Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Action
Decision
Reason for the decision
Eagle nest buffers
Remain in place
These buffers were included during the planning
and construction phase of the wind farms, and
remain in place. They were based on the Forestry
Tasmanian Forest Practices Protocols (Forest
Practices Authority 2009 ) and evaluated in the
study “The effectiveness of nest management
protocols for eagles” (subsequently published by
Forest Practices Authority 2013 )
Reactive shutdowns
Cease
Although protocols were streamlined over time
and technology allowed observers to shutdown a
turbine rapidly, it was impossible to conduct a
shutdown faster than an eagle can move at top
speed through the sites
The success of the strategy was predicated on an
observer being able to predict when an eagle was at
risk of collision. This was unrealistic given that the
analysis had not yet revealed the key risk factors and
collisions occurred when this program was active
Further, the data revealed that the collision rate did
not change with this program in place
Voluntary project -
Sector management c
(initiative of
Roaring 40s)
Cease
This was dependent on a predictive relationship
between wind direction/speed and incursion, and
incursion and collision risk. Analysis of the
complete data set revealed that the correlations did
not exist between these factors, that incursions
fl ights were probably not a good proxy for
collision risk and that wind speed and direction
were not critical factors in collision risk
Sector management under these conditions
involved a very coarse tool to manage a very
specifi c risk, that subsequent data indicates is
driven by a more complicated suite of risk factors
(see Hull et al. 2014 )
Minimising eagle
food resources on
site
Continue, but
modify to include
other feral animals
aside from rabbits
There was no means to determine if this treatment
was effective, but it appeared logical and was
therefore maintained
OBP on-site weed
management
Continue, but
modify
Although OBPs hadn't been observed on site, it
was agreed to retain this action due to the critically
endangered status of the species, but the monitoring
protocol was redesigned to improve its effi ciency
OBP offsite plot
(food plot and roost
tree plot)
Cease, but retain
the roost plot
OBPs rarely used the offsite plot and it was
unlikely that OBPs were limited by food resources
in the larger landscape in this area. It was also
acknowledged that OBPs are catholic feeders,
feeding on weeds in this area, thereby reducing
any benefi t the crop would have to attracting them
There was also no evidence that OBPs were roost
site limited, but given all the effort expended in
establishing the roost tree plot, it was decided to
maintain it, although not to expend any additional
effort on it
(continued)
 
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