East Lansing staff recently completed the Biological Opinion for the Michigan Public Safety Communication System (MPSCS), an array of 179 communication towers located throughout the state. 

The Biological Opinion represents the culmination of a multi-year Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation between the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the State of Michigan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Forty-nine of the 179 towers are located in proximity to breeding areas occupied by the endangered Kirtland’s warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii).   Communication towers, such as those included in the MPSCS system, pose a potential collision hazard for songbirds, particularly during the migratory period. 

Staff, utilizing the results of a recently completed avian collision study in Michigan, assessed the collision risk of the towers to breeding and migrating Kirtland’s warblers.  In the final analysis, it was estimated that up to 63 Kirtland’s warblers may be taken over the life of the project.

The Biological Opinion includes several reasonable and prudent measures to help minimize the anticipated take, including modification of tower lighting types.  Recent research, including the avian collision study in Michigan, indicates tower lighting patterns influence avian collision rates.  Field monitoring of several of the MPSCS towers will commence once tower lighting modifications are approved.