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-friendly standards and existing lines are retrofitted with bird protection devices where electrocutions or collisions have occurred. This presentation by Marco Restani, Biologist at NorthWestern Energy, 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 Montana.

Bio: Marco Restani began birding with the Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon in the late 1970s and the mentorship he received launched him on a lifetime journey with birds. Originally an ‘Army Brat’, he attended high school in Durham before heading west to the University of Montana, Montana State, and Utah State. Following post-doctoral research at the University of Washington, Marco was Professor of Wildlife Ecology for 15 years. He is a Biologist at NorthWestern Energy in Montana responsible for developing and implementing the company’s Avian Protection Program.

The Seacoast Chapter meets monthly on the second Wednesday except the months of July and August unless there is a special program. 7 pm social and the meetings begin at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted (entrance doors locked at 7:45 pm). The public is welcome free of charge. Meetings are held at the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH. Wheelchair accessible. For more information on chapter programs, please contact: Dan Hubbard, (603) 332-4093 or danielhubbard@peoplepc.com. Cancellations will be posted on The Seacoast Chapter web site: http://www.seacoastchapter.org.