Wolfgang wrote:

"Tim Lysyk" wrote in message
news:fr2tk.10141$%b7.1293@edtnps82...


Nice to see you back Wolgang. Hope you are well.


Thanks Tim, doing as well as can be expected, I guess, for one in robust
good health and possessed of sufficient resources to pursue a few at a time
of a host of varied interests......time being the limiting reagent. I hope
you can say the same, or better.


I recall you have an interest in wind power. I though you might be
interested in the following link that describes one off-target effect on
bats.


http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/0...bine-bats.html


This is very interesting. A few months ago I spent the better part of a day
talking to a DNR naturalist at the Horicon Marsh state wildlife refuge in
southeastern Wisconsin, who expressed a concern about the effects of a
proposed wind farm on the local bat population. Evidently there is a
substantial population that roosts through the winter in a nearby cave. As
he didn't say anything specific about what the machines might do to bats, I
assumed he was simply concerned about collisions. I was skeptical about
bats being unable to avoid the vanes under any conditions. The wind farm,
which covers a large area to the east and northeast of the marsh, is now
fully operational and I have not yet heard anything about the expected
casualties among birds and bats. However, I am aware, largely due to
monitoring a birding oriented listserve, of studies (both planned and
currently underway) using volunteers to make routine checks under the
turbines. The problem detailed in the story linked to above sounds highly
plausible and I'll be watching the studies I mentioned closely to see what
the results are.

Thanks for the heads up.

Wolfgang



bat and bird impact statements are usually required as part of the
regulatory approval process for wind farms. i'll be interested in your
report and opinion of the experience up there. the wind farm i saw in
wyoming this summer was visually appealing on the windy plains and hills
in unitas county. while i have no doubt there are and will be bat
casualties, i doubt it will be of sufficient significance in most of the
areas wind farms will be located.

jeff