Solar Farm Wildlife Protection and Habitat Management Checklist
This solar farm wildlife protection and habitat management checklist ensures compliance with USFWS Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit conditions, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) requirements for bird protection, USDA pollinator habitat guidelines for agrivoltaic and pollinator-friendly solar programs, and NRCS conservation program requirements for solar-compatible habitat. Designed for solar O&M environmental teams to maintain wildlife-friendly operations and verify compliance with species pro
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
- Role: Environmental Compliance Manager / Wildlife Biologist
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: USFWS Endangered Species Act Section 7/10 Conditions, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Compliance Requirements, USDA NRCS Pollinator Habitat Conservation Program, State Wildlife Agency Solar Habitat Guidelines, USFWS Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Permits
Vegetation Management
Habitat-friendly vegetation management.
- Native species ground cover established and maintained?
- Mowing conducted per wildlife-friendly protocol (not during nesting season)?
- Herbicide use minimized and pollinator-safe products used?
- Invasive species management program active?
- Minimal bare soil exposed (>80% vegetation cover target)?
Pollinator Habitat
Pollinator-friendly solar program compliance.
- Native flowering plants blooming in season?
- Pollinators (bees, butterflies) observed on site?
- USDA AgBMP/RCPP pollinator program requirements being met?
- Pollinator seed mix meeting state/program specifications?
- Habitat Condition/Pollinator Photo
Bird Protection (MBTA/BGEPA)
Migratory bird and eagle protection.
- No active bird nests in equipment or structures without USFWS concurrence?
- Eagle activity monitoring current per USFWS ECPAS?
- Bird mortality monitoring program active?
- Bird mortalities reported to USFWS per permit?
- Bird deterrents (if required) in good condition?
Wildlife Exclusion and Access
Fencing and wildlife passage management.
- Perimeter fencing wildlife-friendly per permit conditions?
- Wildlife escape gaps or doors in perimeter fence (if required)?
- No evidence of wildlife entrapment or stranding inside fence?
- Wildlife-friendly water features (if present) properly maintained?
- Seasonal reptile/tortoise surveys completed (if required by permit)?
ESA and Wildlife Permit Compliance
Species protection permit compliance.
- Incidental Take Permit (ITP) conditions being met?
- Biological Opinion reasonable and prudent measures implemented?
- Required species conservation measures implemented?
- Annual wildlife report submitted to USFWS/state?
- Off-site habitat mitigation (if required) active and monitored?
Documentation
Wildlife compliance records.
- Quarterly wildlife monitoring reports current?
- Species observation logs maintained?
- Agency wildlife inspection findings addressed?
- Lessons learned from wildlife incidents documented?
- Wildlife Management Notes
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Why Use This Solar Farm Wildlife Protection and Habitat Management Checklist?
This solar farm wildlife protection and habitat management checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for environmental compliance manager / wildlife biologist professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.
Ensures compliance with USFWS Endangered Species Act Section 7/10 Conditions, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Compliance Requirements, USDA NRCS Pollinator Habitat Conservation Program, State Wildlife Agency Solar Habitat Guidelines, USFWS Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Permits. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Solar Farm Wildlife Protection and Habitat Management Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Vegetation Management, Pollinator Habitat, Bird Protection (MBTA/BGEPA), Wildlife Exclusion and Access, ESA and Wildlife Permit Compliance, Documentation. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.
Who should use this Solar Farm Wildlife Protection and Habitat Management Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Environmental Compliance Manager / Wildlife Biologist professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.