RES was selected to design and implement nature-based mitigation for the Headwaters and Meadow Lake Wind Projects, two major wind energy projects developed by EDP Renewables North America in Indiana.

The Headwaters Wind Project, located in Randolph County, has a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) and includes 100 turbines spread across approximately 53,800 acres. The Meadow Lake Wind Project, situated in Benton and White Counties, has a capacity of 800 MW with 414 turbines in operation.

Conservation Challenge

The Headwaters and Meadow Lake wind farms span regions that intersect with the habitat ranges of two federally endangered bat species:

• Indiana bat (IBAT)
• Northern long-eared bat (NLEB)

To secure the federal Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) required for project construction and operation, EDP needed a mitigation plan. RES, in partnership with its affiliate First Indiana Resource, provided a full-delivery mitigation solution. This included site identification, design, real estate acquisition, restoration implementation, and long-term stewardship.

Ecological Value

• Vermillion County site: Located in the Middle Wabash-Little Vermillion Watershed, this area offers critical summer roosting and foraging habitat.
• Greene County site: Situated within one mile of a federally recognized Priority I hibernaculum, supporting vital bat population dynamics.

Project Highlights

• 598 IBAT credits
• 151 NLEB credits
• 1 acres of protected summer habitat
• 9 acres of protected swarming habitat