Land-based Wind Energy Voluntary Avoidance Guidance for the Northern Long-eared Bat

The Draft Land-based Wind Energy Voluntary Avoidance Guidance for the Northern Long-eared Bat documents (NLEB Wind Guidance) will allow wind energy companies to operate in a manner where take is not reasonably certain to occur for the northern long-eared bat. The NLEB Wind Guidance, along with associated supporting documents, includes curtailment strategies (i.e., reduction in electricity generation) at lower wind speeds. In the event that the tricolored bat is listed, the Service has also developed the “Land-based Wind Energy Voluntary Avoidance Guidance for the Tricolored Bat” (TCB Wind Guidance). The NLEB Wind Guidance includes species specific recommendations and is different than the TCB Wind Guidance. due to differences in risk. Once the final NLEB Guidance is issued, it will replace the “Interim Wind Guidance for the Northern Long-eared Bat.”

Note: This guidance only covers avoidance guidance for wind operations and not the potential impacts that may occur during construction or decommissioning.