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The Flint Hills grasslands of eastern Kansas and Oklahoma comprise the continent’s only remaining large, contiguous expanse of the tallgrass ecosystem. This region constitutes one of the most important remaining greater prairie-chicken strongholds, but biologists estimate that only about 20 percent of the early 1980s population remains there today. In the mid-1980s, biologists estimated total greater prairie-chicken numbers |
The potential for widespread habitat abandonment by grassland birds, and possibly other wildlife, caused by wind power facilities concerns wildlife scientists. It has been shown that ground-nesting birds halt or diminish their use of habitat near wind turbines and other human intrusions such as transmission lines, poles, and roads. Of particular concern are prairie grouse which require large expanses of unfragmented, ecologically healthy rangelands. Intact expanses of tallgrass prairie are vital for the long term survival of the greater prairie-chicken. Unbroken expanses of this unique grassland are also important travelways for migrating birds and mammals.
As wind energy development expands and the knowledge base regarding wildlife impacts grows, a set of prescriptions for designing, siting and building wind turbine facilities must be created. Standards for designing and managing wildlife habitats may also be important in avoiding negative ecological impacts. These standards should be dynamic, being constantly improved and updated as research, monitoring and technological developments dictate changes. A key tool for avoiding unnecessary negative ecological impacts of wind power development is planning. Landscape-level examinations of key habitats, migration corridors, staging areas, and even scenic areas should be used to develop general siting strategies. This approach will help to ensure that turbines cause the least ecological disturbance and controversy.
Resources: Wildlife
Management Institute & Audubon of Kansas
