This 3 day workshop will combine science, conservation, and education to provide participants with the latest in research and monitoring techniques. Topics will include an overview of wind and wildlife issues, but the majority of time will be on field methods and equipment, data analysis and interpretation, and current and promising minimization strategies to reduce bat and bird fatalities at wind energy facilities. Participants should plan on gaining hands-on experience underneath wind turbines, weather permitting, and using the latest software for estimating impact.
This workshop will provide classroom and field demonstrations of post-construction methodology including:
• Grassland bird surveys
• Raptor surveys
• Fatality monitoring surveys
In addition, we will conduct night-time field demonstrations of thermal and near-infrared videography and ultrasonic detectors, weather permitting.
This will be complimented by classroom instructions and hands-on training, including:
• Fatality estimation
• Evidence of absence analysis, focusing on challenges of detecting rare or endangered species
• Post-processing of thermal video
• Impact reduction and mitigation options for bats and birds
This workshop will help individuals plan projects, implement field methods, interpret reports, and better understand wildlife and wind energy issues. The diversity of participants and instructors will provide multiple perspectives related to these issues.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is hosting the workshop. Meals will be provided by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Registration fees include transportation to the wind energy facility from the conference hotel, course materials, and instruction by leading experts from American Wind Wildlife Institute, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Bat Conservation International, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Zotz Ecological Solutions, and others.
If you have any questions regarding the workshop, please contact Rebecca Patterson, 512-327-9721 ext. 15; rpatterson@batcon.org.