Wisconsin DNR Expands Public Input on Wind Energy Plan to Protect Rare Cave Bats

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced an extension of the public notice period for its proposed Broad Incidental Take Permit/Authorization concerning wind energy and the protection of cave bats. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the dual importance of renewable energy development and wildlife conservation in the state. Under this proposal, the DNR seeks to address the incidental taking of several rare cave bat species, including the tricolored bat, northern long-eared bat, little brown bat, and big brown bat, which may occur as a consequence of wind turbine operations. The term "incidental take" refers to the unintended loss of individual members of a threatened or endangered species that does not jeopardize the overall population's viability. Wisconsin's commitment to expanding its wind energy infrastructure is clear, as it aims to harness the power of clean energy while simultaneously safeguarding its native wildlife. The proposed permit acknowledges the potential negative impacts of wind turbines on bat populations, but it aims to strike a balance between energy needs and ecological preservation. To mitigate the risks associated with wind energy, the DNR has developed a set of conservation measures designed to minimize the impact on cave bats. These measures are based on strategies that have proven effective in other contexts and are intended to significantly reduce any potential mortality caused by wind turbine operations. The updates to the existing cave bat Broad Incidental Take Permit/Authorization will align with these new guidelines and include tweaks to account for critical periods in the bats’ life cycles, such as maternity periods. The DNR maintains that the implementation of these conservation measures will not jeopardize the continued existence of cave bats in Wisconsin. Furthermore, the agency asserts that the benefits derived from increased wind energy production, which include public health, safety, and welfare, justify the proposed actions, even in the context of potential incidental take. Public engagement is crucial to the success of this initiative. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to participate by submitting written comments about the project and its potential impacts on cave bats. The deadline for comments is set for January 15, 2025, and submissions can be directed to Stacy Rowe, a Conservation Biologist with the DNR, either by mail or email. As the state moves forward in its commitment to renewable energy, the DNR’s approach offers a framework for balancing economic, environmental, and ecological interests, which may serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. In a time when the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, the integration of wildlife conservation with renewable energy development represents a significant step toward sustainable practices that benefit both humans and wildlife alike.