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Sustaining bird populations within our service territory is a hallmark of Alliant Energy's environmental efforts. The return of several raptor species is proof that mankind, nature, and the utility business can work together for a better environment. Peregrine falcons |
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A few years ago, peregrine falcons were almost extinct because their habitat was disappearing. To help falcons in the Midwest find new homes, Alliant Energy began installing nesting boxes on or near our power plants as part of the Raptor Resource Project's Peregrine Utility Program. Ten peregrine falcon chicks were born at Alliant Energy facilities in 2005 - five at the Lansing Generating Station in northeast Iowa, two at the Ottumwa Generating Station in southern Iowa, and three at the Nelson Dewey Generating Station in Cassville, Wis. In September 2005, Alliant Energy crews installed a new nesting box midway up the stack at the M.L. Kapp Generating Station in Clinton, Iowa. Since the start of the Peregrine Utility Program in 1988, approximately 300 young falcons have been born at power plant locations along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and more than 500 at power plants in the Midwest. |
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In addition to the Raptor Resource Project partnership, the Alliant Energy Foundation has contributed more than $11,500 to the Iowa Wildlife Federation for Peregrine Falcon Relocation and Restoration Project since 1999. Alliant Energy also donated land adjoining the Lansing Generating Station property - a natural habitat for peregrine falcons - to Riverland Conservancy in 2002. |
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Bald eagles |
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In the winter months, hundreds of bald eagles can be seen each day from the site of Alliant Energy's Burlington Generating Station on the Mississippi River. The facility opens its gates every January for a mid-winter eagle count organized by the Eagle Nature Foundation. Alliant Energy also sponsors Bald Eagle Days in Prairie du Sac, Wis. The event features release of rehabilitated eagles, educational forums and a bus tour to various eagle-watching spots, including our local hydro plant. |
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Ospreys |
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The Iowa population of ospreys was decimated in the last century by habitat destruction, indiscriminate killing, and pesticide use. In recent years, conservation agencies have transferred the birds from Great Lakes states, where they are plentiful. In summer 2003, employees from our Spirit Lake Operations Center helped the osprey regain a foothold in northwest Iowa for the first time in 150 years by donating their time to install pole-top nesting boxes and by helping to band the first modern-day hatchling. |
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