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Sound Science Needed Before Siting Wind Farms

Audubon policy and science staff are urging more rigorous scientific assessments of impacts to wildlife before Palm Beach County moves forward with approving this project on Thursday, March 1 at the Palm Beach Zoning Commission.

Alternative energy is extremely important and Audubon Florida is a ardent supporter. But projects must be appropriately planned and sited.

Audubon’s Everglades Conservation Team has serious questions about the location of this project. The proposed wind farm is within a highly sensitive ecological area with abundant wildlife, such as federally protected Bald Eagles and Wood Storks. The project area would be located between Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, our Water Conservation Areas, and within the footprint of future Everglades restoration projects. The area also falls within the Atlantic Flyway, an essential part of a migratory route for thousands of birds.

Audubon Florida’s Everglade Policy Associate Jane Graham was quoted in an interview with CBS News 12:

“This is something that hasn’t been done before and the impacts are unknown. There isn’t enough science to tell us precisely what will happen. This is an extremely vulnerable area. There are lots of federally listed endangered species around and with limited numbers, every bird counts."

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission will discuss the wind farm proposal this Thursday, March 1 at the Zoning Commission. The meeting is public - you can attend and let the Zoning Commission know what you think about this important issue.

THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2012

9:00 A.M.

Vista Center1st Floor Hearing Room, VC-1W-47

2300 N. Jog Road,West Palm Beach

What do you think about the proposal to place 114 wind turbines about the size of the Statue of Liberty in the Everglades Agricultural Area? Tell us in the comment section below or on Facebook!

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