Damage to a "Pristine" Environment
Myth: Construction of the Beech Ridge Wind Farm will disrupt and destroy a pristine wilderness environment.
Fact: The Beech Ridge Wind Farm will be located on land that is actively (and responsibly) managed for timber production, mining, and hunting. The area possesses numerous mining spoils and clear cuts. There are several ongoing mining projects operating on the very same tract where the project will be located. None of the area possesses pristine old growth forests.
In an August 2005 newsletter, Peter Shoenfeld, Chair of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Wind Energy Committee visited the Beech Ridge area and reported, “the site is remote and is on land that has been significantly abused by mining and timbering in the past.” The idea that this area is a “pristine wilderness” is a fantasy, and those opposed to the project will be the first people to complain about the way the condition and management of these ridges just as soon as the PSC makes its decision on our application.
