Spotted owls block Skamania wind farm expansion

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Plans for a wind farm on some state land in Skamania County are on hold because it’s spotted owl habitat.

The Department of Natural Resources is no longer considering leasing 2,560 acres to the SDS Lumber Co. for possible future expansion of the proposed Whistling Ridge Energy Project.

The Vancouver Columbian reports the state is required to manage the second-growth forest, with scattered old-growth trees, as a spotted owl emphasis area.

Bingen-based SDS Lumber has applied for a permit to build a 42-turbine wind farm on a logged-over ridge it owns near Underwood. It approached DNR officials about expanding the proposed Whistling Ridge project onto adjacent state land.

The DNR currently has 24 active wind power leases.

Information from: The Columbian, www.columbian.com

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