Why We’re Worried About Wildlife

The Sidewinder H2 Project isn’t just about wind turbines and solar panels—it’s about what happens to the land and the creatures that call it home. Niobrara County is special. It’s home to mule deer, antelope, nesting birds, raptors, and countless other species that rely on this area to move, breed, and survive. When you start adding massive wind towers, miles of fencing, industrial traffic, and construction noise—it all adds up to a real problem for wildlife.  

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

The Sidewinder Project would stretch across tens of thousands of acres. That’s not just empty space—that’s habitat. Wide-open rangeland, migration paths, nesting grounds—this project cuts through it all. Fences and roads break up the land, and that makes it harder for animals to move freely or find safe places to live.

Birds and Blades Don’t Mix

Wind turbines aren’t harmless to birds. Eagles, hawks, and other raptors hunt low and fly wide—and they’re especially vulnerable. The same goes for bats, which are vital for insect control and pollination. Once turbines go up, it’s often too late to fix the damage.

It’s Not Just Big Game

From burrowing owls to prairie dogs, many smaller species are affected too. Disruption to native grasses and soil from construction and roads can wipe out the ecosystems these animals depend on. This project changes everything from the ground up—literally.

So What Can We Do?

We’re not anti-renewable energy. But we are pro-Wyoming. We believe projects this big need real scrutiny—especially when they threaten the wildlife that makes this place so unique.

There hasn’t been enough transparency. There hasn’t been enough research. And there definitely hasn’t been enough local say.