Wind Energy Development Guide Available to Wyoming Landowners

June 3, 2009 -- Wyoming's first reference guide on commercial wind development was released today by the University of Wyoming's Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).

"Commercial Wind Energy Development in Wyoming: A Guide for Landowners," will assist landowners in developing wind farms on their properties. It was commissioned by the Laramie Rivers, Medicine Bow and Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins conservation districts.

This comprehensive and easy-to-read guide was created for private landowners who are either interested in wind energy development, or have been approached by a commercial developer and need information on how to respond and the steps to take before entering a wind energy lease agreement.

The publication provides information on all the ways landowners and agricultural operators can enter into commercial wind energy agreements, and includes information on development opportunities, compatibility with land uses (agriculture, wildlife and historical), economic incentives, and landscape changes. The wind resource guide is available on the ENR Web site at http://www.uwyo.edu/enr/ienr.

"Wyoming is a state with prime wind energy resources. With this reference guide, private landowners can be equipped with current and helpful information as they navigate the contractual complexities that come with commercial wind energy development on private lands," says Indy Burke, Ruckelshaus Institute director.

Over the last year the conservation districts have fielded many questions by landowners on wind energy development. In response, the districts commissioned the wind publication, which covers:

-- The compatibility of utility-scale wind development with agricultural operations and existing land uses;
-- The economic arrangements and benefits;
-- Potential lifestyle impacts; and
-- The components of a typical wind energy lease agreement.

The guide includes important checklists for landowners, a sample landowner lease agreement and a tool box with publications, maps and contact information for state agencies and organizations involved with wind energy development.

"The wind resource guide will be a valuable reference for anyone with an interest in wind development in Wyoming, including landowners as well as local planners, stakeholders and decision makers," Burke says.
 

Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009

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