The Sagebrush Cooperative

Information on the effects of wind energy development on sage steppe dependent species is largely lacking, although studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of other types of energy development with activities and infrastructure similar to wind development on sage-grouse specifically. Previous research has shown that breeding sage-grouse in oil and gas fields avoid development, experience higher rates of mortality, or both (Holloran 2005, Kaiser 2006, Aldridge and Boyce 2007). Additionally, sage-grouse avoid energy development in otherwise suitable habitats in winter (Dougherty et al. 2008). Accumulating evidence of the impacts of energy development in sagebrush-steppe ecosystems extends beyond that of sage-grouse. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) have been found to avoid otherwise suitable habitats near gas wells (Sawyer et al. 2006) and densities of Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri) and sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli) declined near dirt roads in gas fields (Ingelfinger and Anderson 2004).

Although potential future development of oil and natural gas resources are a concern in much of the sage steppe landscapes of the Intermountain West, habitats within the scope of the Sagebrush Cooperative will be less impacted by this type of development. Of greater concern is the development of renewable energy sources such as wind. The National Energy Policy established in 2001 has encouraged the development of renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and geothermal energy sources. Public lands in the western United States have significant potential to produce energy from wind power. Specific environmental concerns associated with wind energy development are direct habitat loss and fragmentation associated with turbines, roads and power lines, increased predation, increased human accessibility of intact habitat, transportation of invasive species, noise produced by turbine rotor blades, and bird mortality resulting from turbine blade impact (Connelly et al. 2004).

In order to mitigate some of the negative effects wind turbines could have on sensitive wildlife, wind energy facilities should be designed to reduce habitat fragmentation and mortality to sage-grouse. Use of tubular tower designs to reduce raptor perches and noise reduction to minimize disturbance to nesting birds is encouraged (BLM 2004).

Aldridge, C. L., and M. S. Boyce. 2007. Linking occurrence and fitness to persistence: a habitat-based approach for endangered greater sage-grouse. Ecological Applications 17:508–526.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  2004. Bureau of Land Management National Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation Strategy.

Connelly, J. W., S. T. Knick, M. A. Schroeder, and S. J. Stiver. 2004. Conservation assessment of greater sage-grouse and sagebrush habitats. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.

Doherty, K. E., Naugle, D. E., Walker, B. L., & Graham, J. M. (2008). Greater Sage-Grouse Winter Habitat Selection and Energy Development. Journal of Wildlife Management  72: 187-195.

Holloran, M. J. 2005. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) population response to natural gas field development in western Wyoming. Dissertation, University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA.

Ingelfinger, F., and S. Anderson. 2004. Passerine response to roads associated with natural gas extraction in a sagebrush steppe habitat. Western North American Naturalist 64:385–395.

Kaiser, R. C. 2006. Recruitment by greater sage-grouse in association with natural gas development in western Wyoming. Thesis, University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA.

Sawyer, H., R. M. Nielson, F. Lindzey, and L. L. McDonald. 2006. Winter habitat selection of mule deer before and during development of a natural gas field. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:396–403.