LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Posted March 19, 2018
Dear Editor:
Dewitt County should stand against the development of a proposed wind farm by Trade Winds Energy, LLC in DeWitt County Illinois.
With regard to Bald Eagle Breeding and Research: From 2007 to 2012, a pair of bald eagles gathered at Clinton Lake each year to mate and give birth to eaglets. Clinton Power Station worked with IDNR to preserve their habitat as two or three eaglets were born each year during this period. The station also facilitated a study to track the breeding/birth cycles and raise awareness for bald eagles. This activity resulted in an Eagle Cam that captured the eagle family’s movements at Clinton Lake.
Since that time, there has been a significant resurgence of the American Bald Eagle in and around Clinton Lake, and their territory encompasses most if not all of the land proposed for the Wind Tower Farm proposed by Trade Winds Energy, LLC in DeWitt County Illinois.
A significant number of residents of DeWitt County Illinois oppose the development of a proposed wind farm by Trade Winds Energy, LLC in DeWitt County Illinois.
I am among those who are opposed to the project as I believe it will impact the overall quality of life for those who live near the turbines. Additionally, not only does it create a problem known as “Infra-sound”, but also causes me nausea and a feeling of vertigo even driving by a large Wind Farm, even from a great distance.
We need to focus on creating an environment to attract sustainable economic development, including the creation of permanent job opportunities for local residents, while attracting homeowners who would rather enjoy the wildlife in and around Clinton Lake. We should maintain our uncluttered horizon, except for the flocks of Canadian Geese, migrating ducks, and the increasing sightings of our great Nations’ symbol, the truly amazing American Bald Eagle.
When it comes to the development of a proposed wind farm by Trade Winds Energy, LLC in DeWitt County Illinois, just say NO.
Let’s put this to a public referendum.
The bald eagle will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act even though it has been
delisted under the Endangered Species Act
from U S Fish and Wildlife Services @
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/protect/index.html
Under law (16 U.S.C. 668(a); 50 CFR 22). it is illegal to wound, kill, molest or disturb Bald or Golden Eagles
(16 U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3)
The fine doubles for an organization
The 1972 amendments increased civil penalties for violating provisions of the Act to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment with $10,000 or not more than two years in prison for a second conviction. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment
Bradley D. Barnes, MBA
Clinton, IL
