Located in Morgan County, Illinois, the Lincoln Land Wind energy facility consists of 107 turbines generating up to 302 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity. The project footprint sits within the Lower Illinois watershed, a historically rich but fragmented landscape of woodlands and farmland. It is also home to several vulnerable bat species, including the Indiana bat (IBAT) and northern long-eared bat (NLEB), both protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Surveys conducted in 2018 confirmed the presence of multiple bat species, prompting Lincoln Land, LLC to pursue a 30-year Incidental Take Permit (ITP). As a trusted ecological partner, RES was engaged to deliver a mitigation strategy.

To meet the ITP obligations, RES provided:

• 117 IBAT credits
• 78 NLEB credits
• 172 acres of mature forest protection

These credits were achieved through the long-term preservation of high-value forest habitat at risk of timber harvest or development. By protecting intact, mature woodland, we ensured sustainable, high-quality roosting and foraging environments for sensitive bat populations across the region.

A Long-Term Commitment

This mitigation effort spans from 2021 through 2051, reflecting RES’s dedication to long-term ecological outcomes. The conserved land will remain a living buffer, helping stabilize declining bat populations while reinforcing the ecological integrity of central Illinois.