'Blown away by impact towers will have on Finger Lakes region by Bill Barker, Italy Valley

Twice in the past week, I have been blown away by the looming prospect of what wind farms in our area could mean.

First was a drive through the existing wind farm in the rural hills, of Fenner, a community just east of Syracuse. There they were - some 20 towering white-winged wind turbines set among field and forest, turning on their massive bases. One was squeaking for need of oiling, the others were purring or laying idle. Thinking back to the experience several days later, all I can remember is the beguiling, overwhelming presence of the massive white turbines. The surrounding rural scenery was totally lost to my mind.

Second was attendance at the information meeting convened by Cohocton Wind Watch at the Naples Hotel August 28. Several thoughtful and articulate members of our regional community laid out a tapestry of devious and disturbing facts about the wind farm movement that is quietly preparing to invade the hills all about us.

For me the most riveting fact is the number 519. That is the projected number of 400-foot wind turbine towners that could be in place in a few years time among some 8 to 10 wind farms that industrial developers have in mind for the towns in our immediate region.

This is the stuff nightmares! Now is the time to wake up and stop the wind tower industrialization of this gentle part of the world in which we are all so fortunate to reside.