Consider what a jewel we have on Bear Ridge

I was one of many speakers who voiced opposition to the wind energy project on Bear River Ridge at the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 14. Quoting from a recent article (“Green Versus Green”) in the North Coast Journal: Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) Executive Director Tom Wheeler said he is deeply concerned about the project’s effects upon wildlife. The California Energy Commission together with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife came up with a rating system for energy project sites, he explained, with ‘1’ being great, for example, an area with other wind turbines already in place, and ‘4’ being terrible, because it is pristine and home to endangered species.

“‘No. 4 sites are deemed inappropriate for wind energy development,’ Wheeler said. ‘Here, the project site that has been chosen is a Site 4.’ ”

That is enough of a reason to deny the project. Trying to mitigate a very poor choice of sites doesn’t make sense. Please consider what a jewel we have on Bear Ridge and the grievous impact on raptors, bats and the Wiyot tribal culture. Do not let it be destroyed by a rush to deal with the climate crisis. What we lose in the process is far, far greater than whatever marginal gains we might accrue in Humboldt County. Linda Byrd, Eureka