Environmental Group Recommends Vinyl Reflectors to Save Birds, Businesses

RUIDOSO, N.M., Feb. 24, 2009 – To protect two species of Western birds while allowing continued business development,  Environmental Defense Fund officials recommend the use of vinyl reflectors on wire fences that have been installed in several states.  

In the past three years, more than 4,100 miles of wire fences have been built in 15 Western states by the Bureau of Land Management, and through funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.    

Several studies have shown wire fencing to be one main cause of death for sage grouse and lesser prairie chickens, which live in these states. They cannot see the thin wires and fly into them, and the collisions are often fatal.  

The lesser prairie chicken was recently moved near the top of the list of species that are candidates for possible Endangered Species Act protection. Such a classification could restrict livestock grazing, oil and gas development, and wind energy development across much of the country.   

EDF spokesmen have recommended equipping the government-built or government-funded wire fences with reflective devices made from vinyl siding, or other similar markers.   

Michael Bean, senior director of the Wildlife Program and senior attorney, said, "Reducing the hazard from fencing is a practical step that can be taken now to reduce one of the known threats to these birds. It could produce immediate benefits for very little money.  This is a smart investment, and one we could afford."  

He continued, "It's not often we have an opportunity to help two struggling species with such a simple action.  We should retro-fit government-funded fences and ensure that all new fences are built with visibility enhancements of some sort."  

Fence installation costs about $10,000 per mile.  Bean estimated for an extra $200 per mile of fence, or a 2-percent cost increase, all new fencing could be built with bird-saving vinyl reflectors or flagging, and that officials of both agencies have been receptive to addressing the problem.  

The Vinyl Institute represents the leading manufacturers involved in the production of PVC vinyl in the United States, and promotes the value of PVC and vinyl products to society.   

For more information, contact:
Jeffrey B. Palmer
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Vinyl Institute
(703) 741-5669
jeff_palmer@plastics.org   

Also go to:  www.vinylindesign.com and www.vinylinfo.org.