Read carefully before signing away farmland

I am an affected landowner and on the board of The Preservation of Rural Iowa Alliance. We are the non-profit organization formed to oppose the transmission line proposed by Rock Island Clean Line (RICL).

The intended 375-mile route through Iowa to take wind power from O'Brien County to Chicago and on east will need many parcels of land by eminent domain if they are to succeed with their plan. As of now, we believe they have less than 7 percent voluntary easements.

What precedent do we want to set? Do we let a private company use eminent domain for most of a project through prime Iowa farmland? Talking and writing to landowners and concerned citizens tells me it will come to that. A majority of folks who contact us do not want this line on their property no matter what payment is offered.

Look carefully at the easement when they come calling. Have an attorney look over it. Confer with family members. Don't sign if you are against this line. These easements are forever. We of The Preservation are not opposed to wind energy. Our Iowa utilities are doing a fine job of developing wind energy.

For information concerning the easements being offered by RICL, go to www.calt.iastate.edu. Roger McEowen and Kristine Tidgren for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation Iowa State University have a podcast explaining what to consider for your protection as landowners.

Diane Darr

Ayrshire