Fwd: Re[4]: [at-l] RE: Windmills

[Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net> (Bob Cummings)]

This is a forwarded message
From: Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net>
To: Snodrog5@aol.com
Date: Monday, November 19, 2001, 4:35:14 PM
Subject: [at-l] RE: Windmills

===8<==============Original message text===============
The statement posted by Snodrog5 is the position taken by the Maine Chapter,
AMC, two years ago and remains the official position of the Maine Chapter.
However, the chapter has taken no position on the revised and expanded plans.
The issue is slated for discussion at a meeting of the Maine Chapter directors
in Auburn on Dec. 5.

 The Appalachian Trail Board of Governors, meeting in Harpers Ferry over the
 weekend, has unanimously voted to oppose the expanded project. However, I still
 do not have the details of that resolution.

 Weary

 The following is the Maine Chapters position as of two years ago, as posted by
 Snodrog5:

Redington Windpower Statement:

"The executive committee of the Maine Chapter,
Appalachian Mountain Club has voted unanimously to oppose a proposed windpower
electrical generating site  on the Redington Mountain Range in Western Maine.
Although we generally support the development of alternative energies, an
industrial wind power site on the Redington Mountain Range, within two miles  of
the Appalachian Trail, a National Scenic Trail, and in full view of many  of the
trail’s scenic overlooks in western Maine would violate the natural  beauty of
the area, detract from the enjoyment of the natural Maine  environment and do
serious economic and aesthetic damage to the trail, the  surrounding communities
and the enjoyment of many thousands of Maine  residents and visitors .

"The Appalachian Trail runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in
Maine. Each year this trail attracts several million hikers, including many
thousands to Maine. Those who have hiked the entire trail almost universally
consider the footpath in Maine as the wildest, most beautiful and most
challenging of the 14 states which the trail traverses. The proposed  industrial
complex of towers and wind generators would do serious damage this  very
valuable resource.

"Further this industrial complex would be located within the state’s largest
cluster of 4,000 foot peaks, damaging the views from some of these peaks and
destroying the feeling of wildness that now make the area so special. Though  we
are most concerned with the aesthetics of the development, we recognize  also
that the Appalachian Trail and surrounding high peaks are an important  economic
resource for the communities in the area. Dozens of retail shops,  restaurants,
hostels, motels and other establishments cater to the hiking  community.
Developments that damage the attractiveness of the area will also  hurt these
business establishments."

Weary