Economic and Tourism Risks
The magnificent 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River viewshed is one of America's most unique and beautiful natural resources. For the past 150 years, the region's economy has harnessed this incredible natural resource, welcoming millions of visitors, tourists, and summer residents.
Stakeholders have prospered, built a successful economic model, and lived a vision that harnesses our unique natural resources in a sustainable way. The regional community, as well as organizations such as the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) and Save the River, have been inspired by our amazing natural resources and viewshed to make substantial, forward-thinking efforts to protect these resource for generations to come.
The Horse Creek Project and industrial wind jeopardizes this economic model because it destroys our unique and irreplaceable viewshed.
More than any other area of Northern New York, the 1000 Islands region is dependent upon viewshed for economic survival.
If Horse Creek's mechanical landscape is allowed to destroy this unique natural resource, our three-century-old regional economic model would be damaged forever. This is why the 1000 Islands community strongly opposes Iberdrola and the Horse Creek Wind Project.
Stakeholders have prospered, built a successful economic model, and lived a vision that harnesses our unique natural resources in a sustainable way. The regional community, as well as organizations such as the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) and Save the River, have been inspired by our amazing natural resources and viewshed to make substantial, forward-thinking efforts to protect these resource for generations to come.
The Horse Creek Project and industrial wind jeopardizes this economic model because it destroys our unique and irreplaceable viewshed.
More than any other area of Northern New York, the 1000 Islands region is dependent upon viewshed for economic survival.
If Horse Creek's mechanical landscape is allowed to destroy this unique natural resource, our three-century-old regional economic model would be damaged forever. This is why the 1000 Islands community strongly opposes Iberdrola and the Horse Creek Wind Project.
Again we ask - Why put all this in jeopardy for the poorly sited Horse Creek project?
The New York State Tourism Board Describes the 1000 Islands as,
A Brief Look at the 1000 Islands Region - What is at Stake
- A growing population of more than 16,000 permanent residents
- A seasonal resident and tourist population that swells to 38,000 or more, attracted by the beauty and viewshed of the area
- Charming and historic waterfront communities such as Clayton, Fishers Landing, Thousand Island Park, Chaumont, Dexter, Cape Vincent, Alexandria Bay, and Three Mile Bay, each with unique shops and services
- Dozens of island communities and thousands of summer homes
- Hundreds of hotels and thousands of hotel rooms from small family-owned to large resorts including the new four star 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton ($3 million NYS grant)
- Dozens of marinas, boat builders, construction firms, and service industries
- World-famous fishing, including internationally-recognized bass tournaments
- Numerous State Parks with recreational, camping, and educational facilities
- Multiple cultural centers and art galleries
- Rich historical sites and museums -including the world’s largest antique boat museum
- Performing Arts Centers, theaters, and community opera houses
- Award-winning restaurants, cafés, gastro-pubs and eateries
- A burgeoning agrotourism industry
- The 1000 Islands/Seaway Wine Trail with 25 family-owned vineyards and tasting rooms.
- A growing craft brewery and distillery industry
Again we ask - Why put all this in jeopardy for the poorly sited Horse Creek project?
The 1000 Islands - the Wrong Place for Industrial Wind
The 1000 Islands region is a special place worthy of protection and viewshed conservation. Large swaths are already classified as a Canadian National Park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, New York State Park, Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Important Bird Area (IBA), State Forest, or are protected from inappropriate development with conservation easements.
Given all possible locations for industrial wind in New York, the 1000 Islands region is the worst possible choice.
Given all possible locations for industrial wind in New York, the 1000 Islands region is the worst possible choice.
Jeopardizing the 1000 Islands region's historically smart and sustainable stewardship of natural resources for the Horse Creek Wind Project is a dangerous proposition that would devastate this successful regional economic model, hurt stakeholders and damage the economy of Northern New York.
Again we ask - Why put all this in jeopardy for the poorly sited Horse Creek project?