Great Lakes Article:

County Opposes Wilderness Destroying Powerline (WI)

Press Release from Save Our Unique Lands (SOUL)

May 21, 2002, Wausau, WI---- Today it became quite clear that Marathon County intends to stand behind their two previous resolutions in opposition to the Arrowhead - Weston electric transmission line. Prior to today's meeting, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) made a request to Marathon County for access to the Nine Mile County Forest to conduct surveying and two soil borings.

Today, at the Marathon County Board Meeting, the request for access was denied by County Supervisors with a 19 to 12 vote. Marathon County is the second county to deny access to WPS and Minnesota Power. Douglas county took the first stand earlier this year. This vote is significant because they cannot condemn county property to gain access, and this is not likely to be the last governmental body to take a stand. Nearly 100 local governments passed resolutions in opposition to the Arrowhead - Weston electric transmission line even before the application to build it was filed with the state.

This may be the ideal time for WPS to throw in the towel and address the state's need in a responsible manner. Tom Kreager, president of SOUL, stated, "This is a major setback for WPS and may be the straw that breaks the camel's back! My thanks to the County Supervisors that recognized what needed to be done. You are heroes to the residents of Marathon County."