Wind and wildlife: co-existence or conflict?

Last October 20 of the nation’s top science-based conservation and environmental groups and wind energy companies formed the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI) to address concerns of environmental impact from wind projects. The members of the AWWI range from Sierra Club and National Audubon to Vestas and GE. Full membership list here. What is AWWI up to? Their stated goals: "Facilitate timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. The institute will do this through research, mapping, mitigation and public education on best practices in wind farm siting and wildlife-habitat protection. AWWI is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies and other industry representatives." AWWI is just getting off the ground, but their sails are full of wind. A new president has been hired. He starts next month and his first goal: hire a research director.