Wausa’s community of farmers held a local meeting regarding the proposed wind farm zoning and leasing Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024. Steve and Jo Banks called the meeting aiming to provide clarity for property owners considering leasing their land for wind turbines.
Wayne farmer Doug Nelson was invited to speak at the gathering and share his wealth of knowledge from years of investigating the potential benefits, drawbacks, and hazards of the building of wind turbines. Through a series of diagrams, statistics, and resources, he endeavored to sift through the evidence and shed light on the realities of the situation.
Approximately 40 attendees gathered at the Wausa Auditorium at 2:00pm, where they commenced with the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, emphasizing the importance of exercising their freedom of speech.
The discussion was lively, with attendees grappling with various questions and concerns. Karen Larsen, a landowner from Viborg, SD, spoke passionately about the importance of understanding the facts before committing to a lease, drawing attention to the long-term implications for future generations. “Just known the facts, educate yourself. Know the facts. Once you’re signed up, you can’t get out.”
As the meeting progressed, one attendee voiced his readiness to relocate should the permits be approved, underscoring the depth of sentiment surrounding the issue.
With the conversation nearing the one-hour mark, participation gradually waned, and the meeting concluded around 4:00 pm.
Jo Banks articulated her desire for transparency, expressing her disdain for the potential visual and audible impact of wind turbines on the county’s landscape. She emphasized the need for updated zoning regulations to mitigate the possibility of further development. Banks said, ”I just want people to know what they’re getting into.
She also expressed the importance that non-farmers be informed as this will impact the entire community. “I was glad to see some townspeople come because people need to know that you’re gonna see them from town.”
Various concerns, ranging from health implications to environmental impact, were raised, highlighting the community’s apprehensions about the project’s potential ramifications, known and unknown.
For those unable to attend, a recording of the meeting is available on YouTube under the title “North Fork Wind Farm Info Meeting Wausa April 7, 2024.”
Nelson, along with Steve and Jo Banks, encouraged people to attend the next zoning meeting at the courthouse in Center, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7:30pm, underscoring the importance of community engagement in shaping the outcome of the proposed wind farm project.
