The National Wind Coordinating Collaborative's (NWCC) Sage Grouse Research Collaborative has released a request for proposals (RFP) in order to examine the impacts of wind power development on greater sage grouse across the species' range. The result of the research will be peer-reviewed reports that can inform decision makers regarding future wind development and sage grouse management strategies in the western U.S.
The Sage Grouse Research Collaborative consists of leaders from federal and state agencies, conservation groups, academia, and the wind industry and others who want to address research gaps regarding the impacts of wind turbines and associated infrastructure on sage grouse. Its long-term goal is to advance the science necessary to further inform siting and mitigation strategies.
The RFP is part of a broader effort by the collaborative to support research that analyzes the effects of wind power development on seasonal distribution, habitat use and demographic variables of sage grouse. The current lack of information regarding wind power impacts on the species, combined with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's designation earlier this year of the sage grouse as a candidate species under the Endangered Species Act, has affected new wind power development activity in many western states where wind resource and sage grouse habitat overlap, according to the collaborative.
Research teams may contribute to this comprehensive research effort by partnering with wind developers and submitting a proposal to conduct studies requesting no, partial or full funding from the Sage Grouse Research Collaborative.
Deadline Sept. 2.
For more information, visit nationalwind.com.
SOURCE: National Wind Coordinating Collaborative
