1/7/2025

MADISON - Wisconsin’s cave bats are in rapid decline. Now the DNR is looking at new restrictions on wind turbines to help save the bats.  Knowing that bats do not like to fly in high winds, the DNR is proposing wind turbine cut-in speeds. Essentially, wind turbines would not be allowed to spin until the wind reaches a high enough speed that bats would be less likely to be out flying.  The curtailment would focus on what the DNR calls bat priority areas-- where bats are mainly concentrated in the Northeast and Southwest parts of the state.  The DNR is accepting public comments on this draft policy until Jan. 15.