USFWS Region 6 Wildlife Buffer Recommendations for Wind Energy Projects (2021)

The buffer described in these recommendations are minimum distances suggested to be used to separate any of the following features and proposed wind turbine locations, unless otherwise noted below. These USFWS recommendations are for wind energy projects in Region 6 only (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas). This USFWS Region 6 voluntary guidance includes recommended buffers for a variety of wildlife and wildlife habitat features that may, or may not, be present within the project area for a given wind energy project. We recommend that the following buffer distances be implemented for all wildlife species or wildlife habitat features addressed in this document and present within the project area.

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A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Species
Two large, ornate birds with pointed fail features, large white breast on a dry grassland with mountains in the distance

The Greater Sage-Grouse is a large grouse with a chunky, round body, small head, and long tail. Males change shape dramatically when they display, becoming almost spherical as they puff up their chest, droop their wings, and fan their tail into a starburst. Sage-Grouse are mottled gray-brown...

FWS Focus
A male lesser prairie-chicken in the fading sunlight

The lesser prairie-chicken is a species of prairie grouse endemic to the southern and central high plains of the United States, commonly recognized for its feathered tarsi (legs), stout build, ground-dwelling habit, and lek mating behavior. The LEPC is closely related and generally similar in...

FWS Focus
a rusty brown/grey bird with white breast standing on narrow tan legs

The Mountain Plover is about the size of a Killdeer (Charadrius vocierus) but with longer legs and more erect posture. Sexes are similar in both size and plumage coloration, remaining drably colored most of the year and lacking black breast bands typical of many other plovers.

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FWS Focus
a surprised looking black-tailed prairie dog

Prairie dogs are small, stout ground squirrels. The total length of an adult black-tailed prairie dog is approximately 14-17 inches. The weight of an individual ranges from 1 to 3 pounds. Individual appearances within the species vary in mixed colors of brown, black, gray, and white. The black-...

FWS Focus