December 8, 2010
Arizona, Letters

Wind turbines will affect hunters

Williams News, www.williamsnews.com 7 December 2010

I would like to encourage all Williams, Red Lake, Junipine Estates, Howard Mesa and Four Hills Ranch residents to consider the potential consequences of the proposed wind turbine complex at Perrin Ranch. The community meeting on Dec. 2 was an eye-opener for me.

Please don’t be misled by the belief that wind turbines are the green alternative to energy. The impacts of these 400-foot wind turbines go beyond the visual. Studies have shown that wind turbines kill many raptors, bats and migratory birds. Construction of roads and pads increases erosion, dust, and a loss of wildlife habitat. An ever-present hum and vibration can be heard from each turbine. There will be a steady stream of synchronized red blinking lights all night long.

For those who hunt, or are dependent on the revenue from hunters, this project will impact you. The Perrin Ranch complex (state and private land) will be closed to hunting. This area is directly north of Junipine Estates and extends to Howard Mesa. It is one of the most easily accessed areas for hunters out of Williams. The loss of revenue to the city of Williams could be significant upon this closure, more than any tax revenue generated from the project.

I am a conservationist and support a greener world, but I don’t believe wind energy is the answer. Studies have shown that wind turbines are not very efficient and leave behind a huge destructive footprint. I don’t believe in trading our wide-open spaces for green development.

I would like to encourage area residents to speak up and make the sacrifice of your time. This project will only set a precedent for more projects like this in the future. Come to the Dec. 16 meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Coconino County Arts Building at 2300 N. Fort Valley Rd., and/or write a letter to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. The decision will be made at this meeting. This is our community and we need to make our opinions known.

Please go to SOWOS.org for more information.

Wendy Howell

Williams


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/08/wind-turbines-will-affect-hunters/