Wildlife
It is well known that the mule deer winter range and summer range covers much of Montezuma County. Their needs include OPEN FIELDS and SAGEBRUSH. Removing both of those from any ecosystem for a utility-scale solar facility means the loss of deer in the Goodman Point environment especially. Wildlife and habitat issues tend to be taken into consideration later in the siting process. This leads to mitigation options rather than proactive planning. Don't forget that ungulates provide significant recreation and economic benefits in our county and state.
Statistics can be found on the USFW website for deer and other animals including bears, elk, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, jackrabbits, porcupines, birds, snakes, lizards, and more. Don’t forget the insects, bats, plants, weeds, native flowers, and crops growing in the area; all have a place in the ecosystem and micro climates that exist within the nearly 4,500 acres under agreement with Juwi, Inc. Wait until the rodent population explodes inside the many fenced perimeters. Who wants that kind of interference with the ecosystem next door?
Consider the raptors: during the course of the seasons, at least five different types can be seen hunting the area of proposed construction. Red tail hawk, harrier hawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, and kestrel have been observed making their nests on or near the properties under agreement during many years past. To have nests and raise their young, they need food. The habitat loss and fragmentation and degradation resulting from the construction of a utility-scale solar facility deserves proactive planning - not just mitigation.
Address
Cortez, CO, 81321
Contact
sayno2solarfarms@gmail.com
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