DNR considering wind turbine restrictions to protect bats

Wisconsin’s cave bats are in rapid decline. Now the DNR is looking at new restrictions on wind turbines to help save the bats. The fungal disease white-nose syndrome has been devastating Wisconsin’s cave bats for over a decade. Now, wind turbines are another detriment because bats tend to be drawn toward them. Knowing that bats do not like to fly in high winds, the DNR is proposing wind turbine cut-in speeds. Wind turbines would not be allowed to spin until the wind reaches a high enough speed that bats would be less likely to be out flying. The curtailment would focus on what the DNR calls bat priority areas– where bats are mainly concentrated in the Northeast and Southwest of the state. The DNR says they’re still in contact and collecting feedback from energy companies. The DNR is accepting public comment on this draft policy until Jan. 15.