Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Wind Power Isn't For The Birds
There’s just no pleasing some people.
MONTEREY, Va. -- Plans for a large commercial wind farm are drawing complaints from some residents who say towering windmills will mar stunning vistas that gave Highland County the nickname "Virginia's Switzerland."
(County Board of Supervisors) Chairman Robin Sullenberger said the supervisors will have to balance the potential revenues the farm could bring to the cash-strapped locality against the impact on the magnificent vistas that attracts visitors.
Environmentalists have voiced concerns about the windmills' potential danger to flying wildlife. Other opponents simply don't like the idea of them dotting the landscape.
Patty Reum said the windmills would tower over the vistas from Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat, a tourism and education business she runs with husband, Tom Brody.
"This is not the place to do it," Reum said. "We're just not industrial out here."
At what point do the concerns of environmentalists cross the line from legitimate to… well, kooky? I’d suggest that making the argument that “We’re just not industrial out here” is a bit kooky. If you have electricity, running water, and a computer, you’re industrial. Patty Reum and Tom Brody have all these things. I know because I found some of their activity on the internet:
At 09:57 PM last October 26th, Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat posted the following at Freelists.com:
We are looking for assistance and support for opposition to the planned "wind farm" on Allegheny Mountain in Highland County. Developers have plans to construct over 30 units- 400'+ wind towers and generators with strobe lights and rotor lights and substations along ridges that include Bear Mountain along Co, Rd. 601. Many birders and outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with this road along the VA/WV border. Views from this road extend to the north past Spruce Knob, WV and to the south and east past Shenandoah Mtn, and beyond. Our farm sits at 4400' in elevation in direct view of the proposed project. We are currently a site on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and our business offers an educational venue for the outdoor enthusiast in a remote and unspoiled setting as well as the opportunity to experience the unique mountain ecology, flora and fauna of this region of the Allegheny Front above 4000'.
I admit, Bear Mountain Farm sounds nice. I'd like to visit sometime. But developing industry in a cash-strapped locality sounds better to me. I’m sure Bear Mountain Farms attracts some business to Monterey… but not enough to keep the area from being “cash strapped,” it would seem.
So, how serious are the environmental concerns about the Wind Farm? I looked into that, too, and didn’t find much. I DID find more internet activity involving Patti and Tom, and someone named Nathan Dias, who posted the following at virtualbirder.com:
As a former San Francisco Bay area resident, I can attest to how improperly placed wind power projects (like Altamont Pass) can kill hundreds of migrating Raptors each year… I shudder to think how many birds would be killed by TWENTY 400-foot wind turbines on Allegheny Mountain!
Good God! Is this really a case of giant bird blenders, potentially spraying the Virginia country side with avian entrails? I looked into that, too. At the Renewable Energy Policy Project website, I learned the following:
Concerns arose when studies in the early 1990’s documented the death of raptors from collisions with wind turbines in Altamont Pass, California. It was discovered that these turbines had been sited in the middle of prime raptor habitat. Extensive studies performed subsequently at sites around the US measured only one or two bird deaths per turbine per year.
Well, that’s not so bad, is it? Especially if the birds can see the turbines and avoid them. Right? The main problem with birds flying into turbines is that they can’t see them. Make the turbines highly visible and that takes care of that. No more birds boinking into giant windmills and falling to the ground after holding up comical cartoon signs that say OUCH! Problem solved. Right? Not so fast, bucko. Making the turbines visible is a problem, too, according to Patti and Tom.
This is an area of unspoiled scenic vistas, no light pollution, which is unique on the East Coast.
I wasn’t really familiar with the concept of light pollution, so I looked into it. Turns out that, in this case, it’s just a matter of aesthetics. Light Pollution (to the degree that light can be called "pollution") causes a problem for astronomers... but for the average person, it’s just a matter of whether or not they find it displeasing. So I wondered if maybe Tom and Patti were astronomers. They’re not:
Tom Brody and Patti Reum are your hosts at the Bear Mountain Farm, located in one of the most beautiful areas in the east. Both of them are biologists, naturalists, science teachers, gardeners, builders and musicians.
Oh, okay. I gotcha:
Look, I wish Tom and Patti the best, I really do. But I think this comes down to a case of the NIMBYs and I think they’re jumping the gun. Plus, I think their priorities are out of order. The economic needs of the area are more important than the needs of their Bed and Breakfast. Besides, it’s possible that the wind farm might prove to be a tourist draw. Let’s hope for the best. And let’s hope that the wind farm gets a go from the County Board of Supervisors. In the south, we can’t afford to balk at opportunity simply because “we’re not industrial out here.”
MONTEREY, Va. -- Plans for a large commercial wind farm are drawing complaints from some residents who say towering windmills will mar stunning vistas that gave Highland County the nickname "Virginia's Switzerland."
(County Board of Supervisors) Chairman Robin Sullenberger said the supervisors will have to balance the potential revenues the farm could bring to the cash-strapped locality against the impact on the magnificent vistas that attracts visitors.
Environmentalists have voiced concerns about the windmills' potential danger to flying wildlife. Other opponents simply don't like the idea of them dotting the landscape.
Patty Reum said the windmills would tower over the vistas from Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat, a tourism and education business she runs with husband, Tom Brody.
"This is not the place to do it," Reum said. "We're just not industrial out here."
At what point do the concerns of environmentalists cross the line from legitimate to… well, kooky? I’d suggest that making the argument that “We’re just not industrial out here” is a bit kooky. If you have electricity, running water, and a computer, you’re industrial. Patty Reum and Tom Brody have all these things. I know because I found some of their activity on the internet:
At 09:57 PM last October 26th, Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat posted the following at Freelists.com:
We are looking for assistance and support for opposition to the planned "wind farm" on Allegheny Mountain in Highland County. Developers have plans to construct over 30 units- 400'+ wind towers and generators with strobe lights and rotor lights and substations along ridges that include Bear Mountain along Co, Rd. 601. Many birders and outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with this road along the VA/WV border. Views from this road extend to the north past Spruce Knob, WV and to the south and east past Shenandoah Mtn, and beyond. Our farm sits at 4400' in elevation in direct view of the proposed project. We are currently a site on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and our business offers an educational venue for the outdoor enthusiast in a remote and unspoiled setting as well as the opportunity to experience the unique mountain ecology, flora and fauna of this region of the Allegheny Front above 4000'.
I admit, Bear Mountain Farm sounds nice. I'd like to visit sometime. But developing industry in a cash-strapped locality sounds better to me. I’m sure Bear Mountain Farms attracts some business to Monterey… but not enough to keep the area from being “cash strapped,” it would seem.
So, how serious are the environmental concerns about the Wind Farm? I looked into that, too, and didn’t find much. I DID find more internet activity involving Patti and Tom, and someone named Nathan Dias, who posted the following at virtualbirder.com:
As a former San Francisco Bay area resident, I can attest to how improperly placed wind power projects (like Altamont Pass) can kill hundreds of migrating Raptors each year… I shudder to think how many birds would be killed by TWENTY 400-foot wind turbines on Allegheny Mountain!
Good God! Is this really a case of giant bird blenders, potentially spraying the Virginia country side with avian entrails? I looked into that, too. At the Renewable Energy Policy Project website, I learned the following:
Concerns arose when studies in the early 1990’s documented the death of raptors from collisions with wind turbines in Altamont Pass, California. It was discovered that these turbines had been sited in the middle of prime raptor habitat. Extensive studies performed subsequently at sites around the US measured only one or two bird deaths per turbine per year.
Well, that’s not so bad, is it? Especially if the birds can see the turbines and avoid them. Right? The main problem with birds flying into turbines is that they can’t see them. Make the turbines highly visible and that takes care of that. No more birds boinking into giant windmills and falling to the ground after holding up comical cartoon signs that say OUCH! Problem solved. Right? Not so fast, bucko. Making the turbines visible is a problem, too, according to Patti and Tom.
This is an area of unspoiled scenic vistas, no light pollution, which is unique on the East Coast.
I wasn’t really familiar with the concept of light pollution, so I looked into it. Turns out that, in this case, it’s just a matter of aesthetics. Light Pollution (to the degree that light can be called "pollution") causes a problem for astronomers... but for the average person, it’s just a matter of whether or not they find it displeasing. So I wondered if maybe Tom and Patti were astronomers. They’re not:
Tom Brody and Patti Reum are your hosts at the Bear Mountain Farm, located in one of the most beautiful areas in the east. Both of them are biologists, naturalists, science teachers, gardeners, builders and musicians.
Oh, okay. I gotcha:
Look, I wish Tom and Patti the best, I really do. But I think this comes down to a case of the NIMBYs and I think they’re jumping the gun. Plus, I think their priorities are out of order. The economic needs of the area are more important than the needs of their Bed and Breakfast. Besides, it’s possible that the wind farm might prove to be a tourist draw. Let’s hope for the best. And let’s hope that the wind farm gets a go from the County Board of Supervisors. In the south, we can’t afford to balk at opportunity simply because “we’re not industrial out here.”
Permalink -- Posted by Darrell at 20:40 
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I don't know who you are or how you think you know so much about the wind turbine development in Highland County. I am from that pristine land and understand how life works there. Believe me, I have looked at this situation with an open mind but family, tradition, and the true needs of Highland will always outweigh money and government.
You say that the county needs wind turbines for economic reasons. Our economy is not based on industry. It's based on tourism. These windmills will destroy everything Highland is about. As you stated, you have never been to the area so then why do you think you have a right to provide input about a subject you do not understand?
The man that wants to put up these towers is a money-hungry outsider that does not even live in Highland. He has never given any support to the community. The vocal majority has been adamently opposed to this project for over a year now. A sensible, caring man would see that he is dividing the county and causing trouble. That man would drop his proposal. McBride is not that man. He risks ruining a county just for one reason - money. It's clear by his comment in response to the eye-sore windmills: "So what?"
You're quick to call those opposed NIMBYS. That's the easily stated "I'm higher than thou" response. Do you think McBride would be selfless enough to put one in his backyard to hear the loud, ear-damaging annoying sounds created by the blades, have tons of concrete dumped in the area, deal with the sun and shadow flicks, allow the mowing down of the trees and ground to accomodate for the expanse, and watch the night lights and four hundred foot tall structures spoil the sky? How about you? I don't think so.
These turbines create no jobs for our county, create basically 0% usuable "energy", and are not guaranteed to bring any tax relief to Highland.
Have you been to any of the county's meetings? If so, then you should understand the county's frustration. At each meeting whether it be county, zoning, or board of supervisors, there have been hundreds who voice opposition to the plan. Few voice their opinions about wanting the turbines, mainly McBride's lawyer. Not one piece of legislation in regards to the turbines has been given a seal of approval. All of the recommendations have been neutral or opposed, and yet the board of supervisors continues to approve in favor of the wind turbine proposal. Is it possible that elected officials can completely ignore basically everyone in the county? I guess so when money is involved. The "all-mighty dollar" looks to win again.
You say you want the turbines in Highland. So once this project is allowed to pass, then nothing can prevent every single mountain in the county to hold windmills. Is that what you want for your environment? I can see your future now: White blades spinning on every mountain top and park, grandfather's telling mystical stories of nature untouched to their kids who only know nature as places with wind turbines and man-made obstacles, lovers having summer picnics with loud wind noise, no trees, and glorious sunshine flicking on and off as the blades get in the way, and kids looking in the sky where stars once were to see thousands of blinking red lights instead. Sounds great, huh? There will be no environment left to save. What's the point of trying to save the environment by destroying an already lightly polluted area that needs no use of these turbines??? I guess the only envioronment that will be worth saving will be polishing the man-made structures you want to put up.
So before you bring your sarcastic, half-assed remarks about astronomy and how having running water means industrialized, stick to matters that you understand, and leave us alone. Putting up these wind turbines will not make or break America's pollution problem, but it will destroy Highland.
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You say that the county needs wind turbines for economic reasons. Our economy is not based on industry. It's based on tourism. These windmills will destroy everything Highland is about. As you stated, you have never been to the area so then why do you think you have a right to provide input about a subject you do not understand?
The man that wants to put up these towers is a money-hungry outsider that does not even live in Highland. He has never given any support to the community. The vocal majority has been adamently opposed to this project for over a year now. A sensible, caring man would see that he is dividing the county and causing trouble. That man would drop his proposal. McBride is not that man. He risks ruining a county just for one reason - money. It's clear by his comment in response to the eye-sore windmills: "So what?"
You're quick to call those opposed NIMBYS. That's the easily stated "I'm higher than thou" response. Do you think McBride would be selfless enough to put one in his backyard to hear the loud, ear-damaging annoying sounds created by the blades, have tons of concrete dumped in the area, deal with the sun and shadow flicks, allow the mowing down of the trees and ground to accomodate for the expanse, and watch the night lights and four hundred foot tall structures spoil the sky? How about you? I don't think so.
These turbines create no jobs for our county, create basically 0% usuable "energy", and are not guaranteed to bring any tax relief to Highland.
Have you been to any of the county's meetings? If so, then you should understand the county's frustration. At each meeting whether it be county, zoning, or board of supervisors, there have been hundreds who voice opposition to the plan. Few voice their opinions about wanting the turbines, mainly McBride's lawyer. Not one piece of legislation in regards to the turbines has been given a seal of approval. All of the recommendations have been neutral or opposed, and yet the board of supervisors continues to approve in favor of the wind turbine proposal. Is it possible that elected officials can completely ignore basically everyone in the county? I guess so when money is involved. The "all-mighty dollar" looks to win again.
You say you want the turbines in Highland. So once this project is allowed to pass, then nothing can prevent every single mountain in the county to hold windmills. Is that what you want for your environment? I can see your future now: White blades spinning on every mountain top and park, grandfather's telling mystical stories of nature untouched to their kids who only know nature as places with wind turbines and man-made obstacles, lovers having summer picnics with loud wind noise, no trees, and glorious sunshine flicking on and off as the blades get in the way, and kids looking in the sky where stars once were to see thousands of blinking red lights instead. Sounds great, huh? There will be no environment left to save. What's the point of trying to save the environment by destroying an already lightly polluted area that needs no use of these turbines??? I guess the only envioronment that will be worth saving will be polishing the man-made structures you want to put up.
So before you bring your sarcastic, half-assed remarks about astronomy and how having running water means industrialized, stick to matters that you understand, and leave us alone. Putting up these wind turbines will not make or break America's pollution problem, but it will destroy Highland.
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: 4:52 PM
: 4:52 PM Links to this post:
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