West Bend, WI— In response to American Transmission Company’s (ATC) proposed preferred route for its high-voltage transmission line supplying the Ozaukee Data Center, Restoring Lands (formerly Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, will join others in encouraging an alternative that aligns with environmental and community goals. Restoring Lands is urging ATC to pursue its eastern alternate route, that will be less damaging to permanently conserved lands. Restoring Lands will also scrutinize whether there is a need for the line at all and closely evaluate resource impacts of the line.
“On behalf of our supporters and the landowners who entrusted their lands to our care, Restoring Lands stands firmly opposed to ATC’s attempt to locate 180-foot-tall transmission towers and 250-foot-wide utility corridors across our permanently conserved landscapes in Western Ozaukee and Eastern Washington Counties” says Executive Director Tom Stolp. “We support environmentally informed siting of energy infrastructure. The Eastern alternative routing of this transmission project will make better use of already-existing utility corridors and safeguard long-established conservation areas where such development is prohibited.”
Restoring Lands has worked for decades to conserve and restore southeastern Wisconsin’s ecologically significant landscapes, including Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Sauk Creek Nature Preserve. The charitable organization has permanently protected more than 7,500 acres including 30 community nature preserves. Most of the 7,500 conserved acres entrusted to Restoring Lands remains in private ownership. These lands are conserved because landowners voluntarily donated development rights of their properties via agreements known as conservation easements.
“Many of these public and private conserved lands would be negatively and irreversibly impacted by ATC’s preferred western transmission line routing through Saukville and Fredonia. ATC’s preferred routing cuts directly through lands and waters that our community has intentionally protected for the enjoyment and benefit of all,” Stolp added. “We are prepared to vigorously defend the integrity of these conserved lands.”
Restoring Lands a Wisconsin Land Trust is a 501c3 organization with a mission to protect, connect, and restore southeast Wisconsin’s lands and waters for the benefit of all. Restoring Lands’ network of conserved lands represents more than 30 years of planning and millions of dollars in philanthropic and public investment to acquire land, restore habitats and install trails for visitors. These protected areas provide critical habitat for endangered species, safeguard local water resources, and support Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation traditions like hunting, hiking, and birding.
For Additional Information: Tom Stolp | tstolp@restoringlands.org or 262-310-0593
The Restoring Lands’ County Line preserve is one of several preserved properties that would be impacted by ATC’s preferred transmission line route.