Wind Energy 101, a forum on wind energy from a property owner's perspective, will be presented in Ottawa the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 9 and in Pontiac Wednesday, Dec 9.

The Illinois Wind Working Group and University of Illinois Extension, with assistance from other groups, are coordinating the forums to help property owners make informed decisions about wind energy developments and leases.

The forums are a part of a continuing series of workshops across the state.

University educators and industry professionals will present a background overview of wind economics, the timeline for a wind development and agricultural issues related to wind development as well as lease and contact issues.

"Wind energy in Illinois is going to experience explosive growth," said David Loomis, director of the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University.

"Illinois recently surpassed the 1,000 (megawatt) mark for wind capacity in the state and I see no end to the projects that are coming online."

"Landowners need to consider the long-term implications before signing a contact with a developer," according to Stanley Solomon, University of Illinois engineering technology educator.

"While there are definite benefits to wind energy, the impacts on agriculture and future development of the land should be part of the decision. Limitations on locations and construction of new buildings, aerial crop spray applications, and practical cultivation equipment sizes are among the issues that should be considered. These and other issues will be discussed during the workshops."

On Nov. 9, the forum will be at Pitstick Pavilion north of Ottawa on Route 23 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. with registration beginning at 1 p.m. Directions to the meeting locations are provided on the registration Web sites or can be requested via telephone.

The early registration deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 4, for $20. Late registration and at the door will be $25 on an available space basis.

Online registration for the Ottawa meeting can be found at the La Salle County Extension Web site: web.extension.uiuc.edu/lasalle, or by contacting the University of Illinois La Salle County Extension office at 815-433-0707.

The Dec. 9 forum will be at the Livingston County Extension Office in Pontiac at 1412 S. Locust St. from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Directions to the meeting locations are provided on the registration Web sites or can be requested via telephone. The early registration deadline is Dec. 4 for the discount registration fee of $20. Late registration and at the door will be $25 on an available space basis.

Online registration for the Pontiac meeting can be found at the Livingston County Extension Web site: web.extension.uiuc.edu/Livingston, or by contacting the University of Illinois Livingston County Extension office at 815-844-3622.