Bitter Ridge Wind Permittee Responsible Mitigation

RES supports Scout Clean Energy’s 130 megawatt (MW) Bitter Ridge Wind Project, which has 52 turbines in Jay County, Indiana. Our team designed and delivered a mitigation strategy to offset impacts to federally protected bat species. The project falls within the known range of both the endangered Indiana bat (IBAT) and northern long-eared bat (NLEB). A 35-year Incidental Take Permit (ITP) was obtained to ensure long-term compliance and stewardship.

Habitat Protection Strategy

RES, together with affiliated sponsor First Indiana Resources, implemented a science-based conservation solution that includes:

97.2 acres of summer roosting and foraging habitat

5.2 acres of swarming habitat protection

These habitat protections were formally secured via conservation easements and tailored to meet specific species’ life cycle needs, offering 133 IBAT credits and 58 NLEB credits.

Strategic Conservation Placement

Martin County Parcel: Part of the RES-owned 558-acre tract, directly adjacent to the Indiana DNR Martin State Forest, and near known IBAT and NLEB maternity habitat.

Greene County Parcel: Located within one mile of a Priority I hibernaculum and USFWS-designated conservation priority site, enhancing connectivity and winter survival outcomes.

Project Highlights

Permittee Responsible Mitigation (PRM): Full delivery model offering integrated planning, habitat protection, and compliance management

Positive Habitat Outcomes: Targeted conservation near high-value ecological features

Long-Term Impact: 30+ years of legal and ecological stewardship are built into the project’s core