Before everyone becomes too hyped up about the wind turbines, we need to take a serious look on how they will affect local wildlife.
It is no secret that the spinning turbine blades have been responsible for killing birds and bats worldwide. Bats have been especially prone to colliding with the blades - thousands are believed to be killed annually in the U.S., with the majority being threatened species.
It is believed by some experts that the wind turbines emit an ultrasonic frequency that confuses bats and predatory birds, possibly even attracting them to the turbines.
More recently, bat biologists have reported that the turbines have been placed in migratory paths, further increasing bat kills.
Studies have revealed that the deaths in question occurred only when the turbines were in operation.
There is much that we need to do. Before windmills are constructed, their locations need to be evaluated for posing a possible risk to bats.
We also need to inspect current wind farms for dead bats to help find ways to prevent future kills from happening.
I encourage all who are involved in the planning and construction of the wind farms to familiarize themselves with the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (found at http://www.batcon.org under “Conservation Programs”) if they have not already joined the cooperative.
Bats are the primary predators of insects that destroy crops and spread diseases.
There is no sense in promoting “green” energy when it must come at the cost of one of nature's biggest players in stable ecosystems.
Valerie A. Smith
Auburn
It is believed by some experts that the wind turbines emit an ultrasonic frequency that confuses bats and predatory birds, possibly even attracting them to the turbines.
More recently, bat biologists have reported that the turbines have been placed in migratory paths, further increasing bat kills.
Studies have revealed that the deaths in question occurred only when the turbines were in operation.
There is much that we need to do. Before windmills are constructed, their locations need to be evaluated for posing a possible risk to bats.
We also need to inspect current wind farms for dead bats to help find ways to prevent future kills from happening.
I encourage all who are involved in the planning and construction of the wind farms to familiarize themselves with the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (found at http://www.batcon.org under “Conservation Programs”) if they have not already joined the cooperative.
Bats are the primary predators of insects that destroy crops and spread diseases.
There is no sense in promoting “green” energy when it must come at the cost of one of nature's biggest players in stable ecosystems.
Valerie A. Smith
Auburn