Navigating Burrowing Owl Preservation on Solar Sites: Strategies for Success

Navigating Burrowing Owl Preservation on Solar Sites: Strategies for Success

As a project development engineer, I've witnessed firsthand the powerful synergy between clean energy initiatives and environmental stewardship. Developing utility-scale solar projects requires careful consideration of local ecosystems. Many prospective solar sites are home to the Burrowing Owl. These small owls, often found nesting in underground burrows within open grasslands and agricultural areas, can pose a significant challenge and a crucial opportunity for responsible development on potential solar sites. 

At Blended Power, we understand the delicate balance between advancing renewable energy and protecting biodiversity. We've partnered with several solar developers to navigate the complexities of wildlife preservation, ensuring projects can move forward while adhering to stringent environmental regulations. Our expertise lies in developing and implementing comprehensive mitigation strategies tailored to each specific project site. 

Here's a closer look at some of the key mitigation strategies to help companies navigate burrowing owl concerns: 

1. Pre-Construction Surveys 

The first crucial step in responsible development is understanding the existing environment. We work with experienced biologists to conduct thorough pre-construction surveys, adhering to established protocols and timelines. These surveys involve systematically walking the project site to identify active and potential owl burrows. This data forms the foundation for all subsequent mitigation efforts, allowing us to understand the owl population, their distribution, and critical habitat areas before disturbing the ground. 

2. Avoidance and Minimization 

Where burrowing owls are present, avoidance is always the preferred strategy. By carefully analyzing survey data and project layouts, we work with developers to design project footprints that minimize or completely avoid impacting active burrows and key foraging areas. This might involve minor adjustments to panel placement, access roads, or construction staging areas. Our engineering background allows us to find practical and cost-effective avoidance solutions without compromising project feasibility. 

3. Passive Relocation 

When complete avoidance isn't feasible, passive relocation may be an option during the non-breeding season. This involves encouraging owls to voluntarily move to safer, pre-approved locations. We implement this through techniques such as installing one-way doors on active burrows. These doors allow owls to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Simultaneously, we work to enhance or create alternative burrow sites in nearby suitable habitat, making the relocation process as stress-free as possible for the owls. 

4. Habitat Enhancement and Creation 

A cornerstone of long-term mitigation is ensuring the availability of suitable habitat for burrowing owls. We work with ecologists and developers to design and implement habitat enhancement and creation plans. This can involve: 

• Constructing artificial burrows: Providing safe and readily available nesting and refuge sites. These are strategically placed in areas with suitable vegetation and prey availability. 

• Enhancing foraging habitat: Implementing measures to promote healthy grassland ecosystems that support the owls' prey base (insects, small mammals). This might include specific seeding mixes or grazing management strategies. 

• Creating buffer zones: Establishing undeveloped areas around artificial and natural burrows to minimize disturbance. 

5. Long-Term Monitoring 

Mitigation isn't a one-time activity; it requires ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. We work with ecologists and implement long-term monitoring plans that track the occupancy and success of natural and artificial burrows, as well as the overall health of the enhanced habitat. This data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the mitigation strategies and allows for adaptive management if needed. Our detailed reporting and analysis help developers demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on successful co-existence between solar energy and wildlife. 

A Future Where Energy and Ecology Thrive 

Successfully mitigating impacts on burrowing owls requires a collaborative and proactive approach, integrating ecological expertise with sound engineering principles. At Blended Power, we are committed to helping solar developers navigate these complexities, ensuring their projects can contribute to a sustainable energy future while also safeguarding our valuable wildlife. By employing strategies like pre-construction surveys, avoidance, passive relocation, habitat enhancement, and long-term monitoring, we can achieve a balance where clean energy projects and thriving ecosystems can coexist and flourish. Let us partner with you to make your solar project a soaring success, both environmentally and economically.

Reach out to our team if you have any questions about wildlife preservation during your next solar project. 

Burrowing hole of the Burrowing Owl.