Local farmers are opposing a proposal to convert nearly 1,500 acres of agricultural land in northern Michigan into a solar farm, saying the project would permanently damage some of the state’s most productive farmland and that they were given little notice it was coming.
A company called Ranger Power, through its subsidiary Shipyard Solar, has approached the Wexford Joint Planning Commission about developing a solar array spanning parts of both Wexford County and Grand Traverse County.
The commission is a body made up of ten townships and is separate from county government.
The land involved is owned by an Arkansas-based corporation that has farmed the area for years and is now hoping to lease it to the solar developer.
Farmers say the project could stretch from one county road to the next, covering as much as two miles in a single direction, through fields currently used to grow organic vegetables, squash, carrots and green beans, much of it grown organically and harvested by hand.
“You’re taking valuable farm ground, that is some of the best ground in the state of Michigan to raise vegetables that are feeding people,” said James Cade, a Wexford farmer. “And now all of a sudden you’re going to put solar panels in there when there’s obviously many other areas that could be used instead of farm ground.”
Opponents raised a range of concerns, including long-term contamination of the soil from heavy metals and concrete anchors, loss of wildlife habitat, declining property values for neighboring homeowners, and economic ripple effects on local food processing facilities.
Farmers also noted that the economic footprint of agriculture in the area runs deeper than the fields themselves. Dozens of workers hand-weed and harvest crops each season, and the produce feeds into regional processing facilities that employ additional workers downstream.
Several residents and local officials, including Wexford County’s Administrator, were unaware of the proposal until recently, and the word spread largely through informal channels.
Farmers also pointed to what they believe was the developer’s calculation in targeting the area.
Ranger Power attempted a similar project in Hillsdale County earlier this year. Hillsdale County changed its zoning laws to block the project after significant public opposition.
Mike Luther, a farmer surrounded by the prospective development, said he believes the company viewed the region as an easy target, noting the land is clear and flat, the landowner is a single corporation rather than many individuals, and the townships involved are small and meet infrequently.
“I think it’s probably because they think we’re a bunch of hillbillies and they can just do what they want,” Luther said. “I just really think that they picked out this area.”
The project is still in early stages.
Zoning changes would need to be approved by the townships within the Joint Planning Commission before a special use permit could even be applied for. If a township denied the request, Ranger Power could appeal to the state of Michigan, a backstop that concerns some opponents.
Still, farmers say they are not opposed to solar energy outright.
“I don’t have a problem with solar panels. They’re needed. They’re great,” Cade said. “But putting them in the middle of a farm field, I don’t think that’s the right solution.”
In a written statement, Ranger Power Director of External Affairs Ryan Wardin said no formal applications have been filed and that the company is focused on early-stage development and community outreach.
“Our developments are built on voluntary partnerships with local landowners who see solar as a benefit to their farming operations,” Wardin said. “We intend to work closely with Wexford and Grant Townships to develop a project designed by, and for, the local community.”
The Wexford Joint Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public meeting on the proposal May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wexford County Road Commission.
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