Cascade Wind interconnection, public comment, Aug. 9, 2007

From: Claire A Puchy May 24, 2007 Dear Mr. Bless: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Cascade Wind Farm Sighting Application. I own 12.4 acres in the Rowena Wilds development in Wasco County, very close to the proposed wind farm on Seven Mile Hill. I have been professionally involved in conservation, land use and wildlife issues for over 30 years. I support alternative energy, including wind and solar energy production (I live in a passive solar house), and strongly believe we must pursue energy resources other than coal, hydropower and petroleum. However, I also recognize that the location and scale of wind energy development is critical, and that not all sites are appropriate. The proposal for the Cascade Wind Farm is large-scale and, in my opinion, would result in unacceptable negative impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat, and other natural and scenic resources, including the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. I urge you to deny the application for a number of reasons. From a personal standpoint, I am extremely concerned about the potential impacts of Cascade Wind Farm's proposal on my property (i.e., property value, my health, visual impacts, native plants and wildlife, fire safety, recreation). However, my other concerns are the impacts this proposal would have on those things throughout the Seven Mile Hill area, and in particular the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA). I realize that ...