Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Ontario Bays Initiative Has serious concerns regarding the construction of industrial scale wind turbine projects in our area


March 15, 2013


Dear Acting Secretary Cohen:


Ontario Bays Initiative, Inc., is a private, not-for-profit 501(c) (3), land trust.

Our mission is to preserve, protect and encourage sustainable management of the land,
water and biological resources of the Lake Ontario region of Jefferson County, New York.

We work to encourage voluntary protection of private lands through informed use of
conservation easements as a means of keeping farms in productive use, forests in a natural
and/or productive state, protecting wildlife habitat, encouraging the preservation of open
spaces, and limiting development on sensitive natural lands in order to preserve the unique
character of the area.

This area is unique. It does have ecological, archeological, cultural, historical,
agricultural, recreational and scenic significance. We are part of the Northeast Flyway, which
hosts thousands of migrating, avian species; of which, many are endangered and/or
threatened.

While we support the concept of renewable energy, we have serious concerns regarding
the construction of industrial scale wind turbine projects in this area until more extensive
studies are done, and more accurate statistics are gathered.

As a "home rule" state, our local municipalities are working long and hard to insure the
preservation of our heritage, the welfare of our residents, and the best land use for our area.
We respectfully request the Article X Siting Board carefully consider the wishes of our local
officials, and if allowing the installation of industrial wind turbines, do so only within the scope
of our Cape Vincent comprehensive plan and zoning laws.

Sincerely J.O. LaPlante


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