Wildlife conservation non-profit Defenders of Wildlife and wind power developers and generators First Wind and NextEra Energy Resources have joined the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI), AWWI announced today.

"AWWI is delighted to welcome Defenders of Wildlife, First Wind, and NextEra Energy Resources to our collaborative network of non-profit, industry and state agency partners," said AWWI Executive Director Abby Arnold. "We very much look forward to working together on science-based, practical solutions. We are also happy about the growing number of inquiries we are receiving about AWWI, and excited about the increased interest in our mission."

AWWI offers a collaborative way forward on wind-wildlife issues that is based on peer-reviewed science and seeks practical improvements in understanding, avoiding, minimizing and mitigating wind-wildlife interactions and impacts.

Current AWWI initiatives include development of a national research program and a centralized database or "research information system," refining a landscape-level assessment tool, identifying mitigation best practices, and education and outreach.

Defenders of Wildlife is a leading national non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. Founded in 1947, it focuses on science-based, results-oriented wildlife conservation.

First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company which develops, owns and operates wind energy projects. Based in Boston, First Wind has developed and currently operates wind energy projects in the Northeast, the West and in Hawaii.

NextEra Energy Resources is the nation’s largest generator of renewable energy from wind and sun, and one of the world's largest generators of wind power, with approximately 85 wind farms in 17 states and Canada. Its parent company, NextEra Energy Inc., is an energy company with nearly 43,000 megawatts of generating capacity.

Defenders of Wildlife joins AWWI as a Sustaining Partner, and First Wind and NextEra Energy Resources join AWWI as Friends.  For a full list of AWWI Sustaining Partners and Friends, click here.