To the Editor:

In 2007, we and other landowners in the Rudyard/Dafter area were contacted by Half Moon Power Company of Wisconsin for the purpose of determining feasibility of the establishment of a wind energy project. Apparently some preliminary studies have suggested that this area generates fairly strong winds. The original group included landholders within approximately a mile of the east and west sides of I-75, between Dafter and some point in Mackinac County.

Yes, because our land borders I- 75, we were among the landowners contacted. We met with Half Moon Power at the Pure Country Restaurant in Rudyard on a few occasions. The meetings weren’t any secret, and, in fact, each time we and other landowners invited other neighbors whose properties adjoined or were near ours.

The interest of Half Moon Power was to have landowners sign a commitment lease, of temporary duration, for investigatory purposes...to determine whether this area would produce adequate wind to make a wind energy operation profitable. It is certainly understandable that a company whose operation requires a substantial commitment of land would approach landowners first.

During the study period, which was predicted to last three to five years, when two separate wind anemometers/towers were erected to collect wind data, landowners signed leases with Half Moon Power. Yes, we were paid a dollar amount, but I am not talking about phenomenal sums of money, I am talking about single dollars per acre. No one has become rich during this period.

After the three-year study period, it has been determined that the wind production is adequate in this area. At this point, Half Moon Power approached this same group wanting us to sign contracts of longer duration (57 years), which requires very serious contemplation. At the same time they offered compensations to landowners whose properties adjoined, but would not host wind turbines.

Being a skeptic and recognizing the seriousness of such a commitment, I would never consider going into such a situation blind. Thus, we made a trip to Ubly, in the thumb area, where 26 turbines are being operated by the John Deere Company.

We walked an access road of approximately one-fourth to onehalf mile and I listened intently but could hear nothing as we approached. Sounds of high pitch - a whine or a hum - are extremely bothersome to me and I know I could not tolerate living near such. We stood on the steps of the tower, and listening intently, were able to detect a low-pitched “whooshing” sound as each blade passed the tower. I personally didn’t find it any more distracting, not as much as, the strong winds which constantly blow around our property.

We asked all of our questions and felt much more comfortable. It actually struck me as quite peaceful and pastoral with all the trees and corn growing within 25 to 30 feet of the tower.

I asked the company liaison how many documented complaints they had received. Her response was eight. Another person asked if these people were receiving payments from the John Deere Company. Her response was no. You can draw your own conclusions.

For anyone who has apprehensions about wind farms, I strongly encourage you to visit and tour at least one of them. It certainly could help you to make up your mind how you feel about them.

Other things to consider:

1. The wind farm, if established here, will generate local tax dollars. Why wouldn’t we want to take advantage when these people want to come here?

2. Wind energy is a renewable, green resource. It is one thing we have an abundance of here. Why not take advantage of the resource? Chippewa County red clay isn’t suitable for very much more than trees, hay, some grains, pastures, and those aren’t always productive. Suit the land to a productive purpose, I believe.

3. The installation of wind turbines, it is my understanding, will employ local contractors and providers and create eight to ten permanent jobs for local individuals as a permanent maintenance crew.

4. We have been told that the power produced will likely go downstate, so it stands to reason that the turbines will be somewhere in a line, to get the power grid, rather than placed willy-nilly around the township.

5. Please consider the legacy we are leaving for our children, grandchildren, young people of the future. We have progressed beyond the agrarian, industrial, even the communication age. We are now into the technology age where energy requirements will continue to multiply exponentially. Progress will come, wind turbines will come, and the bottom line is this: if we don’t get them, someone else will.

The establishment of a wind energy project requires stringent state and federal regulations and involvement of several government agencies. It is possible for local government to “ordinance” them right out of the picture. If they are to be here, there must be compromise between both sides to keep local people satisfied without totally prohibiting the advent of progress.

Sally Wiles

Rudyard