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Rowe Sanctuary urges 6-mile buffer from wind and solar to protect whooping cranes
Summary
Marcos Stoltzfus of Rowe Sanctuary told the planning commission that whooping cranes avoid energy-generation areas up to six miles and asked the county to adopt a 6-mile buffer for renewable projects near critical flight paths.
Marcos Stoltzfus, Center Director of Rowe Sanctuary, told the Kearney County Planning Commission on Jan. 26 that the sanctuary is urging protections for migratory birds, including the endangered whooping crane. Stoltzfus said cranes will avoid energy-generation areas up to six miles and asked the commission to consider a six-mile buffer between energy projects and key flight paths.
Stoltzfus presented the flight-path concern as a conservation imperative and asked the commission to weigh wildlife impacts as it drafts recommendations for the County Commissioners under the existing moratorium on new renewable-energy permits. Commissioners took the comment during the public-comment period and did not take formal action at the meeting; the commission scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 23 where interested parties may provide exhibits and testimony.
