May 2008 (18 pp.)

White paper synthesizes key research needs identified by the NWCC Wildlife Workgroup and other research and technical institutions. Research topics are grouped within eight categories: pre-construction tools, methods, and metrics; post-construction tools, methods, and metrics; mitigation measures; comparative alternatives analysis; impacts to habitat; impact, population, migration and behavioral data; bat-specific needs; habitat and resource development land-use mapping; and cumulative/population impacts. Neither the categories nor the topics within each category reflect any overall ranking of importance or degree of urgency.

November 2007 (40 pp.)

Document provides researchers, consultants, decision-makers, and other stakeholders with guidance on methods and metrics for investigating nocturnally active birds and bats in relation to utility-scale wind power development. Developed to complement and extend the NWCC’s Studying Wind Energy/Bird Interactions: A Guidance Document. The Wildlife Workgroup is currently working with technical experts to draft a new version of this document. Check back soon for updates!

October 2007 (183 pp.)

Review examines the actual and potential impacts of wind energy facilities on grassland and shrub-steppe avian species. In the absence of a substantial body of literature, other anthropogenic activities that have features in common with wind power development were included. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search that included “gray” literature – papers, articles, summaries and transcripts of talks, and other materials that did not appear in peer-reviewed literature – and research from around the world.

Updated June 2007 (15 pp.)

Offers guidelines for studies directed at assessing the influence of wind developments on the behavior of breeding grassland birds, particularly passerines (songbirds). Addresses the issue of displacement (habitat avoidance), not strikes. The authors consider two types of experimental design and offer recommendations on the goals, objectives and length of studies, and on methods for collecting field data and characterizing vegetation.

May 2007 (962KB PDF)

Compilation of mitigation policies, guidelines, and research that are either directly or indirectly applicable to the wind industry. Examines whether existing strategies are based on sound scientific research, and indicates the effectiveness of various methods of avoiding, minimizing, or compensating for direct and indirect impacts on wildlife caused by wind power facilities. Updated twice annually. To suggest updates to the current information, or additional information to include, please download and complete the Updates Submission Form and send it to Taylor Kennedy at tkennedy@resolv.org.