The AWWI map shows the range for Clark’s Grebe, one bird for which wind and wildlife conservationists might be concerned.
A renewable energy consulting firm has provided state-of the-art, 80m up wind resource data for the Landscape Assessment Tool (LAT), an online map designed by the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The map provides information about the environmental, wildlife, and wind resource characteristics of a geographic area to help with preliminary screening of wind power development sites and conservation strategies.
“The data that AWS Truepower has provided for the Landscape Assessment Tool reflects the latest knowledge in wind resource assessment,” said Bruce Bailey CEO, AWS Truepower. Eighty meters is a typical hub height for wind turbines in the continental U.S.
“The Landscape Assessment Tool offers early, general guidance to assist with preliminary screenings in areas where wind turbines may, or may not, pose wildlife risks, and to help with the design of conservation plans and mitigation strategies,” said AWWI Executive Director Abby Arnold. “AWWI is working with partners to make this a “go-to” tool to support wind energy development while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat.”
AWWI and The Nature Conservancy are enhancing and expanding the LAT, and are exploring a range of interactive applications. The LAT is one of several initiatives that AWWI and partners are undertaking for timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and its habitat. The Landscape Assessment Tool is available on the AWWI Web site at http://www.awwi.org/initiatives/landscape.aspx
AWWI
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