Windows Media Video of Wind Turbine in Action

Wind Power Resources

- 2009 WDFW Wind Power Guidelines - North American Wind Power Guidance Summary - Wind Power Siting Regulations and Wildlife Guidelines in the United States - Washington Wind Power Resource Estimates - Wind Energy Coverage Areas Map [PDF]

WDFWind Newsletter

- March 2009 - September 2008 - June 2008 - May 2008

Major Projects Division: Wind Power

In September of 2003, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife developed a guidance document entitled “Wind Power Guidelines.” Over the past 5 years, several wind power project proposals have been reviewed and constructed using this guidance document.

Through the efforts of the Department and the successful collaboration of a representative wind power stakeholder work group, the 2003 Wind Power Guidelines have undergone an intensive review and revision using best available science to provide statewide guidance for the development of wind energy facilities.

These Guidelines provide specific management recommendations, alternatives for site assessment, mitigation options and construction alternatives for avoiding impacts to Washington’s wildlife resources and habitat.

The 2009 Wind Power Guidelines are now final and will be used by the Department to formulate comments and recommendations through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process. The 2009 Wind Power Guidelines are divided into the following six chapters:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wind Power Guidelines 2009 will be reviewed for effectiveness and relevance and modified as needed after five years. 

These guidelines were developed through an informed collaborative process that provides direction to avoid wildlife impacts and provides clarity and assurance of the Department’s interest in resource protection to wind energy facility developers and regulatory authorities with recommendations for restoration alternatives and conservation strategies that provide opportunity to partner with WDFW to preserve, protect and restore native habitats in Washington State.

The framework in which WDFW staff reviews wind energy facility proposals is the WDFW “Wind Power Guidelines”. This document is designed as a living document to be maintained current with environmental concerns and conditions.