Here's the FCC Press Release.
73,Bob K8IA
Apache Junction, Arizona USA
in the shadow of the Superstition Mtns
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Study to collect empirical data on towers vs. birds
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of the Federal
Communications Commission announced the signing of an agreement
Wednesday with Michigan to gather empirical scientific information on
bird collisions with towers as it builds a statewide public safety
communications system.
The agreement ensures that Michigan will comply with requirements
under the FCC's rules implementing the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act as it builds the Michigan
Public Safety Communications System. The system includes 180
towers, providing communications for state and local public safety
agencies.
Michigan agreed to aid with an Avian Collision Study at selected
towers. The study will be conducted over the next two-and-one-half
years and will contribute to the understanding of the effects of
communications towers on migratory birds, including those protected
as endangered species.
Michigan's commitment to the study is part of a Memorandum of
Understanding signed between Michigan, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the FCC Enforcement Bureau as well as the Wireless
Bureau regarding Michigan's 800 MHz public safety licenses.
The Avian Study was developed and designed collaboratively by
ornithologist Paul Kerlinger, of Curry and Kerlinger, and wildlife
biologist Al Manville, of the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird
Management, and reviewed by volunteer ornithological scientists with
the assistance of the Ornithological Council. The Study is intended to
research the effect of lighting, height, and guy wires on avian
collisions at selected towers in the 350 to 500 foot height range. The
variety and heights of towers within the system provide conditions
that are conducive to measuring the effects of the variables.
Depending on funding and property access, the study may also be
expanded to include taller towers.
The agreement promotes the FCC chairman's action plan announced
in May to step up the Commission's ability to protect valuable historic
and environmental resources, while at the same time accelerating the
process of developing necessary communications infrastructure. On
August 20, the Commission also released a Notice of Inquiry to gather
comment and information on the impact that communications towers
may have on migratory birds.
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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