06/08/2009

Associated Press

A Washington state wildlife biologist says a proposed wind farm in a forested ridge in eastern Skamania County could harm bats, raptors and other wildlife.

The Columbian newspaper reports that Michael Ritter with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife says that high numbers of bats, raptors and other birds have been recorded at the site.

Ritter says the Whistling Ridge Wind project would be the first in a Western Washington conifer forest. The state supports additional surveys of the area for bats, northern goshawks and owls.

SDS Lumber Co. has applied to the state to build a wind project on a 1,152-acre site. A telephone call to the company by The Associated Press on Monday was not immediately returned.

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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com