Avian Assessment Guidance for Wind Energy Facilities

An avian assessment is a key component for evaluating the risk of impacts of wind energy facilities on Nebraska's birds.

Nebraska's Avian Assessment Guidance for Wind Energy Facilities provides information and technical guidance to assist wind energy project proponents with conducting an avian assessment that meets the standards and expectations developed by staff of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Nebraska Field Office (USFWS). 

Included in the Avian Assessment Guidance document:

  • Suggested timeline for pre- and post- construction avian surveys
  • Whooping Crane Desktop Stopover Risk Assessment
  • Mountain Plover Survey
  • Breeding Bird Survey
  • Nesting Raptor Survey
  • Prairie Grouse Survey

For each survey listed, recommendations for survey design and reporting are given, but it is highly recommended to work with NGPC and USFWS prior to beginning surveys and during the survey process.  Following these guidelines is voluntary, but recommended.

For a copy of the Avian Assessment Guidance for Wind Energy Facilities, contact Joel Jorgensen (joel.jorgensen@nebraska.gov).

Burrowing owls. Photo by Joseph Fontaine.

Burrowing owls. Photo by Joseph Fontaine.

 

For inquiries regarding proposed projects, questions about the environmental review process, and requests for environmental reviews, please contact:

Melissa Marinovich, Environmental Analyst Supervisor, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
melissa.marinovich@nebraska.gov, (402) 471-5422

Eliza Hines, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Field Office 9325 South Alda Road, Wood River, Nebraska 68883
eliza_hines@fws.gov, (308)382-6468, Extension 204

For technical questions regarding avian surveys, to have avian survey protocols reviewed, or to submit comments or suggestions about this document, please contact:

Joel Jorgensen, Nongame Bird Program Manager, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
joel.jorgensen@nebraska.gov, (402) 471-5440