Black Swamp Bird Observatory Speaks Out Against
Wind Turbines in Migratory Bird Stopover Habitat

Click HERE to learn more about
the American Bird Conservancy's (ABC) Bird-Smart Wind Campaign

BSBO Submits Comments on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Draft Guidelines for Wind Energy

Even in the midst of organizing The Biggest Week In American Birding, the BSBO staff, with the tremendous support of volunteer legal advisor Mark Skolnicki, wrote and submitted detailed comments to USFWS on their draft guidelines for wind energy development in this country. These detailed comments, while not for the feint of heart, show BSBO’s commitment to bird conservation and we encourage everyone to read them. A debt of gratitude is owed to Mark Skolnicki for his expert leadership in drafting our comments. Without Mark, this would not have been possible. If you have any questions, please email us at: staff@bsbo.org or call 419-898-4070.

BSBO'S Wind Energy Comments:

BSBO Wind Energy Comments Cover Letter (PDF)

BSBO Wind Energy Comments Enclosure-1 (PDF)

BSBO Wind Energy Comments Enclosure-2 (PDF)

BSBO Wind Energy Comments Enclosure-3 (PDF)

USFWS Wind Energy Guidelines (PDF)


The Issue

Wind turbines are creeping their way into the Lake Erie Marsh Region from the east and west. They are being proposed for schools, small businesses, and private residences. These are not the massive, commercial turbines, but “smaller” units, seemingly innocuous by comparison. But there are some facts that everyone should know. These so called “midsized” turbines can exceed 300 feet and there are currently no regulations whatsoever to control where they are installed in relation to bird and wildlife sensitive areas.


Why is this a problem?

The Lake Erie Marsh Region is recognized as globally important for migratory birds and is home to a large number of breeding Bald Eagles. Huge numbers of migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl stop here to feed and rest every spring and fall during their long-distance migrations. Visiting birders travel to this region of northwest Ohio to observe and enjoy this spectacle, bringing millions of dollars to these Lakeshore communities.

ODNR'S AVIAN CONCERN ZONE MAP

Why would anyone put wind turbines in these areas?

There are currently NO regulations regarding proper siting of noncommercial wind turbines. Only local level zoning can dictate policy and many local officials are completely unaware of the massive bird migration that takes place in northwest Ohio, the globally important stopover habitat that is essential to the survival of migratory birds, or the significant economic impact generated by tens of thousands of visiting bird watchers each year. BSBO is working to change that!


Has any research been done on the effects of wind turbines on migratory birds?

Yes. However, most of these studies have been conducted in areas where birds are in active migration, flying at heights above the reach of the turbines. Stopover habitat changes the entire equation because birds are dropping in and taking off in these areas. In other words, if a commercial jetliner’s cruising altitude is 30,000 feet, you still wouldn’t put wind turbines at the end of the runway. Moreover, the birds are generally arriving and departing during predawn or dusk, when visibility is poor and obstacles present the greatest threat.

BSBO Supports Responsible, Renewable Energy

We want to be clear: BSBO is not opposed to renewable energy. We understand the dire need for renewable energy resources to reduce CO2 emissions and help reduce our dependency on the fossil fuels that have pushed our planet to the brink.


What is BSBO doing about it?

1) Outreach and Education
Members of the BSBO staff have been speaking out about this issue to anyone who will listen. We have given presentations for city council members, zoning boards, chambers of commerce, school boards, county commissioners, mayors, private citizens, and the press. We are hosting meetings and reaching out to representatives from organizations and agencies such as: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, Black Swamp Conservancy, and Ohio Ornithological Society. And, in an effort to provide perspectives from both sides of the issue, we have also encouraged representatives from several wind energy companies to attend. In addition to presentations and meetings, we are writing, calling, emailing, Facebooking, Twittering, and blogging about the issue in an all-out effort to reach as many people as we can--before it’s too late.

Join us during the Biggest Week in American Birding on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 1:30 at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for Wind Power: It's not Smart Unless it's Bird Smart, a program by Kelly Fuller from the American Bird Conservancy. Cost: A fee of $5 plus festival registration.

2) Seeking a Moratorium
With full support of the BSBO Board of Directors and the support of many other organizations, agencies, and private citizens, BSBO is seeking to introduce a three-year moratorium on any additional wind turbines along the Lake Erie Coast in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie Counties until further research can be conducted on the potential impacts on birds and bats.


What YOU can do about it:

1) Sign our online petition, co-sponsored by Ohio Ornithological Society and Greater Mohican Audubon Society, here.

2) Write letters of support (Click here for a sample letter):

  • 9th Congressional District, Ohio
    U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur
    1 Maritime Plaza, Fl. 6
    Toledo, Ohio 43604

  • 80th District, Ohio State Representative Dennis E. Murray Junior
    77 High Street, Fl. 10
    Columbus, Ohio 43215-6111

For a complete list of Ohio’s Government Officials, visit: http://ohio.gov/government/

3) Make a financial contribution to help support BSBO's efforts: