SCI REMC launched a Raptor Enrichment Program in April 2011. The goals of the program are to promote wildlife habitats and protect native birds of prey in the SCI REMC service area by building nesting platforms that keep raptors off power lines, and installing perches near bodies of water to support the fishing and feeding needs of these amazing birds.
SCI REMC is the first cooperative and the second utility in the nation to start an Energy for Wildlife Program certified through the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and was presented the first Energy for Wildlife Achievement Award in 2006 by the NWTF. To date, SCI REMC has installed 312 blue bird boxes, 66 bat boxes, 79 wildlife food plots and planted several tons of a grass seed/clover mixture in its power line Right of Ways and has worked closely with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Outline for the Energy for Wildlife Program (PDF)
(partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation)
The National Wild Turkey Federation has formed an electrifying partnership with South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation of Martinsville, Ind., to become part of the NWTF's Energy for Wildlife conservation program.
Energy for Wildlife is a membership-based certification program for all energy companies with the primary goal of enhancing wildlife habitat on company managed, owned or influenced lands, including power line and gas rights-of-ways, plant sites, forestlands, or other properties.
The following species are the focus of our efforts:
- Owls
- Eastern Screech Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Barn Owl
- Barred Owl
- Large Hawk Species
- Northern (Hen) Harrier
- Bald Eagle
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Small Hawk Species
- American Kestrel
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk