Editor:

Michael Fry's Nov. 3 column in the Casper Star-Tribune, "Wind power threatens future of sage grouse," is an example of the misinformation being spread about the potential impact of wind energy on wildlife populations in Wyoming. For example, his assertion that the "birds will not breed near tall structures for fear of predators" is not based on any scientific research, just on the opinion of his organization.

The wind and transmission industries have long histories of working with these issues and in most cases have found that wind farms and transmission can coexist with wildlife. The wind industry is dedicated to working with Wyoming Game and Fish and other state and federal agencies to ensure that the sage grouse is protected while responsible wind development takes place.

The wind industry is funding and participating in a research collaborative that is designed to bring scientifically valid evidence to light on the potential impact of wind farms on sage grouse populations. Until that research is completed, commentaries such as Mr. Fry's only add fuel to the fire in pitting wildlife organizations against wind energy developers. This should not be a contentious relationship, it should be one of cooperation to work together to find solutions that allow for responsible development of wind energy in Wyoming while at the same time ensuring that the state's sage grouse populations are protected.

CHERYL RILEY, Cheyenne

Executive Director

Wyoming Power Producers Coalition