Wind power is coming to Kibby Mountain.
But not to Black Nubble.
So decided Maine’s LURC yesterday.
I have asked this question in the past and I ask it again today: Why is Kibby Mountain any less valuable than Black Nubble?
Why will we now adorn the Kibby Mountain Range with wind towers, but not Black Nubble? Please understand, of course, that I prefer not to have wind power projects on either location.
Let’s try a little exercise…
Read this from today’s news story:
“During their deliberations Monday, commissioners cited potential effects on natural resources on Black Nubble, which offers habitat for several rare animal and plant species, but spent more time on the development’s visual effect. The 400-foot-tall lighted towers would have a dramatic effect on the Appalachian Trail, which comes within miles of the mountain, according to groups that opposed the application. Commissioner Rebecca Kurtz said the application proposed what amounts to an industrial site on a mountaintop and could affect both the mountain scenery and the area’s natural resources.”
Now substitute “Kibby Mountain” and “local trails” for “Black Nubble” and “Appalachian Trail.” Then read again.
Notice how nothing really changes?
That’s right.
Think about that.
“… an industrial site on a mountaintop and could affect both the mountain scenery and the area’s natural resources.”
Sure, we all love our Appalachian Trail and its precious wild environs. A wind power project, however well-intended and potentially beneficial, doesn’t belong near there. There are plenty of other more suitable locations for wind power elsewhere in Maine.
But are we to throw Kibby Mountain under the bus because it is less known and less visited? Does it really have less value? Does it?
I haven’t hiked Kibby Mountain. But I do know the area pretty well. And it’s wild and beautiful. No, it’s not officially protected, as in state or federally-owned. It’s private forestland, productive timberland. So what?
Are we really going to mar Kibby Mountain in order to feel good about being green?
I guess so. LURC has spoken. Black Nubble wins (yeah!), Kibby loses.
According to TransCanada, pending final zoning changes and project approval, construction is expected to commence sometime in 2009 or 2010.
Given that timetable my plan is to finally hike Kibby Mountain sometime next summer. Just for yucks. Maybe you all can join me.
We’ll have a requiem for Kibby Mountain. A mountaintop party. Drink a few beers on the summit. Hoot and holler some. Pee onto the rocks and blueberry bushes. Say goodbye to Kibby as it is. Feel green, piss yellow.
We can even leave our beer cans and lunch trash right there. What will it matter when the big honking D-9er plows up over the ridgetop in a year or so? Not a damn.
Posted by Carey Kish
15 January 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/15/requiem-for-kibby-mountain/