Blaine County commissioners continue to insist that wind energy facilities do not belong in the valley's "scenic corridor," the area immediately visible from well-traveled state Highway 75.
During a meeting in Hailey on Tuesday, Nov. 24, the commissioners again stated that the highly visible area along the main thoroughfare through the Wood River Valley should remain free of wind-power generating structures to preserve the area's scenic and tourist-drawing qualities.
However, the commissioners appeared to part ways over just what constitutes the valley's scenic corridor. Does it cover the main valley bottom on both sides of the Big Wood River only? Or does it extend into the side canyons?
Commissioner Tom Bowman said he believes the public is looking for the strongest possible protection of scenic views in the valley. He said the public's perception of the extent of the scenic corridor may be broader than the county's definition of that zone.
Under a draft ordinance, the scenic corridor where wind turbines would not be allowed covers those areas visible from five feet above the centerline on Highway 75. Bowman said the public comments he's heard suggest people generally prefer a broader definition of the scenic corridor.
"I think people have a misconception about what the scenic corridor is," he said.
Commissioner Angenie McCleary said she's afraid that Bowman's desire to curb wind facilities north of Glendale Road could be too restrictive. In her view, the public is asking the county to protect scenic views as well as promote environmentally friendly wind generation.
"I'm trying to balance those two very different needs in our community," she said.
The commissioners left a decision on the complex matters for another day. They'll take up the wind energy facilities discussion again during their next regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 1:30 p.m.
The two members of the public to speak during the meeting last week expressed very different views on the subject of the scenic corridor.
Hailey resident Laura Rozzell noted that there are already activities like gas stations that mar views. She said many tourists who come to the are would be intrigued by wind energy projects.
"They're new, they're different, they're interesting," she said.
Russell added that conservation groups release "environmental scorecards" encouraging travelers to go to areas that support "green" policies.
Carl Bontrager, a 32-year resident of the valley, said wind energy facilities could irreparably harm the valley's scenic qualities.
"We're a tourist-based industry," he said. "A big part of our attraction are the views we have."
Bontrager said humans' brains are hard-wired in a way that draws their attention to movement. He said spinning turbines in the scenic corridor would have that effect.
People he's spoken with are "universally appalled" by the idea that turbines could be built in the valley, Bontrager said.
Speaking by phone this week, Commissioner Larry Schoen said he prefers an ordinance that's as simple as possible to encourage local property owners to erect wind-power facilities in appropriate areas throughout the county. He said the best opportunities for generating wind power are south in the Bellevue Triangle.
"That's where the wind is," Schoen said.
Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com
