AWWI Releases National Eagle Research Framework

Calls for a national, hypothesis-driven research program on eagles and wind energy

Washington, DC – The American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) has released a framework for a national research program on eagles and wind energy to predict, reduce and mitigate potential harm to eagles where they overlap with wind energy development.

“We are very proud of the National Eagle Research Framework and what it can provide in terms of protecting these important species while facilitating responsible wind energy development. This is an excellent example of the critical work AWWI is doing to find solutions. While there are other human induced threats to eagles, our mission is to find pathways to conserve species and build wind power,” said Abby Arnold, Executive Director of the American Wind Wildlife Institute.

The National Eagle Research Framework is based on an evaluation of the needs of wildlife agencies with the legal responsibility for protecting eagles and wind energy developers and operators seeking permits in compliance with the 2009 Eagle Rule and consistent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance.

“The principal goals of the National Eagle Research Framework are to predict potential harm or take of eagles at wind energy facilities, to develop measures intended to avoid and minimize the predicted take, and to compensate, or offset, remaining unavoidable eagle take. The Framework does not address other human activities that harm eagles,” said Dr. Taber Allison, Director of Research and Evaluation at AWWI.

The AWWI National Research Framework is intended to guide a research process that connects researchers to multiple wind energy facilities (research sites) appropriate for evaluating one or more risk factors and corresponding Advanced Conservation Practices (ACPs) to minimize the risks of eagles being harmed at wind sites.

“To implement this Framework, AWWI will work in partnership with the agencies responsible for protecting eagles, and with wind energy developers and conservationists”, said Ms. Arnold. AWWI also will work to raise funds and promote coordination and standardization of research where wind energy and eagles interact. “Data sharing and coordination will promote scientific analysis and synthesis leading to the siting and operation of wind energy facilities that minimize impacts to eagles,” said Dr. Allison. The National Eagle Research Framework is now available on the AWWI website.

The American Wind Wildlife Institute is a partnership of leaders in the wind industry, wildlife management agencies, and science and environmental organizations who collaborate on a shared mission: to facilitate timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. We envision a future where wildlife and wind energy thrive, allowing all of us — wildlife and habitat included — to reap the climate change mitigation benefits that wind energy makes possible. Learn more at www.awwi.org.