Nearly 30 local farmers and property owners attended a unique program, "Wind Energy 101, from a Landowner's Perspective," Monday at Pitstick Pavilion to learn the economics and logistic details of placing a wind farm on their land.

Presented by the University of Illinois Extension Service and the Illinois Wind Working Group, the forum presented university educators and industry professionals who offered a complete overview of timelines for wind farm development, agricultural considerations, wind economics and lease/contract information.

Stanley Solomon, University of Illinois engineering technology educator from East Peoria, informed attendees on the varied particulars of long-term leases, which need to be understood before signing a contract with a wind energy developer. Step by step, Solomon traced the development from how to react if approached by companies wanting to lease land to actual construction of the huge wind turbines on properties.

"While there are definite benefits to wind energy, the considerable impacts on agriculture and farmsteads must be part of the decision to sign any agreement," Solomon explained.

He said, "Limitations on the number of towers and locations which might affect future construction of farm or other buildings, aerial crop spray considerations, possible subsurface drainage tiles that might by impacted are just some of the factors which should be closely examined."

Peoria attorney William Shay clarified the many legal aspects involved between wind project developers and property owners. From taxes and liabilities to land intrusion and compensation, Shay told the group of the rights and responsibilities of all parties in setting up such wind turbine operations. He spoke of developer payment of landowner transaction fees and duration of lease/easement terms.

According to David Loomis, director of the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University, Illinois is poised to experience "explosive growth" in wind energy development during the coming decade. He said the state recently surpassed the 1,000-megawatt mark for wind capacity electrical generation.

The same program will be presented Dec. 9 at the Livingston County Extension office from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for the early registration fee of $20 is Friday, Dec. 4, with late registration or at-the- door entry priced at $25 based on available seating.

Solomon said another wind forum will be held at the Freeport Public Library on Jan. 7.