News Release

Feb. 10, 2012

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NEWS MEDIA CONTACT Valerie Smith Telephone: (505) 241-2892

Avian Advocates Flock to New Mexico Conference on Power Lines and Migratory Birds

Albuquerque: Electric utility employees, government agencies, conservation groups and others will gather for two days next week to discuss innovative ways to reduce the impact of power lines on eagles, hawks and other migratory birds.

The New Mexico Avian Protection Working Group is presenting the 7th Avian Electrocution and Collision Prevention Workshop on Feb. 14 and 15, which will include live displays of several bird species, including a bald eagle, a turkey vulture and several owls, hawks and falcons. The conference is sponsored by PNM and the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, a national group of electric utility biologists.

“This is an important opportunity for bird advocates to discuss and compare notes on the best ways to minimize the impact of power lines on these amazing creatures, who play important roles in the ecosystem,” said John Acklen, technical project manager in the PNM Environmental Services department.

Birds are attracted to power lines because of the height of the poles, especially birds of prey. The tallest place offers the best view, and often power poles offer the height birds seek. But sometimes they can touch energized and grounded equipment, resulting in electrocution, or even collide with lines, especially during low-light conditions.

The conference will include workshops on wildlife corridors and new transmission lines, best practices for wind farms and effective techniques for retrofitting existing power lines. It will also include a short course on avian protection basics offered by APLIC.

For more information or to register, contact Rick Precek (505-228-1843 or via email at rwprecek@yahoo.com).

WHAT:       Avian Electrocution & Collision Prevention Workshop + APLIC Short Course

WHEN:     Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 14-15

WHERE:     MCM Elegante Hotel, 2020 Menaul Blvd., NE, Albuquerque

About PNM
With headquarters in Albuquerque, PNM is the largest electricity provider in New Mexico, serving 500,000 customers in dozens of communities across the state. PNM is a subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company also headquartered in Albuquerque. For more information, visit PNM.com.