National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Time for outdoor-lovers to wake up

In an area as densely populated, environmentally favored, and habitat rich as Orleans County, wind turbines should be regarded with the utmost skepticism. To me, politicians who are indifferent to them have not thought through the implications of locating industrial wind “farms” in our area anywhere near enough.

As I have tried to point out several times in the past, the siting realities for wind turbines are such that allowing them into our area will certainly further diminish our woodlands. The setbacks inevitably required will force industrial turbines exceeding 500 feet in height into wooded areas, making it necessary to level portions of already pressured habitats. A drive down route 98 north of the Ridge might serve to illustrate what I am talking about.

Sportspersons and environmentally conscious residents might later regret the indifference – even nonchalance – with which they appear to be viewing the targeting of sleepy Orleans County by giant corporations. What we too often take for granted, and sometimes even regard somewhat contemptuously, can be taken from those whose vigilance is lacking.

In my view, this particular issue should be regarded with at least as much alarm as The S.A.F.E. Act. Having a gun with which to hunt means little once there is little left to hunt.

For those such as myself, who are not what I would call “into hunting” as such, the importance of Orleans County on the Atlantic Flyway is difficult to overstate. That does not even take into consideration our tremendous abundance and variety of resident birds.

Companies which stand to reap enormous profits from selling communities on industrial wind “farms” should look to areas with lesser population densities and habitat that is less productive and diverse. The Tug Hill is far better suited for wind farms, as are more extensively wooded areas in general. Putting them off shore makes far more sense to me than further eroding increasingly scarce woodlands in Orleans County.

There are actually parts of this nation where there is virtually nothing of environmental consequence to ruin. Roscoe, Texas is a pretty good example. Much of it resembles a moonscape, and, as I recall, its population density is a tenth of Orleans County’s.

Lovers of the outdoors need to wake up before it is too late.