Title
Receive a presentation from Ventana Wildlife Society on the use of satellite GPS transmitters to study California Condor movement patterns at wind energy development sites in central California.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Alternative Energy & Environment Committee receive a presentation from Ventana Wildlife Society on the use of satellite GPS transmitters to study California Condor movement patterns at wind energy development sites in central California.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Currently, there are two wind turbines operating in Monterey County: the Taylor Farms Wind Turbine, located adjacent to the City of Gonzales, as well as a wind turbine in the City of Soledad. A third wind project is in development in South County, and there is potential for further wind energy development in the County. To develop wind energy projects in California, a risk assessment on bird impacts must be performed as part of an environmental analysis in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director at Ventana Wildlife Society, will report to the Alternative Energy and Environment Committee on a study regarding California Condor movement patterns in areas where wind energy development might present a collision risk. Ventana Wildlife Society use GPS technology to document flight paths and altitudes of California Condors near several proposed or existing wind turbines sites, including the Taylor Farms Wind Turbine and the City of Soledad's turbine. Mr. Sorenson will provide an overview of their study, share outcomes on how California Condors might be impacted with accelerated development of wind turbines throughout the Salinas Valley Area, and provide insight into how these techniques can augment existing comprehensive risk assessments for wind turbine development.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Resource Management Agency - Planning Division ensures wind energy projects comply with the regulations and cond...
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