This communication, just below, is about a wind farm proposed for Highland County, VA- just east of Pendleton County, WV. I have no other information about this proposed wind facility.

----- Original Message -----
From: Martinjul@aol.com
To: dawn@brightsideacres.com
Cc: wvhcboard@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 1:51 PM
Subject: [WVHCBOARD] Re: WInd turbines on Allegheny Mtn

In a message dated 8/7/2009 12:26:47 P.M. Central Daylight Time, dawn@brightsideacres.com writes:

I am writing to ask you and The Highlands Voice to look into what is going on in Highland County Virginia regarding the county's recent approval of Highland County Wind Development, LLC to erect a 19-tower wind generating facility on Tamarack Ridge (the highest point in Highland County and approximately 1600 feet from the West Virginia line.

These 19 towers will each be 400 feet tall, and will be in clear view from the Camp Allegheny Battlefield, which is on the National Register of Historic Places; as well as from multiple sites on County Route 3 (the Old Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, which is a National Historic Backway.)

Apparently, Highland County's Technical Review Committee simply approved the site plan submitted yesterday, eventhough environmental reviews, impact statements or permits normally required by the federal government have neither been obtained nor formally waived. No photo-simulation to evaluate the visual impact of the turbines on the Camp Allegheny Battlefield and historic surrounds has been conducted.

From everything I have read in The Recorder, the impact of this wind farm on West Virginia has not been considered whatsoever. Perhaps it is a matter for the Department of Interior? Perhaps, if brought to Nick Rahall's attention, a cease and desist order could be issued by a Federal Court? I believe that the Pocahontas County Commission is looking into this as of their meeting yesterday. Do you know Commissioners David Fleming or Martin Saffir? Could The Highland's Voice be of help to them?

According to yesterday's Recorder, Highland County Wind Development intends to break ground next week.

Please see the link below for articles regarding this issue.

Swift action is required to preserve the natural and historic integrity of an historically significant and environmentally pristine area of WV.

http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2009/08/06/wind-utility-headed-into-construction/

Thank You,
Dawn Baldwin

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, things aren't going to get better, they're not!" From The Lorax by Dr. Suess

For The Mountains
Julian Martin
Vice-President for State Affairs
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy www.wvhighlands.org
1525 Hampton Road, Charleston, WV 25314

Contact me(martinjul@aol.com) for a trip to Kayford Mountain to see active and so-called reclaimed mountain top removal. Go to www.wvhighlands.org for I Love Mountains t-shirts, hats, I Love Mountains and Friends Of The Mountains bumper stickers and for speakers on environmental issues in West Virginia.