Here we have a letter from a former BPL employee, written in February, 2010. Dan spent most of his adult life protecting and preserving that which makes Maine so wonderful and unique.
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In June of 1976, the voters of Maine made the extremely wise decision to protect and preserve the natural treasure that is the Bigelow Mountain Range located in both Franklin and Somerset Counties. At that time, this incredible area was threatened by a development plan that would have transformed it into an "Aspen of the East" type of ski resort.
What, thereafter, became the Bigelow Preserve, owned by the people of the State of Maine, is now, in my opinion, once again in great jeopardy. Today that threat exists in the form of the proposed construction of a massive forty-eight turbine wind project that would be located just a few miles from the southeast corner of the Bigelow Preserve, on the very front doorstep of the east end of Little Bigelow Mountain.
Wind turbine structures that rise over four hundred feet above the mountain and ridge tops of Highland Plantation would be starkly visible from one of the most spectacular stretches of the Appalachian Trail. This section of trail runs along mountain tops, east to west, from Little Bigelow, Avery Peak, West Peak, the Horns to Cranberry Peak.
Thirty-five years ago this spring, Mainers exhibited the incredible foresight in realizing the value and wisdom in protecting this unique and dramatic mountain range for future generations, and acted upon that realization to create the Bigelow Preserve. It is a gem not only of great significance to the State of Maine, but of national significance, as well, being a highly valued segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, better known to us as simply the Appalachian Trail, part of our National Park System.
My concern is not about debating the pros and cons of wind energy, and its future in Maine - - that can be done another day. Right now, the issue is about opposing one wind project that has been proposed for a site where it should not be placed.
If you wish to learn about efforts being made to protect and preserve the Highland Mountains, please go to: www.highlandmts.org.
Daniel Bell
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Top Illustration compliments of Windtoons
Bottom Photo taken by Franklin Savage, Highland Plantation
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