Association of Fish&Wildlife Agencies

As many of us are finding out, research and development of energy resources will be a critical issue over the coming years. A variety of wildlife and resource issues surround energy development and wildlife professionals will be faced with some significant challenges as we work alongside the energy industry as they work upon the landscape. One source which has received attention is wind energy and several states have been actively involved in discussions involving wind energy infrastructure and development.

Wind energy has shown much promise for producing carbon free energy in a variety of locations. However, it is not without conflict as it leaves it's footprint on wildlife habitats. Only a few states have been actively involved in the research of wind energy development and it's relationships to wildlife. In order to frame the needs of more engagement by wildlife agencies and non-government organizations, a Special Symposium on Wind Energy Development and Wildlife was held at the recent North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus , Ohio .

The Symposium provided a much needed first step towards more understanding of wind energy. Information on the current state of wind-energy technology, the sequential steps typically implemented during development, and the best available wildlife science related to wind power was presented. The Symposium was well attended, with standing room only, and well received as a source of much needed information.

Sincerely,