Although my research started with the visual and spatial aspects of WECSs, and continues to be focused on WECSs effects on “landscape character” i.e. impacts on the spatial environment, with implications for cultural values and social systems of our region. I am equally concerned about the predictable negative effects of WECSs on the natural systems of the Flint Hills. I am concerned about serious cumulative effects and the degradation of:

the visual character of our environment;

the social fabric of communities that are facing the prospect of WECS-C;

the health of biological, ecological components of our regional ecosystem; and the long term viability of our local, increasingly “nature-based” economy.

Introductory thoughts about my March 1 memorandum to the Riley County Planning Board would be the following. Please understand that my intentions are NOT to be confrontational with the Riley County Commissioners, and I am concerned about maintaining good working relationships with all of the people trying to address this question of land use in a civil, reasonable, and reflective way. I have been concerned about the landscape quality of the Manhattan area for more than two decades, and with the particular issues of WECSs (wind energy conversion systems) in the Flint Hills since October. I... [continue via Web link]