Workshop on Estimating Fatality at Wind-Power Plants (2 hours)
When: Tuesday 03.05.2011 19.30 – 21:30
Chairs: Manuela Huso (Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University) & Regina Bispo (Department of Statistics, ISPA University Institute)
The workshop aims to bring together researchers to exchange experiences and knowledge on estimating fatality issues. The workshop aims to 1) improve participants’ understanding of the issues involved in accurately and precisely estimating fatality (e.g. assumptions regarding carcass input rates, searcher efficiency, sample size in bias trials); 2) introduce them to software tools with which to estimate fatality; 3) generate ideas for further needs in estimation software. First, a general conceptual model will be presented of why what we observe is not reflective of what was killed and why observed fatality cannot serve as a simple index of actual fatality. Thereafter possible biases and their correction factors – searcher efficiency, plot limitations (unsearchable areas, finite areas relative to entire site, etc.), search interval, and carcass persistence – are discussed. Statistical issues related to estimating measures of precision of fatality estimates will be addressed. Also constraints on estimation (when our numbers can be considered reliable/accurate, when not) are discussed. After this more conceptual introduction, a practical session regarding a software application will be presented. Topics related to data format requirements, implementation, and interpretation of output will be highlighted. The workshop finalize with an open discussion on future directions.
Workshop on Large terrestrial mammals and wind power – is there a problem? (1.5 hours)
When: Wednesday 04.05.2011 19.30 – 21:00
Chairs: Jan-Olof Helldin (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Swedish Biodiversity Centre) & Francisco Álvares (CIBIO-UP, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Porto University, Portugal)
Studies addressing the effects of wind power on wild terrestrial mammals such as deer and carnivores are few. Any impacts that can be documented on these taxa may have effects on conservation and wildlife management, and should therefore be considered in environmental assessment. At present, handling officers have little support how to deal with the issue in the wind power planning process. This workshop aims at synthesizing the best available knowledge in the field, based on experiences and views of the participants, and identifying how this matter should be addressed, if at all. Based on a brief overview of some empirical studies, participants will discuss around a few central questions:
- On what species or species groups have effects been proven, or can be expected?
- What type of impact – habitat changes, noise or visual disturbance, human disturbance, poaching, other?
- Can effects on the population level be proven/expected?
- Effects during construction, operation, maintenance (and what about disassemblance)?
- Can positive effects be expected for some species (e.g. due to increased food availability or facilitated movements along roads)?
- Are there methodological constrains for assessing and monitoring expected impacts?
- Is there a need for mitigation and compensation measures?
Discussions will be summarized in a short report.