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Transmission Line over Stewardship Lands Stopped!
July 20, 2006
Dear friends of Faville Grove Sanctuary,
I'm still in a state of shock, but at this morning's
PSC meeting, both commissioners agreed that Madison Audubon's efforts
at Faville Grove, our partnerships with state and federal agencies,
and the historic value of the sanctuary to the people of the state
warrant rejecting ATC's preferred route north of Lake Mills through
the sanctuary, and instead asked PSC staff to draft an order directing
use of the Newville Road to I-94 route for approval at a meeting
in the near future (August 10, I believe). They also approved the
in-city route south of Lake Mills with some minor modifications.
Among other things, they expressed concern about the chilling effect
that approval of the sanctuary route would have on individuals who
might consider donating conservation easements on their own lands
in partnership with DNR and the state Stewardship program. They
also criticized ATC for the inadequacy of their environmental review
of the project.
The order still needs final approval, and ATC
still has an opportunity to request reconsideration or a court review,
but after more than two years in this fight, I can only say, better
them than us! It looks like environmental considerations actually
took a front seat for a change! Thanks to everyone for your support.
-Roger
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