Unified community message stopped additional turbine development

To The Daily Sun,

Is our Fish and Game Department turning a blind eye on our industrial wind power plant problem? New Hampshire currently has 70 active wind turbines. Are we measuring these impacts, or will we just approve another several hundred turbines? Their findings could have a profound impact on wind development in New Hampshire. And if no studies are being conducted, I would suggest starting with the Groton Wind Power Plant first.

That's because Groton's habitats and spawning areas have changed. One thing remains true: wind developers are in control. Otherwise, we'd be seeing monthly Fish and Game reports on the true damage happening in Groton.

There are a few Lakes Region groups trying to build pressure, but going up against these developers is tough. You see, they get to use "flawed science" in their pursuit to build here.

A few of these wind developers may squeeze some short-term profits out of this, but not without federal subsidies. Our long-term effect will be punishing our fish and wildlife to the brink of extinction in some of our local rivers and streams.

I hope our state is studying the effects of wind development, because the last thing I want to hear from them is an announcement on how their adding an animal to the Endangered Species List.

It's true, Newfound Lake almost became home to about 65 percent of all wind turbine development in New Hampshire. Our unified community message stopped additional turbine development. We need to continue our focus locally. Let your state and local politicians know where you stand on the Spruce Ridge Wind Farm proposal.

And remember, if your local politician is doing the right thing, praise him or her. Because we all know that doing the right thing isn't always easy and in the political arena — it's even worse.

Ray Cunningham

Bridgewater