Can rangelands be used for wind-turbine fields, and what are the issues?

Rangelands are suited for wind turbines because of the lack of tall vegetation that may affect suitability, as well as being located in areas with high-quality winds. The use of rangelands for this purpose is increasing. Many issues are related to using rangelands for wind-turbine fields, including visual quality and wildlife habitat. Because of the lack of tall vegetation and the desire to put turbines on ridges where wind quality is higher, the towers tend to stick out and change the visual appearance of the landscape. In many areas, wind turbines can create issues with different wildlife species. In areas with ground-nesting birds, the towers may provide places for predator species to perch. In other areas, the turning blades on the towers may kill different species through contact.

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