[Denveraudubon] Wind farm in the neighborhood of the Pawnee Buttes

[Pauline P Reetz]

Green Light LLC has proposed putting about 300 wind turbines in the
vicinity of the Pawnee Buttes, on private land adjacent to the Pawnee
National Grasslands, and a new transmission line from there down to
Keensburg, on the South Platte River.   Audubon has designated the Pawnee
NG as an Important Bird Area, and the escarpment where placement of the
turbines is planned is an important nesting area for prairie falcons,
ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, and other raptors.  We are very
concerned about the placement of the turbines, their impact on nesting
raptors and other birds, the impact on the viewshed around the Buttes,
and impacts on the unique vegetation communities of the escarpment. 
There is a parcel of State land that has been designated as the Chalk
Bluffs Natural Area because of its unique character, ecosystem richness,
significant wildlife habitat and value to sensitive species - right in
the middle of the proposed wind farm.  Placement of turbines and timing
of construction could affect nesting mountain plover, burrowing owls,
plains sharp-tailed grouse, and neotropical migrants such as McCown's
longspur, Chesnut-collared longspur, lark bunting, horned lark, lark
sparrow and other prairie species.  Local bat populations may also be
affected.    A number of impacts can be avoided by placing the turbines
away from the escarpment.  Pre-construction surveys and post-monitoring
surveys are also very, very important.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife
has made a strong stand for mitigating the impacts of the turbines, but
they need support from organizations like Audubon.

The Weld County Commissioners will be holding a meeting to discuss the
proposed wind farm at 10 a.m. on August 2nd, at 915 W. 10th St. in
Greeley.  IF you can take the time and have an interest in the Pawnee NG
and its bird life, it would be great if you could attend.  Ken Strom from
National Audubon will be making a statement, but he would like some
bodies there to show support and concern.  Especially if you travel up to
the Pawnee, spend money there, etc. We really need your help!

 It's about an hour up to Greeley on Rte. 85, not a bad drive at all, and
you can have lunch afterwards at a couple of good Mexican restaurants in
LaSalle. 

Thanks very much,
Polly Reetz, Conservation Chairman, ASGD