Windmill/Dolly Sods news

“It is looking increasingly likely that Jerome Neissen of NedPower will work with the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy to move a percentage of the southern-most turbines farther away from Bear Rocks. I am hopeful that nothing will be visible from Bear Rocks, or from the Allegheny Front south of Bear Rocks.

There may be some turbines visible from Cabin Mountain and Raven Ridge, also from the eastern continental divide that forms the northern boundary of the Red Creek watershed. But they will not be overpowering the viewshed as the ones north of Stack Rocks would have done.

Folks in the conservancy have once again come through for the hikers and backpackers who love the Sods.”

“doh!”

“Good news!”

“i like to hear that”

“Neissen of NedPower provided the WV Highlands Conservancy of a photo montage showing some eight windmill towers clearly visible on knobs north of Bear Rocks.

I am trying to learn whether this is something that can be negotiated away. It was not what I expected to see. The towers would be more apparent than the existing coal-fired power plant at Mount Storm from Bear Rocks.

It is possible that the montage Neissen supplied is what he originally intended to do and he might be willing to move them off. The view shows from eight to ten towers.

For the time being I am unable to release the photo. I will be following this closely as it all unfolds.

There is a meeting scheduled between WVHC directors and Neissen in the coming week.

When I saw that photo, my heart sank.”

“Do you always switch to a little 'g' when you get disappointed?

Keep yer chin up.”

“If the Air Force can hide a flying plane by painting it light blue...why not the wind mills? where the mills are visible, could we not reduce the visibility by negotiating colors?...just a thought...”

“I don't know where that little g came from. Maaaattttt!!! Help!

Color won't matter if they are on the skyline.

I am now informed from reliable sources in the WVHC that this montage represents the view before negotiations. There are also people within the WVHC who want to take a tougher stance. But I think the compromise we are seeking is achievable.

Phew!”

“BIG G little g, what begins with "G"?

Keep your leg up, dude!”