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James
McAndrew
Barton
Mines LLC
PO
Box 400
North
Creek NY 12853
October
4, 2004
Dear
Jim,
I would like to voice my support for your concept of
installing wind turbines at Barton Mines.
Gore
Mountain, as steward of the lands, has committed serious efforts to promote
Adirondack environmental issues and heritage. Gore Mountain has educated and
informed our guests of many sensitive environmental topics.
Gore Mountain has
transformed every gondola ride into an educational opportunity through a
program called “Northwoods Knowledge,” which makes each cabin a unique
interpretive center.
We have themed the names of
our lifts and trails after the Great Camps of the Adirondacks, and placed
educational signage throughout the mountain.
Every summer the base lodge
becomes a community campus for the “Hudson River School,” a network of classes
that develops Adirondack appreciation through historical lecture, art, and
environmental education.
Each fall,
hundreds of fourth graders from the area join us for “Gore Discovery Day,” an
annual environmental field trip that is free to participating schools.
Gore
Mountain has conducted environmental research, developed partnerships with
environmental organizations, and worked with community leaders to forward our
objectives and programs. Gore
Mountain's proactive approach to development earned an international
"Silver Eagle Award" for Excellence in Environmental Group Relations
in May 2000. In 2004 Gore Mountain was a finalist for another “Silver Eagle
Award” for Excellence in Environmental Education.
Installing
wind turbines at Barton Mines would provide another environmental educational
opportunity for Gore Mountain. The green power story is ideal for these
efforts. We would provide interpretive signage to promote the green energy
effort and hopefully be able to utilize this green power for our electric
energy needs.
The SEQRA
process provides interested parties the opportunity to be involved. Please
count on our support as you progress with the wind power generation plans.
Sincerely,
Michael
J Pratt
General
Manager