Comments on: Riding the wind

By: James Driskell

James Driskell — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:48:22 +0000

Oh heres an excerpt from an article post on Treehugger.com:

“Are wind turbines benign carbon-free power sources or avian death traps that blight the landscape? New numbers have been tossed into the fray, yet we’re no closer to achieving common ground. (No surprise there.)

It takes 30-plus turbines to reach a kill rate of one bird per year, according to a recent report by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences on the environmental impacts of wind-energy projects, based on 14 studies they felt superlative. A number of caveats were attached to the figure, however, including the acknowledgment that rates can vary by site and that endangered species such as the bald eagle are particularly worth avoiding.

However you look at it, though, birds in the United States seem to die in turbine blades at a rate no higher than 40,000 a year. Deaths by dastardly domestic felines, on the other hand, number in the “hundreds of millions.”

Here is the actual link to the article,
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/05/cats_more_letha.php

Larger birds like Raptors might be more susceptible according to the article, I’d still like to see a local study though.

By: James Driskell

James Driskell — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:36:25 +0000

I think these wind farms….ranches. Are a great idea, especially for Harney County. The economics of this area have been hard hit over the years, and this could be very beneficial. I have read many of the articles from many other sources, like the Oregonian and a few others. There seems to be a large environmental concern over the sage grouse and other animals. Honestly though, it seems that most of these organizations with these concerns are located in places like Portland and Bend. They don’t even live out here, or have their headquarters here. Maybe they should apply some “good” science and start an actual study concerning these things. Then maybe what they have to say may have more merit with the people that actually live here and want this.

By: Kevin Taylor

Kevin Taylor — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:48:05 +0000

Out of curiosity, will the people manning these facilities need to build a community out there to live in? I assume the commute would be a pain.

Still, it is laudable these efforts are being made and something positive is coming to this area. About time.

By: Steve Russell

Steve Russell — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:26:18 +0000

Wind power is one of the right ways to go to achieve energy independance. One of the unfortunate tradeoffs may be the destruction of large amounts of flying birds. They seem to be unable to avoid the moving turbines. There are statistics avaliable which demonstrate the unfortunate kill rate and it is much higher in migratory paths. Hopefully, this has been taken into account.

By: Kay Shumway

Kay Shumway — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:53:21 +0000

To me the wind mills are beautiful. They are like living sculptures that ease our dependence on fossil fuels. To harness the wind and sun to help us live is definitely the way we should be headed. Thank you so much for your efforts for everyone’s benefit.

By: Violet Moore

Violet Moore — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:49:46 +0000

What a great idea of windpower, very ‘green’ energy. I remember at one point, it was discussed brought up by Dave Evans, a former EPA coordinator for the burns paiute tribe approached the Tribal Council to do a project like this - they declined…hmmm, makes one wonder why they would do such a thing. It was a great project in the making, however, it is great to see someone has taken the initiative to take advantage of the wind power in that area. Kudos to those who chose to take the ‘reigns’ and provide jobs for a destitute part of Oregon!

By: Barbara Pearson

Barbara Pearson — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:50:23 +0000

I am very excited to hear this about Harney County, and thank you for the story about it. I believe the U.S. needs to stop its dependence on foreign fuel for political, economic and environmental reasons.