A Thoughtful Win for Birds, Business, and Communities

Last week, the Kearney County Board of Commissioners took an important step for both wildlife conservation and the sustainable tourism industry in Nebraska. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Commission approved wind energy regulations that work to protect the Central Platte River's world-renowned Sandhill Crane migration. Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary applauds Kearney County’s actions for their support of wildlife and the local economy. 

Serving as the northern boundary of Kearney County, the Platte River serves as an important stopover habitat for Sandhill Cranes each spring. More than a million cranes use this ecosystem annually, using the river and surrounding habitats to rest and refuel during their migration northward.  

Protecting these habitats is not only critical for wildlife, it is also important for local communities. A recent economic impact study found that the spring migration generates approximately $28 million annually for Central Nebraska's economy, supporting local businesses and jobs through the tourism it generates. This migration is a powerful reminder that healthy ecosystems and thriving communities are often deeply connected.  

Rowe Sanctuary engaged with the County across its months-long process, providing public comment and offering scientific resources about the migration and the responsible siting of wind energy infrastructure.  

Rowe Sanctuary used scientific studies to provide setback recommendations from the Platte River that would restrict the development of wind energy infrastructure.  Research has shown that cranes regularly use habitat extending roughly three miles from the Platte River corridor. Studies have also demonstrated that cranes tend to avoid large wind infrastructure within a similar distance (three miles). Taken together, those findings suggest that maintaining at least six miles between the Platte River and wind energy infrastructure can help minimize impacts to migrating cranes and the habitats they depend upon. Ultimately, the County approved a setback of seven miles from the Platte River, demonstrating a true commitment to protecting this habitat and the tourism industry that depends on it.  

Importantly, Rowe Sanctuary's participation in this process reflects Audubon's broader approach to clean energy that recognizes we need to deploy new energy sources and locate them in places that avoid our most important habitats. It is important to find the right balance, as we know climate change remains one of the greatest threats facing birds, Audubon strongly supports the transition to renewable energy. Audubon's clean energy work emphasizes science-based planning and responsible siting, helping identify locations where renewable energy can be developed with fewer conflicts for wildlife. 

The Kearney County regulations illustrate what this balance can look like in practice. Renewable energy development is an important part of our future, but where infrastructure is ultimately placed is incredibly important. By recognizing the value of this unique landscape, Kearney County has worked to protect one of North America's greatest wildlife migrations. 

At Rowe Sanctuary, we say that conservation succeeds when people come together around shared values. This decision is a positive example of that principle in action. We are grateful to the Board of Commissioners for engaging the public, considering the best available science.  

Protecting the crane migration helps protect a natural wonder, supports local economies, and demonstrates that conservation and responsible development can work hand in hand. We applaud Kearney County for helping ensure that future generations can continue to experience the awe of cranes gathering along the Platte River each spring.  That is a future worth building together.