Abstract

Modeling Avian Electrocution Susceptibility
Track: Ecology and Conservation
Authors: Beth Forbus, Dillon Fitch, Anders Burvall, Megan Sayles

An Avian Protection Plan (APP) is a voluntary program developed to protect and conserve migratory birds by reducing the operational and avian risks that result from avian interactions with electric utility facilities. The Avian Electrocution Susceptibility (AVES) spatial model was developed for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP) as a part of their APP. AVES is a parsimonious additive model that predicts the risk for raptor electrocution and collision associated with all utility poles and towers on MCBCP. It is based on three inputs: raptor nesting data, vegetative habitat data, and raptor incident data. Implementation of the AVES model within the MCBCP's APP establishes a GIS based framework for raptor incident data collection, and provides a cost effective data driven process to prioritize electric poles for retrofitting.

Beth Forbus
AC/S Environmental Security
MCB Camp Pendleton
Box 555008, Bldg 22165
Camp Pendleton, California 92055-5008
United States
Phone: 760-725-9739
E-mail: elizabeth.forbus@usmc.mil

Dillon Fitch
HDR
8690 Balboa Ave
Suite 200
San Diego, California 62123
United States
Phone: (858)7128326
E-mail: dfitch@hdrinc.com

Anders Burvall
HDR
8690 Balboa Ave
San Diego, Colorado 92123
United States
Phone: (858) 712 8326
E-mail: anders.burvall@hdrinc.com

Megan Sayles
AC/S Environmental Security, USMCB Camp Pendleton
Bldg 22165, MCB Box 555008
Camp Pendleton, California 92055-5008
United States
Phone: 760-763-1990
E-mail: megan.sayles@usmc.mil