New Maine Group Formed to Oppose First Wind's Project on Bowers Mountain - Downeast Lakes Watershed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Group Opposes First Wind’s Industrial Wind Power Project in Carroll Plantation

Lakeville, Maine, April 12, 2010 –Residents and landowners in Carroll Plantation, Lakeville, Springfield and Grand Lake Stream have formed the non-profit "Partnership for the Preservation of the Downeast Lakes Watershed" (PPDLW) to oppose the construction of an industrial wind project on Bowers Mountain in Carroll Plt. PPDLW asserts that the project will threaten the environment and the quality of place that drives the local economy.

Champlain Wind, LLC, a subsidiary of First Wind of Massachusetts, has leased 5,445 acres encompassing Bowers Mountain. The company is conducting meteorological testing and surveying in the area and is expected to apply for a permit soon to place a number of 400’ or 500’ tall turbines on 1,127-foot Bowers Mountain and at least one other unnamed ridgeline. The turbines will overshadow and be visible from many of the region’s most important recreational lakes, including Junior Lake and West Grand Lake. Red lights on the turbines will negatively impact the views of the night sky.

The Downeast Lakes Watershed spans two counties and includes more than 13 bodies of water from Duck Lake to West Grand Lake. While much of the area is preserved by conservation easements, the project site is not afforded such protection. Since Carroll Plt. is on the edge of the expedited permitting area designated by the Governor’s Wind Task Force, PPDLW is alerting property owners and visitors to the region whose interests and property values are threatened.

“This entire watershed, and Grand Lake Stream in particular, attracts visitors from all over the world,” says PPDLW’s President, Kevin Gurall. “They come for the wilderness experience; the quiet of the woods, the pristine lakes, the abundant wildlife, and the star filled night vistas. Jobs at local retail businesses, sporting camps, fishing and hunting guides, hotels, B&B’s, and restaurants all depend on visitors who come here to experience our region’s beauty. This industrial wind power project threatens all of that. PPDLW is fighting to preserve the quality of place that drives our local economy.”

“The Downeast Lakes region has a natural resource-based economy,” Gurall adds. “It depends on tourism, so we knew we could count on local property and business owners for support. But we’ve been very pleasantly surprised to receive donations from visitors from around the country who appreciate what a unique resource we have here. Word’s getting out about how destructive these industrial wind projects can be, environmentally and economically.”

Environmental impacts of the project include soil erosion caused by road and turbine construction, and herbicides used at the project site. Both will threaten four brooks that support populations of wild brook trout. In addition, wind turbines kill bats and migratory birds, such as warblers, hawks and eagles. Based on the topography, noise and light flicker from the project will likely affect landowners in Lakeville as well as the nearest abutters in Carroll Plt.

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About PPDLW: The Partnership for the Preservation of the Downeast Lakes Watershed is a non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term preservation of the Downeast Lakes Watershed through conservation, environmental action and opposition to inappropriate industrial or commercial development. The group’s website is: www.ppdlw.org
Media Contacts:
Kevin Gurall or Tracy Allen
e-mail: Kevin@ppdlw.org
Tracy@ppdlw.org
Website: www.ppdlw.org