reviews, the project budget, the nature and scope of review (scope of review (e.ge.g., small project ., small project vs.vs. large sites, voluntary large sites, voluntary vs.vs. permit requirements), the qualifications of those individuals permit requirements), the qualifications of those individuals performing the review, and in some cases, the application by performing the review, and in some cases, the application by contractors of the wrong methodology and/or incorrect contractors of the wrong methodology and/or incorrect assumptions, or an incorrect application of the correct assumptions, or an incorrect application of the correct methodology. methodology.

As many in the industry are aware, there is often a As many in the industry are aware, there is often a huge huge disconnectdisconnect between the between the collectioncollection and and useuse of of pre- and post-pre- and post-constructionconstruction datasetsdatasets, and the , and the integrationintegration between pre- and between pre- and post-construction research and monitoring.post-construction research and monitoring.

•

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Using the Matrix to Align Research Efforts and Validate Hypotheses:Using the Matrix to Align Research Efforts and Validate Hypotheses:

• The disconnect b/w the collection and use of pre- and post-The disconnect b/w the collection and use of pre- and post-construction datasets requires an effort to align and validate (or construction datasets requires an effort to align and validate (or negate) datasets, a review of hypotheses developed involving risk, negate) datasets, a review of hypotheses developed involving risk, and review of any models being created to assess risk. This matrix and review of any models being created to assess risk. This matrix will attempt to address these issues.will attempt to address these issues.

• Using the RAM as a preliminary assessment tool, the second part of Using the RAM as a preliminary assessment tool, the second part of this presentation briefly discusses the development of a “this presentation briefly discusses the development of a “decision decision treetree,” “,” “matrixmatrix” or “” or “keykey” (not unlike a key used to identify a particular ” (not unlike a key used to identify a particular plant or animal species) for determining, estimating, and validating plant or animal species) for determining, estimating, and validating risk. With limited funding and time constraints, risk. With limited funding and time constraints, during the upcoming during the upcoming year the year the matrix matrix will will notnot be included as part of the RAM development be included as part of the RAM development, , but should be completed in the near future since the RAM and the but should be completed in the near future since the RAM and the matrix are closely aligned.matrix are closely aligned.

• Risk involves: Risk involves: 1)1) direct impacts such as mortality, population viability, additive direct impacts such as mortality, population viability, additive

mortality from cumulative impacts, and habitat loss; to mortality from cumulative impacts, and habitat loss; to 2)2) indirect impacts from site avoidance, disturbance, behavioral indirect impacts from site avoidance, disturbance, behavioral

modification, and barrier effects that may be artifacts of site modification, and barrier effects that may be artifacts of site fragmentation or the result of other variables.fragmentation or the result of other variables.

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Intended Purpose of Matrix:Intended Purpose of Matrix:

• The matrix is intended to be a The matrix is intended to be a “tool” to suggest what pre- and post-“tool” to suggest what pre- and post-construction monitoringconstruction monitoring shouldshould be conducted, and be conducted, and

• at what at what frequency, duration, and intensityfrequency, duration, and intensity of study of study shouldshould be be conducted commensurate with the perceived level of risk at a site, or conducted commensurate with the perceived level of risk at a site, or its lack thereof.its lack thereof.

Specifically, the matrix will serve as:Specifically, the matrix will serve as:

o An An abbreviated toolabbreviated tool for investigators to review to better for investigators to review to better understand what research needs to be conducted at a site.understand what research needs to be conducted at a site.

o Since metrics and methods for ranking sites for pre- and post-Since metrics and methods for ranking sites for pre- and post-construction are presently so different in their nature, scope, construction are presently so different in their nature, scope, and objectives, the matrix will attempt to and objectives, the matrix will attempt to clearly distinguish clearly distinguish these differencesthese differences based on project objectives. based on project objectives.

o Lack of datasets and scientific site evidence in a RAM may Lack of datasets and scientific site evidence in a RAM may suggest the need for further suggest the need for further pre- and post-construction pre- and post-construction studiesstudies. This would be part of the decision analysis.. This would be part of the decision analysis.

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A Suggested Tiered Approach:A Suggested Tiered Approach:

• The decision tree may suggest a The decision tree may suggest a tiered approachtiered approach for assessing for assessing risk – risk – e.g., e.g., ranging from ranging from 1 season1 season of limited pre-construction of limited pre-construction surveys (surveys (i.e., i.e., tier 1 or minimum analysis) based on detailed tier 1 or minimum analysis) based on detailed studies previously conducted at adjacent sites, to studies previously conducted at adjacent sites, to 3 years3 years of of robust, full-season pre-construction monitoring at a high risk robust, full-season pre-construction monitoring at a high risk site (site (i.e., i.e., a tier 2 or even tier 3 extensive review). a tier 2 or even tier 3 extensive review).

• The decision tree will be designed to align pre- and post-The decision tree will be designed to align pre- and post-construction survey efforts. Inherently, construction survey efforts. Inherently, post- construction post- construction monitoringmonitoring – – i.e., i.e., dead bird and bat searchesdead bird and bat searches and and behavioral behavioral studiesstudies – should be tiered with and aligned to – should be tiered with and aligned to pre-construction pre-construction risk determinationsrisk determinations, especially if one purpose of a study is to , especially if one purpose of a study is to validate (or negate) risk predictions.validate (or negate) risk predictions.

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Pre- and Post-construction Monitoring:Pre- and Post-construction Monitoring:

• Pre-construction MonitoringPre-construction Monitoring:: • The type, duration and intensity of pre-construction study can vary The type, duration and intensity of pre-construction study can vary

considerably. considerably. • Surveys can range, for example, from a minimum of 3, 10-minute point Surveys can range, for example, from a minimum of 3, 10-minute point

counts for breeding birds, counts for breeding birds, • to raptor nest searches, bat acoustic monitoring, raptor and crane to raptor nest searches, bat acoustic monitoring, raptor and crane

migration surveys, owl playback studies, nocturnal marsh bird migration surveys, owl playback studies, nocturnal marsh bird assessments, bat mist netting, radar and thermal imagery studies – assessments, bat mist netting, radar and thermal imagery studies – the latter representing much more detailed reviews.the latter representing much more detailed reviews.

• Post-construction MonitoringPost-construction Monitoring:: • Post-construction surveys should be conducted in a consistent, Post-construction surveys should be conducted in a consistent,

standard, and uniform way, standard, and uniform way, • e.g., e.g., north-south-oriented transects every 5 m, north-south-oriented transects every 5 m, • a search area base at least 2 times the diameter of the rotor swept a search area base at least 2 times the diameter of the rotor swept

area, and area, and • the use of standardized searcher efficiency and scavenger rate bias the use of standardized searcher efficiency and scavenger rate bias

correction factors. correction factors. • The project investigators developing this decision tree matrix will The project investigators developing this decision tree matrix will

review these suggested monitoring tools.review these suggested monitoring tools.

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Integrating the Matrix with Other “Tools:”Integrating the Matrix with Other “Tools:” The matrix will be developed to closely align and integrate with:The matrix will be developed to closely align and integrate with:

o The Kunz The Kunz et alet al. 2007 (. 2007 (J. Wildlife ManagementJ. Wildlife Management) guidance ) guidance document for nocturnally active birds and bats;document for nocturnally active birds and bats;

o The Anderson The Anderson et alet al. 1999 metrics and methods document . 1999 metrics and methods document for diurnally active fauna now being updated by a team of for diurnally active fauna now being updated by a team of scientists, with publication anticipated in late 2009;scientists, with publication anticipated in late 2009;

o The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee’s (APLIC) 1994 The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee’s (APLIC) 1994 decision tree for preventing and mitigating bird collisions decision tree for preventing and mitigating bird collisions published in published in Mitigating Bird Collisions at Power LinesMitigating Bird Collisions at Power Lines now now under contract for rewrite and update; under contract for rewrite and update;

o Decision analysis suggested in APLIC’s 2006 Decision analysis suggested in APLIC’s 2006 Suggested Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines;Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines;

o Decision analysis in guidance documents by Britain’s Decision analysis in guidance documents by Britain’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for offshore wind development;(DEFRA) for offshore wind development;

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Integrating with “Tools,” Integrating with “Tools,” cont.:cont.:o Recommendations from studies such as Recommendations from studies such as Ranking Ranking

Potential Impacts of Wind Resource Areas on Potential Impacts of Wind Resource Areas on Vertebrate Wildlife in Montana: a Strategy of Vertebrate Wildlife in Montana: a Strategy of Study and Monitoring NeedsStudy and Monitoring Needs;;

o Disturbance sensitivity studies conducted on bird Disturbance sensitivity studies conducted on bird home ranges in Scotland found in home ranges in Scotland found in A Bird A Bird Sensitivity Map to Provide Locational Guidance Sensitivity Map to Provide Locational Guidance for Onshore Wind Farms in Scotlandfor Onshore Wind Farms in Scotland (RSPB (RSPB Research Project Report 20, June 2006); Research Project Report 20, June 2006);

o Efforts being undertaken by the Wind Turbine Efforts being undertaken by the Wind Turbine

Guidelines Federal Advisory Committee’s Guidelines Federal Advisory Committee’s “Scientific Tools and Procedures Subcommittee,” “Scientific Tools and Procedures Subcommittee,” and and

o from other current sources.from other current sources.

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Next Steps and Concluding Thoughts:Next Steps and Concluding Thoughts:• The RAM protocol is anticipated to be The RAM protocol is anticipated to be field-testedfield-tested and and

vvalidated/refinedalidated/refined at at several study sitesseveral study sites around the country around the country during the coming year. The matrix will be developed at a later during the coming year. The matrix will be developed at a later date. date.

• The decision tree matrix, once developed, should provide a The decision tree matrix, once developed, should provide a generic, systematic, and consistent approachgeneric, systematic, and consistent approach to suggesting to suggesting what valid research protocols to use in conducting pre- and what valid research protocols to use in conducting pre- and post-construction monitoring, and how they can be post-construction monitoring, and how they can be visualizedvisualized and and understoodunderstood by anyone familiar with assessing risk at by anyone familiar with assessing risk at potential wind development sites. potential wind development sites.

• It is hoped that the RAM and ultimately the decision tree will It is hoped that the RAM and ultimately the decision tree will “level the playing field”“level the playing field” such that site assessment is such that site assessment is conducted consistently at locations on a regional, local, and conducted consistently at locations on a regional, local, and site-specific basis. The management implications are site-specific basis. The management implications are enormous.enormous.

While we acknowledge this effort is a significant undertaking, While we acknowledge this effort is a significant undertaking, the need for consistency, validity, and alignment is great.the need for consistency, validity, and alignment is great.

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In Summary…In Summary…• The Service favors:The Service favors:

– conservation of wildlife in the public trustconservation of wildlife in the public trust;;

– development of renewable energy that is bird and bat development of renewable energy that is bird and bat friendlyfriendly;; andand

– use of informed decisions based on adequate use of informed decisions based on adequate environmental assessment and sound scienceenvironmental assessment and sound science..

Thank youThank you

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Your Feedback, Please!Your Feedback, Please!

• Any questions, comments, Any questions, comments, recommendations, or suggestions from the recommendations, or suggestions from the

audience?audience?