Scenic beauty deserves protection

To the editor:
    It is with regret that I find myself compelled to write about the proposed wind turbines scheduled for installation on the high grounds of the Island Falls and Oakfield area.
    I live in Windham and own a cottage on Mattawamkeag Lake. It has been pointed out to me that both Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Pond will be visually (negatively) impacted by a series of wind turbines (50+/-) that will substantially alter the scenic beauty of those of us who have an investment on those lakes.
    We invested our money to buy property in this area because of the rural and “natural” characteristics of the landscape. In my estimation, this “wind project” would be a wholesale change and major disruption to the beautiful scenic vista we now have, and it’s simply not right to negatively impact the investment and tranquil views that so many property owners/taxpayers and tourists enjoy … all in the name of “clean/green energy.”
    Let’s be honest, on its own merits, wind power is financially unsupportable by the private sector; and if it were not for wasteful government dollars being thrown at such projects, these turbines would not have a prayer of getting off the ground. They make very little economic sense, and unfortunately poorer small rural communities with suitable topographical features are either being bought-off or strong-armed into acquiescing. I am also willing to bet that little, if any, sustainable/enforceable/supportable provisions have been made for the inevitable future cost of dismantling of these turbines and that they will likely be left to stand in a condition of disrepair and neglect for many, many years. Environmentally, this would be simply shameful!
    It may be too late to reverse the momentum that First Wind, LLC has going at this point, but I feel we need to do what can be done to stop or slow this process down until the people of the region get a clear understanding of the issues/impact. Yes, we all want jobs, however the jobs this project will bring are very short-term in nature, however, the damage to the area’s scenic landscape will be long-term.
    As citizens of this great state of Maine we need to be concerned about preserving Maine’s mountains/hills and natural beauty for the present time and for future generations.
Fred W. Turner
Windham