DRECP Fact of the Day: Eagles
Golden eagles soar over the Mojave Desert. We know that wind turbines and golden eagles do not mix well. Solar power towers - like those that BrightSource and NRG built in the Ivanpah Valley - can burn eagles alive. And sprawling photovoltaic solar plants can destroy the wildlands where golden eagles like to forage for food. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is responsible for monitoring the status of the golden eagle, and determining whether or not any industry - including the renewable energy industry - is permitted to "take" (harass or kill) golden eagles. (Note: the golden eagle is not an endangered species, but it is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ) A golden eagle recovering from an injury at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. These birds face a number of threats from humans, including climate change, power lines, strikes with vehicles, and wind turbines. According to Appendix H of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservat