The birds are a nice idea but what makes things click is money. If the construction on the towers reduces the amount of cash brought into the valley and surrounding areas due to tourism (lodging, food, fuel, etc.) there is a good chance the local citizenry will want to stop the projects. If the turbines become the dominant use of the ridge and exclude the inflow of cash from out of state there is a big incentive to enjoin the construction.

What is the economic impact of soaring on the area? Not just contests but pilots coming to the area to fly all throughout the year? How pivotal is soaring from Mifflin to the local economy?

The towers might reduce energy costs, lower property taxes and look good on paper but if the inflow of cash is reduced enough, the aforementioned benefits are just lost leaders and ultimately increase living in the valley.