2015

International, Inc. (EDM) has been working throughout Wyoming and the U.S. to mitigate negative interactions between birds and overhead electric infrastructure. Recently, EDM developed two models to facilitate efficient conservation and project planning. The first model operates at a local scale using only four variables to consistently identify risk on individual poles within areas of concern. This simple approach allows personnel with little training in electric systems or biology to enter data into a pre-programmed handheld device and instantly generate consistent risk values. The second model operates on a statewide scale to identify general areas of concern based on pole density. When the model of distribution power pole density is viewed in GIS with species-specific habitat maps, areas where high pole densities overlap high quality habitat will indicate areas where evaluation of species-specific risk may be needed. Managers using this model can approach electric utility operators in areas of interest to identify whether current Avian Protection Plans exist. If so, Avian Protection Plans can be used to direct retorfitting indeally using the local model of the pole-specific risk.