Using GIS for Preliminary Wind Power Planning

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Using GIS for Preliminary Wind Power Planning
Department of Conservation And Natural
Resources
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Use of GIS for Wind Power Planning

• Visual Representation of Likely Areas of
  Proposed Wind Farm Development
• Compare Wind Power with Critical Resources
• Develop a Layer of Wind Farm Appropriateness
  based on Developed Criteria
• Overlay of Critical Layers of Appropriateness/Ina
  ppropriateness
• Eventual Automated Analysis Process

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The Process

• Compile Best Available GIS Layers
• Overlay to assess Preliminary Appropriateness on
  State Forest Lands
• Apply to Proposed Sites
• Further Analysis and On-Site Surveys
• Share Criteria and Process with other
  Agencies/Land Owners

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Some Potential Layers

• Wind Power/Speed (PA WindMap pawindmap.org)
• Roads
• Land Cover
• Mining Problem Areas (DEP - Bureau of AMR)
• Population Centers
• Power Grid
• Important Bird Areas (PA Audubon/DCNR)
• County Natural Area Inventories (PNHP)
• Major Greenway Corridors (Bureau of Rec Con)
• DCNR Public Lands
• S.F. Wild/Natural Areas
• S.F. Old Growth Forests
• PNDI Environmental Review Polygons for
  Birds/Bats/Unique Habitats (PNHP)
• Others?IMA, exclusionary sites, trails, vistas

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Selected Layer Statistics
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Looking for Input

• The Analysis Process
• Layers Being Used
• Additional Layers?
• Suggestions on Deployment of the Tool/Application