On June 19 about 30 people attended a meeting to gauge interest in forming an Albany County wind power landowner’s association at the Albany County Fairgrounds.  The goal of such an association would be to establish a communication network and pool resources in laying the groundwork for power companies to

 

 

 

come into the county to set up wind farms.  The more work done up front by the landowners, the more likely wind developers will do business here.  Pre-development studies by an association might include wildlife impact studies, detailed wind studies, and electrical transmission studies that would look at line capacity and locations for tying into the grid.  Presentations by Professor Sadrul Ula and attorney Frank Falen covered the technical and legal aspects of such an endeavor.

 

With our traditional electricity generation network dominated by large power generating stations there has been no place for individuals to contribute to or benefit from the system.  Since it is impractical if not impossible for power companies to purchase all the land needed for wind turbines, the land must be leased.  Therefore local landowners now have an opportunity to play a critical role in our nation’s emerging renewable energy infrastructure.   Counties can benefit as well.  Carbon County, for example, took in almost $300,000 in ad-valorem taxes for the 2006 tax year for the wind farms located between Arlington and Medicine Bow.

 

Albany County is one of the poorest counties in Wyoming, thanks in part to its relative lack of natural resources.  However, one look at a U.S. Department of Energy wind resource map (www.eere.energy.gov) tells us what we already know – Albany County has wind. Rural landowners banding together to bring “big wind” into the county is a no-brainer for economic development.  Big wind farms are also a priority in the emerging county comprehensive plan, as a way to benefit from renewable natural resources and preserve open space.

 

Forming an association of interested landowners is a first step in getting the ball rolling in Albany County for bringing in large scale renewable energy development. Call Jim Rogers at 745-8729 or Tony Hoch at 721-0072 for more information.

Wind Power

Association is

Forming in

Albany County

LaBonte Lake Outdoor Learning Center continued . . .

 

economics, history, social science and communication interact in the pursuit of solutions to real-life problems.

 

The first stage of the project includes installing a greenhouse and floating islands.  The greenhouse will be used for multiple educational purposes including summer and year-round workshops for people of all ages.  The greenhouse will also be used to start tree seedlings and other Wyoming native plants to be planted in the riparian area around the lake to improve the appearance of the lake, provide stability to shore banks and natural filtering of pollutants from the storm drain run-off and habitat for wildlife.  The greenhouse will also be used to start plants for the existing children’s garden.

 

The floating island will provide nesting habitat for ducks and geese and contribute to cleaning the lake.

 

The U.W. Lab School is offering this project as an elective course  taught by Theresa Williams .  The goal is to eventually have the entire school district, University of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College and Albany County residents involved.  If you would like more information on this project or would like to volunteer your knowledge and time contact Trish Penny at Laramie Rivers Conservation District at 721-0072.