Avian Protection Plan Guidelines
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC), has developed voluntary guidelines designed to help electrical utilities protect and conserve migratory birds. Working with the guidelines, a utility can use the latest technology and science to tailor a voluntary Avian Protection Plan that meets specific utility needs at its facilities. See also the two-hour short course in powerpoint format on the "Resources" page.
Applicability to DOI facilities: Avian Protection Plans can be incorporated into facility Environmental Management Systems as well as Asset Management Plans to outline mitigative measures to undertaken to prevent utility infrastructure serving DOI sites from harming wildlife. Note that other types of guide wires associated with cell towers and support for other aerial structures have the potential to create avian impacts; protective measures can be taken to minimize such impacts as well.
Endorsement of Joint Service-Avian Power Line Interaction Committee Template for Voluntary Avian Protection Plans with the Electric Utility Industry, Memorandum from Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, April 15, 2005