Science Museum Lecture Series: Marco Restani on Avian Protection at NorthWestern Energy in Montana
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7:00 pm in Mars Ag Center room 201. Free to attend.
Lecture will be in-person and live streamed – link available at www.sheridan.edu/lectures
Abstract: Power companies, wildlife agencies, and conservation organizations have collaborated for decades to reduce bird electrocutions and collisions with power lines. NorthWestern Energy in Montana implements an Avian Protection Plan across its entire electrical system. New power lines are constructed following bird-safe standards and existing lines are retrofitted with bird protection devices where electrocutions or collisions have occurred. This presentation will review the legislation protecting birds, the biology and engineering behind bird-power line interactions, and management to reduce conflicts. Examples from waterfowl to raptors to songbirds will illustrate the diversity of challenges experienced in MT.
Biosketch: Marco Restani is a Wildlife Biologist at NorthWestern Energy responsible for developing and implementing the company’s avian protection program. He attended the University of Montana (BS), Montana State (MS), and Utah State (PhD). Following post-doctoral research at the University of Washington, Marco was Professor of Wildlife Ecology for 15 years. Each summer he also coordinates the research component of the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society Osprey Project.
