Issues to solve
The proposed Chokecherry & Sierra Madre wind projects (Chokecherry) would be located in Carbon County, Wyoming. Issues that need to be addressed through the permitting process include habitat for wildlife, including the greater sage-grouse and golden eagles.
Chokecherry would produce up to 3,000 megawatts of wind power, enough to power nearly a million homes. The proposed project would include 100,615 acres of public land as well as state and private land for a total of 215,000 acres, though the actual footprint of the wind turbine pads and roads would be much smaller, with a predicted total disturbance area of 7,000 acres.
What we're doing
The Wilderness Society is actively engaged in the permitting process and is advocating for consideration of impacts on wildlife and of the interests of local stakeholders. We have recommended that certain areas within the proposed project be off-limits to development because of impacts to grouse, eagles, raptors, bears and other important area wildlife.
Helpful links
- BLM page on Chokecherry & Sierra Madre Wind:
www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/documents/rfo/Chokecherry.html
- BLM Fact sheet on the proposed project:
- BLM’s priority renewable energy projects:
www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/renewable_energy/2012_priority_projects.html
