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GARDEN TOWNSHIP -- Late last year, a wind farm began taking shape in Garden Township in Delta County. The first turbine is complete; 13 more will be put up, and the whole wind farm is expected to be running by late August.

But the $60 million project continues to get both support and criticism.

The turbine is used to capture energy from the moving air and convert it into electricity. Its location is an issue for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One of their biggest concerns is that there'll be high levels of avian mortality by the wind turbines at the project site.

According to a statement from them, “Any take of migratory birds is a potential violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and/or the Eagle Act. These events will be properly referred to our law enforcement office for appropriate follow-up."

Marty Lagina, founder and CEO of Heritage Sustainable Energy, said an ornithologist conducted a study but found that no impact to birds would occur from the wind farm.

“I moved here for the wildlife to get away from the city,” explains landowner Clifford Stollings. “And I looked for two years for a place like this, and I finally bought it. I’ve been here for eight years, and now they're going to, as far as I’m concerned, ruin it."

Stollings is concerned with the turbines' proximity. He says two of them will be built within 1500 feet of his home and over 8 of them within a mile of it.

“It would be ideal if this could be halted at this point and a better site found," says landowner Jim Skinner.

But Lagina says there's only one valid issue.  

“Aesthetically there is an impact. And people in general resist change. And this is a bit of a change," says Lagina.

Heritage officials say the project benefits the community. They've done local hiring and have offered the opportunity for residents to get royalty from the machines.

“I am a Yooper,” Lagina adds. “I love the U.P.; I was born and raised here, and I view it all as positive."

Officials say they only want to be good neighbors and will be responsive to valid criticisms.