HMSAdvocates.org

Mission Statement
Our mission is to safeguard our distinctive environment by preserving and protecting the Horicon marsh and surroundings by researching and advising the public of sound environmental practices as they relate to future area development. We are committed to ensuring that all future development is beneficial to the residents and the ecology of the Horicon marsh, thereby resulting in practices that will drive the community to prosper both environmentally and economically for future generations.

Wind Turbines in Wisconsin? Is this a candidate for a Golden Fleece Award.

Most of the State of Wisconsin has a Class 2 Wind Energy Resource. On a scale of 1 to 7 with 7 being the high we are almost on the bottom. Check out the studies http://www.nrel.gov/wind/wind_map.html

Check out what is happening nation wide with Wind Factories. We are not alone.

Go to http://www.wind-watch.org

Protection for our State and National Treasure - The Horicon Marsh

HMS Advocates Oppose Wind Project

In the summer of 2004, Forward Energy submitted an application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for the construction of a wind center consisting of 150 wind turbines. The wind center will cover an area consisting of the towns of Lomira, Byron, Leroy, Brownsville and Oakfield. This encompasses an area of 33,000 acres next to the Horicon Marsh. HMS Advocates feel that this project will have a devastating effect on the projected area.

Help Save the Marsh

Wisconsin's natural heritage is at risk. Dozens of spinning wind-turbines are scheduled to go up near the Horicon Marsh. The Sandhill Cranes, with geese, ducks and other birds, that have used the Horicon Marsh for eons, will face this new threat. Birds will die and it doesn't have to be this way.

Call Governor Jim Doyle today at : 608-266-1212 and tell him to push back the turbines, and save Wisconsin's unique natural heritage. Help support us in this cause before its to late.

These are our issues and concerns:

Human Impacts

Loss of Farm Land
Property Devaluation
Low Frequency Noise
Electromagnetic Fields
Shadow Flicker
Tower Malfunction
Climate Changes
Micro Climates
Lightning Strikes
Ice
Aesthetics

Environmental Concerns

Avian Mortality

Migratory Bird Patterns

Endangered Species

Ground Water Contamination

Water Run-Off

Underground Transmission Systems

Click on Picture to Enlarge

Photo simulation of the Forward Energy Center taken by Forward Energy LLC
Note: Photo taken from the northeast corner of the project area facing west from U.S. Highway 41

HMS Advocates is not opposed to the idea of renewable energy sources. However, the organization feels that the proposed location is devastating to a prized area in our state. The Horicon Marsh is unique source of wildlife to our nation. Here are some things that make the Horicon Marsh special:

Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the US
Renowned for its migrant flocks of Canada geese, it is also home to more than 260 species of birds
Due to its importance to wildlife, Horicon Marsh has been designated as