Learning Center
Environmental Stewardship
Q. What is the PUD doing to protect wildlife?
A. Construction was limited to between April and September 2006 to to reduce the impact on habitat and wintering mule deer on Burch Mountain.
- The PUD paid the state Department of Fish and Wildlife $32,000 for an easement across its land. The PUD will pay an additional $30,000 a year to mitigate for wildlife and habitat impact until the new Rocky Reach Dam license is issued, at which time annual payments may decrease depending on the level of funding provided in the Wildlife Management plan under the new license. These dollars will help the state with wildlife management.
- To address concerns for raptors (birds of prey) that migrate past Burch Mountain, the PUD conducted a raptor migration study in fall 2005. The study examined the number of raptors passing through the area and the altitude of their flight. The study found 95 percent of the raptors flew above the height of the transmission line. The small number of raptors that did pass at or below transmission line height were seen in mostly one area. As a result, the PUD required bird-flight diverters on the shield wire in that part of the line to reduce the risk of collision. This study was conducted in coordination with the state, other resource agencies and groups. The final report was approved by state Fish and Wildlife officials in March 2006.
- The PUD will also revegetate areas disturbed during construction to provide similar habitat for wildlife, to reduce erosion, and to limit the spread of noxious weeds.
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