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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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Bluestone Wind Project – Funding Needed for Surveys & Data

Last month we wrote about a large wind project adjoining western Delaware County in the Broome County towns of Sanford and Windsor.  The Bluestone Wind farm would be in the route of migrating raptors, including Golden Eagles, and near a major concentration area for Bald Eagles. 

DOAS is formally involved in review of the project as a registered party with the NY State Public Service Commission, which will make determinations and provide approvals. We have applied for available intervenor funding to obtain GPS migration data for Golden Eagles, and possibly establish raptor survey sites this fall and next spring. However, there are indications that DOAS may not be eligible for these funds, as we do not have a large number of members in the project area. This would mean there would be no independent study of raptors, and decisionmakers would depend on the wind company’s surveys, which we know are inadequate to provide a full picture of the presence of eagles.

As a result, we are reaching out to members and concerned individuals for help with the needed funds— amounting to several thousand
dollars. Our supporters have stepped up for Golden Eagles before, raising money for transmitters for eagles that have provided valuable
information on their movements in our region and beyond. 

We ask again for your support for this local project that could avoid a serious threat for these birds. If we are successful in obtaining intervenor funding, donations will be used for other programs benefiting eagles, including our efforts to reduce the impacts of toxic lead
ammunition on these birds. 

What you can do—Send your donations to DOAS, PO Box 544, Oneonta, NY 13820, marked for Golden Eagles or use the link below:

Use the button below to donate specifically and directly to the DOAS Golden Eagle Project.




We have a special interest and concern for these iconic birds that pass the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch in good numbers in fall.  More information on the project, including DOAS comments on the raptor surveys, is available here: DOAS Scoping Comments on Bluestone Wind Project 

 

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President
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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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