Wyoming wind project offers grouse conservation plan

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Wyoming wind project offers grouse conservation plan

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By Matt Joyce
Associated Press Writer
Published:
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:08 PM CDT
Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The developer of a massive wind farm proposed in southern Wyoming is seeking federal approval of a conservation plan for sage grouse.

The Power Company of Wyoming, an affiliate of Denver-based Anschutz (AN'-shoots) Corp., wants to build a 1,000-turbine wind farm on a ranch near Rawlins. But the company faces the challenge of building the project in an area that overlaps with sage grouse habitat.

The conservation plan is part of the company's proposal to enter a ``Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances'' with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The agreement would bind the developer to specific conservation measures. In return, the company wouldn't be subject to new land-use rules if the grouse is listed as endangered in the future.