Council reviews staff recommendation for post‑construction bird and bat monitoring (Wild1)

FSEC staff presented a proposed letter for executive director approval of mitigation measure Wild1, the post‑construction bird and bat fatality monitoring plan for the 4 7 wind farm certificate holder. Staff said the plan requires monitoring for a minimum of three years and that monitoring results will inform adaptive management strategies and mortality threshold responses.

The plan requires the certificate holder to consult after each monitoring period with a technical advisory committee, FSEC staff and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine whether mitigation measures should be adjusted. Council members asked when a legal decision on a related proposal might be expected; counsel said timing was unpredictable but possibly within a few months. The council registered no immediate objections to proceeding with the staff letter.