Smith: Commission’s decision on solar farm likely dims future of prairie chickens in Wisconsin

The plight of the greater prairie chicken in Wisconsin appears set to take a turn for the worse.

As a longtime advocate for the native bird, that’s a hard statement for me to write.

And although it does include assumptions and uncertainties, species experts say it’s the logical conclusion.

On Jan. 16 the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin issued a final decision approving plans for a solar farm adjacent to Buena Vista State Wildlife Area, a public property home to most of the state’s threatened prairie chickens.

The project as designed by Vista Sands Solar will be the state’s largest solar farm, generating up to 1,315 megawatts and covering at least 7,110 acres, or more than 10 square miles, in the Village of Plover and Towns of Grant, Plover, and Buena Vista in Portage County.

As the climate warms and our energy demands increase, the project got wide support for its potential to add substantial solar power to the grid.

However it was strongly opposed in the conservation community for its planned location and potential risks to prairie chickens.

The prairie chicken requires large grasslands, a rare habitat in 21st century Wisconsin. The vast majority of native prairie in the state has been converted to agricultural fields or other human developments.

And as the grasslands have declined so have the prairie chickens and dozens of other species dependent on the habitat. In 2024 the Department of Natural Resources counted just 288 male prairie chickens on 37 leks, also known as booming grounds or breeding sites, in the state.

All were on four state-owned properties in central Wisconsin, with 73% of the birds on Buena Vista.

Since prairie chickens have called a “bird of avoidance” due to their aversion for trees, buildings and overhead structures, the prospect of thousands of solar panels on land adjacent to the state’s largest remaining population of prairie chickens raised alarms among wildlife conservationists.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation led the charge and, largely through the efforts of George Meyer, a lawyer, former Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and former WWF executive director, intervened in the process.

The WWF forced the PSC and DNR to perform an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal.

The process played out over the last 10 months or so, including multiple reports, legal proceedings and public hearings.

The WWF asked for the solar project to be no closer than one-half mile from the grasslands and one mile from any lek.

Concerns identified through the EIS led Vista Sands to modify several aspects, including removal of most overhead transmission lines.

And though the developer offered other concessions, including funding positions for two researchers at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and donating $2.1 million to help the DNR implement the state’s prairie chicken management plan, it largely dug its heels in on the location. As designed, it will be closer to Buena Vista than WWF recommended.

The PSC agreed with the company’s arguments and voted 3-0 in favor of the modified plan in December. The decision was finalized in the Jan. 16 written announcement.

Supporters of the project have said no study exists showing negative effects of a solar farm on prairie chickens. That is true.

Absence of a study, however, is simply that.

Peter Ziegler of Slinger, past president of the Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus, Ltd. (Greater Prairie Chicken Society), said past experiences with the species indicates development so close to Buena Vista would likely push prairie chickens only one way – closer to their end in Wisconsin.

The WWF has 30 days to file an appeal to the PSC decision. Meyer said the organization is considering its options.

“The big issue is the distance the solar arrays are from the grasslands and the leks,” Meyer said. “It’s tough because we need more clean energy but we took this on to try to help keep as much undisturbed habitat as possible for the prairie chickens. We’re studying it and will make a decision (on a potential appeal) in the next couple weeks.”

No matter the outcome, everyone who loves prairie chickens owes the WWF and Meyer a thanks for their efforts in this case.

And If you haven’t seen prairie chickens dance on a lek, make plans to do so. It’s one of the greatest wonders of Wisconsin wildlife.

Milwaukee County parks to host kid’s ice fishing clinics

Free ice fishing clinics for youth will be offered Saturday at four Milwaukee County parks.

The events will be led by members of local fishing clubs who will teach participants to ice fish and stay safe while enjoying the activity. Instruction will begin indoors with lessons on ice safety, fish identification, knot tying, proper equipment use and other fishing techniques. Fishing equipment is available to borrow, but attendees are asked to bring their own if possible.

Clinics begin on the hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The events are for youth ages 15 and under; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

The locations are: Dineen Park, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee, clinic run by members of Inner City Sportsmen Club; Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis, run by Milwaukee Great Lakes Sports Fishermen; McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., West Allis, run by Southside Sportsmen’s Club; and Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale, run by Walleyes Unlimited.

The clinics are sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee County Parks and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Attendees don’t have to register but advance notice is appreciated for groups larger than 20. For more information, contact DNR fisheries biologist Laura Schmidt at Laura.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov or (414) 416-0591.

Urban Ecology Center reopens Washington Park branch

The Urban Ecology Center will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the reopening of its facility in Washington Park in Milwaukee.

The UEC’s Washington Park branch was established in 2007 and its building has been undergoing extensive renovations for the last 18 months. The updated facility will allow the organization to double the number of people it reaches, including more early childhood education programs, according to UEC.

Following remarks at the 10 a.m. ceremony, UEC staff will host its annual Winterfest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited for both events, which are free.

The UEC’s Washington Park branch is at 1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee.

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