These protocols are intended to identify key questions to be addressed, preferred approaches to addressing these questions, and issues likely to be encountered by scientists studying impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse. I discuss advantages and disadvantages of possible study designs. A full BACI (Before After Control Impact) design with five years of preconstruction data and at least five years of post-construction data that estimates fundamental demographic parameters and habitat selection over a distance gradient from wind facilities provides the strongest design. Research proposals considered for funding by the GS3C-Sage-Grouse Collaborative will be evaluated based on their abilities to adhere to the ideal protocol, described below. These protocols are intended to guide research projects designed to improve understanding of the impacts of wind energy facilities on sage-grouse, with the goal of guiding the siting of wind facilities to minimize impacts on sage-grouse. These protocols are not intended to guide preconstruction studies at all future wind developments.
FY2011The primary objectives of the research projects are as follows:1. Determine the population response of sage-grouse to th development and operations of wind farms and associated construction and production facilities.2. Determine the behavioral response of sage-grouse to the construction and operation of wind farms and associated construction and production facilities.3. Determine direct and indirect mortality of sage-grouse from wind farms and associated construction and production facilities.4. Determine or estimate setbacks and buffers from wind farms and associated construction and operational facilities required to have negligible effects on sage-grouse behavior and populations.5. Share peer-reviewed data that can be used to develop guidelines for use by wind farm developers and regulators to minimize impacts on sage-grouse.
