Science Features

Science Features are a great way to find out about the science activities conducted at the FORT both in the past and today. Written in plain English, science features highlight the exciting work conducted everyday by FORT Scientists.

Where Eagles Nest, the Wind also Blows: Consolidating Habitat and Energy Needs

xEnergy development is rapidly escalating in resource-rich Wyoming, and with it the risks posed to raptor populations. These risks are of increasing concern to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is responsible for protecting the persistence of protected species, including raptors. In support of a Federal mandate to protect trust species (including raptors) and the wind energy industry’s need to find suitable sites on which to build wind farms, scientists at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) and their partners are conducting research to help reduce impacts to raptor species from wind energy operations. Potential impacts include collision with the turbine blades as well as habitat disruption and disturbance from construction and operations.

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Interactive Energy Atlas for Colorado and New Mexico: An Online Resource for Decision-makers and the Public

In order to balance the benefits of energy development with the potential consequences a team of USGS scientists has developed an online Interactive Energy Atlas for Colorado and New Mexico. The purpose of the EERMA Interactive Energy Atlas is to facilitate access to geospatial data related to energy and natural resources that may be affected by energy development. The Atlas is designed to meet the needs of varied users who seek information about energy in the western United States.

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