Better Plan, Wisconsin

A Wolf in Green Clothing:

The Heartbreak of the Horicon Marsh

The gold-rush mentality of wind development runs rough-shod over some of the most treasured land in our state. The Horicon Marsh has been a refuge for birds, bats, and other wildlife for thousands and thousands of years. The Wisconsin State DNR describes it this way:

Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. Located in southeast Wisconsin, this vast wetland is only one hour drive from Milwaukee and Madison. While this marsh in renown for its migrant flocks of Canada geese, it is also home to more than 290 kinds of birds which have been sighted over the years.

Due to its importance to wildlife, Horicon Marsh has been designated as a "Wetland of International Importance" and a "Globally Important Bird Area." Horicon Marsh is both a state wildlife area and national wildlife refuge

 This didn't seem to matter at all to the wind developers who quickly downplay the impact of wind farms on birds, bats and other wildlife. How green is the wind industry? 133 turbines nearly 40 stories tall are now going up near one of the world's most important wetlands. Why? We believe there is green motivation involved, but it's the kind of green made of paper in a deep shade of greed.

Better Plan, Rock County is planning to follow this story. To find out more, and what you can do to help, visit the Horicon Marsh Systems Advocates by clicking here.