Cistercian nuns are moving from Prairie du Sac, but a site for a new monastery in the Town of Ridgeville is no longer one of several considered by the religious community.

According to Sister Roberta Boyer, development program administrator for the group, about five properties were once possible locations for a new enclave.

However, the Ridgeville site, land owned by Ryszard Borys, was taken off the table because of the wind farm situation in the township.

"It doesn't fit our lifestyle to have the sound and sight of them nearby," said Boyer.

Ridgeville has a wind licensing ordinance, but it is stricter than the one adopted by the county.

About four parcels are still under consideration for purchase by the nuns. They are located in the Diocese of La Crosse and the Diocese of Madison.

The only matter that is decided is that a move will occur for the 20 women, who dress in traditional habits and worship with the Latin mass. Another member is in a nursing home.

The current conglomeration of buildings in Sauk County is not designed as a monastery and is becoming too small for the order which is experiencing growth.

Two prospective novices are expected next year, and others have expressed interest in becoming members as well.

Also, the Prairie du Sac monastery is near Hwy. 12, a busy artery between Chicago's northwest suburbs and Wisconsin Dells. The heavy tourist traffic isn't conducive to the contemplative lifestyle embraced by the Cistercians.

"We're looking for a secluded 200 acres," said Boyer, adding a donation of land would be ideal.

The monastics support themselves by baking 12 million "communion breads" per year for over 400 Catholic parishes throughout the country, including many in southern and western Wisconsin. St. Patrick's Parish in Sparta is among their customers.

The order, which hopes to know about its new location by November, is a collection of cloistered religious, said Boyer, only leaving the residence for medical and dental appointments and other necessities of life.

The Switzerland-based Cistercians expanded to Wisconsin with six sisters 51 years ago, via an extension of their order known as a foundation.

Over 20 years ago, a contingent of Cistercian brothers and priests relocated from near Milwaukee to the Urban Leis farm in the Town of Angelo and built an abbey a few years later.

They exist by involvement in a variety of income sources, including laser printing.