Tall Structure Literature Search

Tall Structure Literature Search

Greater Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianus

The goal of the literature search is to gather all information and research that has been conducted on the affects tall structures have on Greater Sage-Grouse populations.  For our purposes, tall structures are defined as: transmission lines, transmission poles, and wind turbines.  Birds such as eagles, ravens and hawks use the tall structures as perches to look for prey on the ground.  During mating season Greater Sage-Grouse spend more time in the open and are very susceptible to birds of prey.  

Researchers from Utah State University will gather all the information that has been produced concerning tall structures.  The information will be analyzed to see what holes, if any, exist.  The next step will be to determine best management practices concerning the distance these tall structures will need to be from Greater Sage-Grouse leks (breeding areas).  This information will be invaluable to energy companies because it will assist in setting future industry standards on tall structure distances.  

The information will be presented to a group of stakeholders that will consist of wildlife biologists, representatives from federal agencies (BLM, Forest Service, DWR), Utah State University, energy companies and private landowners.  They will come to a group decision.

The project is being funded by Rocky Mountain Power and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.