The tract, given away by Rocking Stone Farm LLC, includes part of the ridgeline between Mount Equinox and Little Equinox, where a proposal for five 390-foot wind turbines is being debated locally.

Existing or proposed wind power projects in northern New England. Excludes locations where wind is being measured but no turbines have been proposed yet.

SHEFFIELD VERMONT After reviewing a written preliminary proposal from UPC Vermont Wind behind closed doors, selectmen rejected it Wednesday night.

MANCHESTER - During his visit for the Northshire Day School ribbon cutting ceremony, Governor James Douglas said he does not support construction of the five-turbine commercial wind farm proposed at Little Equinox Mountain here in Manchester.

Londonderry voters approved a new town plan earlier this year that would ban development of mountain ridgelines. But the effect on the Glebe Mountain project is uncertain: The town has no vote on the project, and its fate rests solely with the PSB.

In December, Gov. Jim Douglas joined the ranks of those opposed to commercial wind farms on ridge lines, saying the huge structures are not compatible with Vermont's image. Specifically, he said he does not support the proposed UPC Vermont Wind project with 26 398-foot turbines planned for ridges in Sheffield and Sutton.

Buried deep in the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 are a handful of provisions with the potential to affect the health of Vermont's rivers for years to come.

MANCHESTER — Consensus on the value of a wind turbine project proposed for Mount Equinox remains elusive midway through a series of six public forums designed to inform the community about it.

There's more to determining the value of wind power than knowing which way the wind blows -- or even how hard. MIT researchers studying winds off the Northeast coast have found that estimating the potential environmental benefits from wind and other renewables requires a detailed understanding of the dynamics of both renewable resources and conventional power generation. Data show that wind-energy facilities would generate far more electricity in winter, because that's when winds are strongest. But the need for electricity is greatest in summer, when air conditioners are going full blast.

MANCHESTER — Three separate articles asking for voter input on wind power may appear on Manchester's warning for the March town meeting.

ST. JOHNSBURY -- Gov. James Douglas declared Thursday he opposes the construction of industrial wind farms in Vermont.

In a letter to the Vermont Public Service Board, Kirby selectmen state they want to be a party in any commercial wind development that impacts their town.

The latest conflict centers around a lawyer hired to represent the town whose fees will be reimbursed by the wind developer.

"There's not a lot of history and that's one of the things that confounds the issues," said Dave Lamont of the Vermont Department of Public Service about the issue of economic impact on towns.

Young announces plan to restore company's financial strength

Growing interest in wind power has led to six new wind farm proposals in Vermont and at least five wind farms now being constructed or under discussion in New Hampshire. In Maine, at least two projects are facing reviews

The Public Service Department has supported the four-turbine East Haven demonstration project despite statements from Gov. James Douglas in favor of small, residential windmills over the larger commercial models.

SHEFFIELD – Officials behind a major wind project proposed here unveiled more details of their plans Thursday evening, meeting with the planning commission as required by the state law that regulates energy projects. Massachusetts-based UPC Wind Management presented the update, bringing in its president, power sales director, project manager, lawyer, publicist and environmental consultant. They were joined by Avram Patt, general manager of East Montpelier-based Washington Electric Co-op.

New England is possessed of much talent but looses a considerable portion of it to other states due to the regions relative weakness in providing for a reasonable priced cost of living even though taxes do not appear to be a competitive disadvantage to New England.

Planning Commission Chairman Brian Keefe had his hands full keeping the overflow audience from drifting away from the siting issue. Many wanted to discuss questions of aesthetics or the merits of wind power. Keefe explained that there would be at least two or three meetings to discuss those other issues.