Mountaintop Open House planned for Lowell wind project construction site

Source: Mountain Talk | Aesthetics, Events, Impacts, Vermont

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The Lowell Mountain Occupiers will hold a second “Mountaintop Open House” on the ridgeline adjacent to the Lowell Wind Project on Sunday, December 4th. “The purpose of the Open House is to allow people to see what’s happening on the mountain and have their questions answered in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational setting,” says organizer Anne Morse. Individuals with a wide range of interests and questions may wish to attend: those in favor of wind power but conflicted about ridgeline development; concerned about loss of wildlife habitat, water quality issues, or aesthetics of large-scale wind; in favor of wind development and wondering why people are opposed; or just curious about what the project looks like. “Projects like the one on the Lowell Mountains have been proposed for over 200 miles of Vermont’s ridgeline; so it’s very important that the residents of the state have a chance to see what the changes to the ridge look like, and to gather information from sources besides the developers. These projects affect everyone,” says Morse.

The group will meet in the parking lot of the Albany Community School (located on Route 14, north of the village center) at 11:30 AM and carpool to the base of the mountains. There will be a short informational overview of the project before groups hike (at their own pace) to the top. At the camp, there will be an orientation to the site; and time for questions, warming up by the campfire, and informal discussion. The hike up takes 30 minutes to an hour, and the orientation and question and answer time will last approximately 30 minutes. Afterward people may stay to visit, or picnic. Hikers should bring a daypack with water and lunch or snacks; and dress for the weather by wearing several layers and a warm hat (the temperature and wind chill at the top are much colder than at the bottom) as well as hiking shoes or rubber boots (the trail is muddy and steep). If there is snow, gaiters or boots are recommended. Attendees may also wish to bring a walking stick or snow shoeing poles, and a mug for hot tea or cocoa. The event will take place rain or shine.

The first Open House, held November 13, had over 90 people in attendance. A show of hands from this group indicated that they unanimously thought another Open House should be held. For more information, contact Anne Morse at amorse/sterlingcollege.edu or 802-281-4432.

Open House on November 13, 2011 - Before the Hike Up

Open House on November 13, 2011 - Ridge Camp Site