United State Fish and Wildlife Service responds to Avian Risk Assessment

In two letters dated October 12, 2005 addressed to David Perri of Chautauqua Windpower LLC, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has issued their response to the avian study that was published last year by Chautauqua Windpower LLC of Harrison, NY and prepared by their consultants Environment and Ecology Inc. of Lancaster, NY.

The two letters, one about the Avian Risk Assessment in general and the other specifically addressing issues surrounding the resident and migrant bald eagles in this area, characterize the study as reaching unfounded conclusions based on inadequate and unreliable data. The letters explain why this is the case and explain what could have been done to make the data acceptable. The letters go on to state that information specifically requested by USFWS pertaining to bats was not provided. Additionally, the letters also state the the Avian Risk Assessment includes inaccurate information regarding the interpretation and implementation of wildlife laws.

To read more, please follow the links below. They will open documents in popup windows.

• Summary of the USFWS Letters to Chautauqua Windpower LLC (Thanks to Gil Randell for the summary)
  
• Letter from USFWS to David Perri of Chautauqua Windpower LLC regarding the resident and migrating American Bald Eagles (Big File- 3MB)
  
• Letter from USFWS to David Perri of Chautauqua Windpower LLC Regarding all resident and migrant birds in the area. (Very Big File - 13MB)