EDITOR:

The proposed solar farm in Escanaba Township is facing fierce opposition. For good reason. From what I’ve read, there is not much common sense being applied by those making this decision. I would like to know how using pristine farm and forest land for an industrial size solar project is good for the environment? Isn’t that what solar is about? Environmental concerns?

Recently there was a story about solar panels being installed on top of a roof in Marquette. Doesn’t that make a lot more sense? When I was in St. Paul recently, I stayed on the 11th floor of a downtown hotel. When I looked out over the city, I noticed the same thing. Solar panels installed on roof tops. Do we not also have many areas that are already developed/abandoned that could be re-purposed by installing solar there? What about the open space at the airport? There is much of the shoreline between Escanaba and Wells that is already industrial, some of it no longer used. Why not there? It makes absolutely no sense to ruin the environment in order to save the environment.

So, let’s be honest — this is about money, not the environment. There are few areas of this planet left that are still green, still forested. The U.P. is one of them, and many of us live here because we value nature and the beautiful forests and green spaces. We value the way of life that the U.P. has always been treasured for, and we want it to remain that way. It would be a tragedy of epic proportions to sacrifice any more of our beautiful lands to corporations looking to use that land for other purposes, especially when there are other options. Yes, solar power is a good thing. No, destroying pristine lands to do it is not. We Yoopers are known for our tenacity, and we value our farm and forest lands. We value open spaces, quiet forests, clean water, wildlife, and nature in all its glorious, majestic beauty. This decision will impact not only those who live in that area, but all of us. Please, to those of you making this decision, don’t sacrifice our way of life and beautiful lands. It is the land, and our connection to it that has shaped the U.P. for generations. It is sacred. It is our greatest resource; not for development by outside sources, but for the natural beauty that it is and the way of life that brings. In a world where forests and green spaces are shrinking, and industry is polluting our planet, why would we even think that destroying our pristine farm and forest lands is a good idea? It shouldn’t even be a consideration. I for one have remained in the U.P. because it is one of the few places left that still has wild beauty. It has value that you cannot put a price on. Please, keep the U.P. wild.

Lisa Temple

Escanaba