Update on Vista Sands Solar and Greater Prairie-Chickens

Wisconsin's Green Fire, January 15, 2025

by Meleesa Johnson, WGF Executive Director

Working for Renewable Energy AND Wildlife Conservation

In August 2024, at the administrative law hearing for the Vista Sands Solar Project development, I testified on behalf of Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF). In that testimony, we asked for certain solar arrays to be excluded from the final project map. We asked for the exclusion of these arrays due to the proximity to the Buena Vista Wildlife Area, which is one of the last refuges in Wisconsin for the greater prairie-chicken. Greater prairie-chickens are a threatened bird species in Wisconsin. Their ongoing recovery is linked to extensive conservation efforts since the 1950s.
The rationale for the exclusion of these solar arrays was based on data from Jim Kier and Lowell Suring, two prominent greater prairie-chicken experts (and WGF members).  Their years of experience advised us that 14 specific arrays posed a threat to the vitality and longevity of the greater prairie-chicken. This request was mirrored in the testimony by other conservation groups.

What do we expect to happen next?

Our efforts aimed to create a win-win scenario with protections for greater prairie-chickens and advancement of a massive renewable energy project. However, all indications are that only four (4) arrays may possibly be removed. In December, the Public Service Commission (PSC) praised the developer for their concessions on the 4 arrays.
While the final ruling from PSC will not take place until January 16, it can be assumed that the development will go forward with the remaining 10 arrays encroaching on greater prairie-chicken habitat.

View the map of the solar arrays:

The photo below shows the project area.  The red circled arrays are the ones that WGF request be removed.  The arrays with purple or pink hashmarks are those that may be removed.
Map of Vista Sands Solar development solar arrays

Vista Sands Solar map referenced in Public Service Commission Meeting

 

Read more about our work on the Vista Sands Solar Project and Greater Prairie-Chickens:

  1. August 20, 2024: Vista Sands Solar Farm – WGF Public Testimony 
  2. August 8, 2024: Opportunity for Action: Public Hearing on Vista Sands Solar Farm
  3. June 14, 2024: WGF Submits Comments on Vista Sands Solar Farm DEIS
  4. June 6, 2024: Opportunity for Action: Comment on Vista Sands Solar Farm 

 

prairie grasses and flowers with prairie chicken management sign in foreground

Buena Vista Prairie Chicken Meadow by Joshua Mayer via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Contact us with your questions or thoughts about our work on science-based conservation.

Does our work on renewable energy and wildlife conservation inform or inspire you?

Please consider supporting our work with a donation to Wisconsin’s Green Fire. An annual gift of any amount makes you a member.

Thank you!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new articles by email.