Development of statewide Avian protection plans for Colorado's rural electric cooperatives

Colorado is the first state in the U.S. to implement a holistic, coordinated effort to reduce power line bird electrocutions. Between January 2002 and December 2003, 21 electric cooperatives and Public Service of Colorado (Xcel Energy Inc.) joined to develop statewide Avian protection plans, focusing on individual utility needs, while consolidating the field reviews, system analyses, proactive retrofit approaches, and new construction standards. The process included developing GIS-based bird use and concentration areas, overlaying existing power line information, and identifying potential risk areas within each utility's service territory. Portions of power lines identified in high-risk areas were then field inspected, suggested retrofits were identified, and electrocution risk by structure or area was prioritized. Risk evaluations for existing structures were developed based on pole configuration, aspect, terrain, habitats, and known bird use. A matrix was developed for each utility providing detailed information for both short- and long-term planning. This matrix included a detailed list of suggested retrofitting items and a retrofitting prioritization, based upon habitat and pole configurations. In addition, new construction approaches and design recommendations APPs to the USFWS, which were approved in 2004.