As a resident of Michigan, I cherish the breathtaking landscapes and the abundant wildlife we are blessed with in Otsego County. The tall, majestic trees not only enhance the natural beauty of our area but are home to countless species of wildlife. I'm greatly concerned that our public officials are planning to bulldoze 420 acres of standing trees on public land to install a solar panel farm. This will transform a prime recreational area into an industrial site, severely damaging wildlife habitats and potentially affecting our local tourism.

Solar energy is a commendable and essential venture for renewable energy and climate change mitigation. However, clear-cutting our forests directly contradicts these environmental conservation goals, given the vital role trees play in sequestering CO2. According to the USDA Forest Service, one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and emits four tons of oxygen. Calculations based on these findings suggest that the planned destruction would wipe out a massive natural carbon sink capable of processing approximately 2,520 tons of CO2 annually.

Moreover, public lands belong to the people. We demand that such a significant decision impacting our public lands should involve the citizens' voice. We insist that the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiate a public vote before allowing such action. There's no doubt that we need to transition to renewable sources of energy, but this should not come at the expense of our precious natural resources.

Please sign this petition urging the public officials to halt this project until they have obtained explicit approval from those it will affect the most - the people of Michigan. With your support, we can protect and preserve the beauty of Otsego County for ourselves and future generations.