Solar Energy
Solar Energy
USGS scientists are developing conservation planning tools to help land managers and energy developers identify areas where solar development will result in the lowest impact to wildlife and sensitive habitats. Research is also focused on understanding the effects of large utility-scale solar projects on migratory birds and terrestrial wildlife.
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Golden Eagles and Renewable Energy Development in the Western U.S.
Development of wind-power and solar facilities is expected to increase dramatically in areas occupied by golden eagles in the western U.S. Renewable energy development in areas used by golden eagles poses a unique challenge to natural resource managers because of this species’ vulnerability to collisions with wind turbines and sensitivity to changes in human land-use.
Effects of Wind and Solar Energy Development on Wildlife
This research theme informs adaptive management and siting decsions in relation to bats at wind and solar power-generation facilities.
Desert Tortoise Ecology, Health, Habitat, and Conservation Biology
The desert tortoise is listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. USGS WERC scientists, along with project partners have been conducting long-term analyses on how changes in the southwestern deserts of the United States can affect desert tortoise populations. Dr. Todd Esque and his team are investigating how habitat disturbances and restoration projects influence tortoise populations...
Ecology and Conservation of Golden Eagles in the Mojave Desert
Dr. Kathleen Longshore, in collaboration with Dr. Todd Esque, provides information to project the possible conflict between losses of habitat for foraging involved in the proposed development of alternative energy installations in the Mojave Desert and help develop advanced conservation efforts for the golden eagle. Information from this project will also inform California’s Desert Renewable...
Applied Statistical Methods and Tools
This research theme addresses several issues important in deriving accurate and precise estimates of fatality at wind and solar power-generation facilities.
Desert Tortoise Ecology
Agassiz’s desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii) approach the southern edge of their mostly Mojave Desert range near Joshua Tree National Park. Modern desert tortoise research started in the Park in 1978 when the first tortoise population census was conducted on a one square mile area in the Pinto Basin known as the “Barrow Plot.” U.S. Geological Survey research began at the plot in 1997 and...
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI)
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and habitat changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...