The grasslands of Washington County, New York, are poised to lose more than 300 acres to a controversial solar project by the Canada-based company Boralex. This initiative threatens a vital habitat for grassland birds, which have already experienced significant declines in population due to habitat loss across North America. The project awaits final permit approval from the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), with expectations that the necessary permits could be issued by June 2024.
The proposed solar panels will span over 500 acres, encroaching on an area designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Washington County is recognized as one of eight critical sites for grassland preservation in New York. Terry Griffin, chair of the Grassland Bird Trust, voiced strong objections, stating, “They couldn’t have picked a worse place.”
The trust recently released a newsletter highlighting that ORES has expressed disapproval of their request for a compromise. Despite the pushback, ORES is likely to affirm this stance, paving the way for Boralex to proceed with its plans.
The Grassland Bird Trust has argued for increased mitigation efforts to compensate for the habitat destruction. ORES regulations stipulate that for every acre of grassland bird habitat disturbed, 0.2 acres must be mitigated for wintering birds and 0.4 acres for breeding birds. The trust noted that a recent study indicated that 216 acres would need to be mitigated, a figure Griffin criticized as inadequate given the urgency of the situation.
The Washington County Grasslands serve as a crucial habitat for 11 species classified as “species of greatest conservation need,” including the American kestrel, bobolink, and northern harrier. Notably, grassland birds have faced an alarming decline, with a reported 43% drop in population since 1970, according to the North American Bird Conservation Initiative.
Griffin emphasized the ecological significance of the project site, stating, “The specific area that they’re putting the panels on has several unique designations given to it as very valuable habitat for grassland birds.” The state’s Natural Heritage Program has identified the Grasslands as a Winter Raptor Concentration Area, highlighting the region’s importance for species like the northern harrier, which is currently listed as threatened in New York.
The ongoing habitat loss, exacerbated by agricultural expansion and pesticide use, has forced some species, such as short-eared owls, to relocate further north into Canada. Once prevalent in the area, these owls are now critically endangered, with only an estimated 50 breeding pairs remaining in New York.
The Grassland Bird Trust and its supporters continue to advocate for more substantial mitigation efforts from both ORES and Boralex. During a public hearing held on September 30, 2023, community members submitted hundreds of comments in support of the trust’s position.
Katherine Roome, the trust’s board secretary, acknowledged the likelihood that ORES may not reverse its decision but emphasized their commitment to future habitat protection. “We have not given up by any means,” she stated.
Before ORES was established in 2020, the mitigation ratios required for habitat disturbance were significantly more stringent, necessitating one acre of mitigation for grassland bird wintering habitat and three acres for breeding habitat. Roome mentioned her recent discussions with state Assembly member Carrie Woerner, who has been a strong advocate for grassland conservation. Woerner is expected to reintroduce legislative measures aimed at restoring the original mitigation ratios.
Woerner’s previous efforts have resulted in securing $500,000 in state budget funding for the purchase of additional grassland habitat. She has also championed a law ensuring the state pays property taxes on grassland habitats.
The Grassland Bird Trust relies heavily on donations and volunteers to maintain its conservation efforts. It organizes events at the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Viewing Area, providing the public with opportunities to engage with the local ecosystem. For more information about their initiatives and how to get involved, visit the trust’s website at grasslandbirdtrust.org.
As the situation develops, the future of Washington County’s grasslands remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance renewable energy development with the urgent need for habitat conservation.
