Iowa is beautiful, but ...

[Heckler]

I live in what is called the I-35 corridor near Ames. When I was a kid a short 65 years ago there were many more acres of timberland than now. All farmsteads had several acres of "grove: and river and creek boarders were well forested for some distance on each side of the waterway and was mostly used as pasture since all farms had various animals at the time. Fence lines with large trees were abundent and the scene was much different than today. Most of the trees were cut and burned or buried. Think of the number of acres of forest we have covered with water by constructing all the recreaction ares also.

[kenneth.kahl]

Few windmills are still in operation; these are wind generators. The difference is large, but the source is abundant. I think they're not only beautiful, but necessary to provide electricity for our ever-increasing, and wasteful, population. Unless you live off-the-grid, these are our saviors--and they provide good local property tax income. I would love one in my back yard.

[sequoias]

Most of the West US states is more beautiful than Iowa. I moved here just because to live with my girlfriend not for Iowa. I just find it boring, not really lot of scenery features, most of the state is cornfield and soybeans. Forests mostly in Northeast and other parts of the state which is a small percentage of the state. Of course, most of the state is prairie grasslands (before farms were established).

I think wind generators are a nice addition because every time we drive past the wind farms, we look at them turning the shafts to produce emission-free electricity produced by the wind. there is huge one up North of Iowa Falls between Mason City and Iowa Falls. A good sized one nearby I-35 north of Ames.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by sequoias

Most of the West US states is more beautiful than Iowa. .

You would like visiting the Northwoods of MN, WI, and MI in the Upper Midwest. Not as "dramatic" as areas of the West, but still much more interesting than the Corn Belt.

[sequoias]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

You would like visiting the Northwoods of MN, WI, and MI in the Upper Midwest. Not as "dramatic" as areas of the West, but still much more interesting than the Corn Belt.

I can believe that. I have never been to the upper parts of the Midwest.. someday we will. The scenery around Lake Superior, coast of Lake Michigan in North Michigan, Transverse City area, etc. Those area looks interesting to check out.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by sequoias

I can believe that. I have never been to the upper parts of the Midwest.. someday we will. The scenery around Lake Superior, coast of Lake Michigan in North Michigan, Transverse City area, etc. Those area looks interesting to check out.

The closest would be the northwoods of WI. Not really that far of a car trip from northern IA according to google maps.

[Heckler]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

... those giant windmills everywhere are gawd-awful eyesores! What a shameful atrocity! My Iowa friends say they cost more to build and maintain than they return in actual energy, and the only reason they are there is that the property owners get tax breaks for allowing them. What's the opinion of most Iowans?

Property owners also get about $4000 a year in rent for each fan placed on their property. I know one person who lives in Nevada that has 3 on one farm and 3 on another. All six are in eastern Story and Southern Hardin County so he doesn't even have look at the "Terra Horrible" things.