The Baraboo Range is recognized by local, state, federal and global agencies and organizations for its outstanding biological and geological qualities. Within the 53,531-acre National Natural Landmark(1) remains “the largest block of upland forest still standing in southern Wisconsin”(2) with “an incredible diversity of species, including more than 1,800 plant and animal species”(3).

Of the 229 Legacy Places(3) that “make Wisconsin Wisconsin”, many are recognized for “exceptional”, “unobstructed” and “scenic” vistas, but none are recognized for high-voltage transmission lines.

Conversely, transmission lines are only credited (on page 14) with habitat fragmentation and making land protection efforts more difficult and more expensive(3). One proposed segment (#16) of the BECI Project would sever more than 1,000 acres from contiguous habitat in the South Range.

Our mission is to protect these outstanding qualities by promoting ecologically responsible land use. Every single segment of the BECI Project around the Baraboo Range interrupts the hard work and progress that has already been made, and every proposed segment directly interferes with the work that we have yet to do.

We are continually working with our community to build on these successes following the established legal framework and fully expect that Midcontinent Grid Solutions (MGS) is similarly prepared to follow the guidelines established by Wis. Stat. 12(6) for the order of priority in siting new transmission facilities. Our membership is poised to constructively participate in MGS’s public comment process through a traditional three-year public information phase, honoring the precedent set by previous project developers proposing changes to landscape use at scale. As always, the Baraboo Range Preservation Association stands committed to furthering land protection that honors the wishes of our community’s past, present and future.

[Signed] Amy Workman Amy Workman, President, Board of Directors; [Signed] Casey Jones, Executive Director