Managing for Renewable Energy and Wildlife

Wildlife managers and researchers highlight Babbitt Ranch Energy Center

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Wildlife managers and researchers from across the country gathered in Flagstaff last month for the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) conference to discuss deer and elk movement and the latest technology being used to track the ungulates as projects are planned for land uses such as public recreation and renewable energy. The conference at Northern Arizona University included a field trip to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center north of Flagstaff.

“There were overwhelmingly positive comments about the conference and especially the field trip,” said Flagstaff-area Terrestrial Wildlife Program Manager Rob Nelson with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

“The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is certainly a project we can highlight broadly.

Babbitt Ranches is a champion for planning renewable energy projects while maintaining deer and elk corridors. That sweet spot of coexistence is what we are trying to find in changing landscapes – landscapes that are impacted by drought, fire, recreation, climate and renewable energy projects. Workshop participants were really receptive to the strategies offered and the pathways Babbitt Ranches has spearheaded by working with various renewable energy companies and folding in the wildlife components.”

Construction began for a substation and wind turbines at the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center site for NextEra Energy in January.

“After we had record snow in January, February and March, we were extremely satisfied to have drier weather in April and May. Everybody’s moods lifted,” said Prairie Handyside of Blattner Energy, who is overseeing the construction project.

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