In September of 2003, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife developed a guidance document entitled “Wind Power Guidelines.”
In 2007, through the successful collaboration of a representative wind power stakeholder work group, the 2003 Wind Power Guidelines were revised using best available science to provide statewide guidance for the development of wind energy facilities.
The 2009 Wind Power Guidelines provide specific management recommendations, alternatives for site assessment, mitigation options and construction alternatives for avoiding impacts to Washington’s wildlife resources and habitat.
Several wind power project proposals have been reviewed and constructed using this guidance document.
The 2009 Wind Power Guidelines are divided into the following six chapters:
- Baseline and Monitoring Studies
- Minimization of Wildlife Impacts
- Operational Monitoring
- Research Oriented Studies
- Habitat Mitigation
- Habitat Types
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wind Power Guidelines 2009 will be reviewed for effectiveness and relevance and modified as needed after five years.
The framework in which WDFW staff reviews wind energy facility proposals is the WDFW “Wind Power Guidelines”. This document is designed as a living document to be maintained current with environmental concerns and conditions.