| A lawsuit over the high number of raptor fatalities in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA) prompted Alameda County to institute the largest avian fatality monitoring program in the history of the wind industry. The monitoring program lasted over 9 years (ending September 2014), and was overseen by a scientific review committee with representatives appointed by the County, the Wind Energy Industry, and environmental groups. Previous estimates of fatalities in the APWRA were base on "average" detection probabilities that varied greatly from one analysis to the next, leading to controversy and confusion. Results of the recent effort were based on detection probabilities estimated from several studies implemented by the monitoring team over several years. Lessons learned from this program with respect to sampling design, statistical rigor, the pitfalls of drawing premature conclusions and making predictions based on a limited data set, and how to set up and manage and scientifically credible, responsible, and effective scientific oversight process have wide-spread applicability. In the end, the monitoring program produced a new paradigm for estimating detection probability, implemented several important studies, and identified one major confounding factor precluding an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of management actions to reduce raptor fatalities.
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