Chisholm Trail RC&D Hosts Wind Energy Forum

The topic of wind energy is at the top of many conservation lists these days, and the Chisholm Trail Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) supported the effort by inviting more than 200 landowners and producers to an informational forum. The forum was held on Sept. 21, 2006, in Jacksboro, Texas, with attendees from Clay, Montague, Cooke, Archer, Jack, and Wise counties visiting the wind energy forum.

The Chisholm RC&D hosted the event with board members, along with Jack County Judge Mitchell Davenport serving as the forum’s facilitator. Speakers at the forum included representatives from FP&L Energy; Gamesa Energy USA; West Texas Wind Energy Consortium; Steakley, Wetsel, and Carmichael Law Firm; and John Ussery, a private landowner with a wind farm on this property.

The forum began with a visual presentation from FP&L Energy about the benefits of wind energy development. The slide show identified many benefits to property owners toward the proposed Wolf Ridge Project, which will provide a projected $35-45 million in property tax revenue, as well as $20-30 million in lease payments over 20 years.

Several presenters addressed environmental, ecologic, wildlife, economic, and other general concerns targeting topics at the forefront of the discussions, including aesthetics and economic impacts. Judge Davenport addressed questions following the presentations, which were submitted in writing prior to the forum.
 

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