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You probably already know this, but if you think there might be wind generation potential I'd highly recommend throwing up an anemometer just for the heck of it

You probably already know this, but if you think there might be wind generation potential I'd highly recommend throwing up an anemometer just for the heck of it. When I was mucking around that industry back in Oregon (helped a friend launch a business refurbishing turbines), the universities gave out loaners. Also, you've probably already done this as well, but if the property has wetlands, those have HUGE ecological value particularly given the location. Lots of ways to monetize that ecological value these days via wetland banking, conservation easements, etc. You'd save some critters, reduce some local flooding, AND have some extra mad cash for crazy experiments. Triple win!

syedkarim 12y ago
Can you provide more details about the ways to monetize wetlands? The property has some minor wetlands; no standing water, but soft ground (plants are used to determine wetlands, anyway).
- chadkruse 12y ago
  Both wetland banking and conservation easements effectively do the same thing...you transfer/sell the ecological value to someone that values it, and lock it into being a wetland into perpetuity (or some agreed-to number of years). In the case of wetland banking, a developer may purchase the "banking credits" produced by your wetland to offset the destruction of a wetland on their site. Google around for wetland banking or mitigation banking. With easements, you find a local organization (usually a local land trust or nonprofit, but could be a park district or other quasi-governmental agency) that has a defined mission of maintaining wetlands, combating the urbanization of our farmlands, etc. You agree to lock up the wetland portion of your property, they give you cash. I don't know anyone there, but a good start might be your local NRDC office: http://www.nrdc.org/about/chicago.asp http://www.nrdc.org/about/chicago.asp They might also be a good resource if you start playing with wind turbines.

syedkarim 12y ago

Can you provide more details about the ways to monetize wetlands? The property has some minor wetlands; no standing water, but soft ground (plants are used to determine wetlands, anyway).

chadkruse 12y ago
Both wetland banking and conservation easements effectively do the same thing...you transfer/sell the ecological value to someone that values it, and lock it into being a wetland into perpetuity (or some agreed-to number of years). In the case of wetland banking, a developer may purchase the "banking credits" produced by your wetland to offset the destruction of a wetland on their site. Google around for wetland banking or mitigation banking. With easements, you find a local organization (usually a local land trust or nonprofit, but could be a park district or other quasi-governmental agency) that has a defined mission of maintaining wetlands, combating the urbanization of our farmlands, etc. You agree to lock up the wetland portion of your property, they give you cash. I don't know anyone there, but a good start might be your local NRDC office: http://www.nrdc.org/about/chicago.asp http://www.nrdc.org/about/chicago.asp They might also be a good resource if you start playing with wind turbines.