Wind turbines causing controversy in Presque Isle County
(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiemeister) The easement towards the edge of the Schulte's property would be dug up for lines to run underneath for a wind turbine.
Moltke Township — Mike and Stefani Schulte bought their American dream eight years ago, a little slice of farm land just outside of Rogers City.
They have completely restored the historic farm and have cultivated the land for cows to graze and chickens to roam. The couple plans on building a cabin for their children when they come to visit near the edge of property, but that might not be possible now with a potential wind turbine marked for construction.
The couple had heard the rumors of wind energy sites going into the area, but they had no idea how close or even what exactly was going on until they attended a meeting at the township hall.
“We were never told,” said Stefani Schulte. “We were told to sit down, and if we didn’t sit down, we were invited to leave, or wait for a private meeting with the developer.”
That meeting was designed for residents interested in signing leases for wind turbines to go on their land. As the Schulte’s figured out what exactly was happening, they learned how a wind turbine would affect their land.
The county board of commissioners redid the zoning ordinance on October 10 to put some limitations on the developers who plan to put these structures in.
The Schulte’s filed a petition for zoning ordinance 2. They are now on the hunt to grab over 300 signatures to push the zoning ordinance to a ballot initiative. Mike and Stefani have already collected hundreds and are close to hitting their goal. To be safe, they want to acquire over 400 in order to protect their American dream.
