Madeline Island, in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore off Bayfield, Wisconsin, is planning to become energy independent by 2025. Residents have decided to reduce the Island’s carbon footprint and develop energy independence with wind energy. Relying on fossil fuels for energy contributes to pollution in Lake Superior. Islanders know this threatens their beloved home, local wildlife, and the tourism industry on which their economy depends. The Town Board appointed an Alternative Energy Committee to develop a path toward energy self-sufficiency using wind power. Windustry was asked to render technical assistance to develop an innovative business/ownership model that will meet the unique needs of this public-private partnership.

Windustry is working with Madeline Island and three other rural communities to guide them through the process of developing Community Wind for renewable energy, local energy independence, and sustainable local economic development. To better meet their needs, we're launching our new Landowner Wind Energy Association Resource Center, designed to dramatically expand wind energy generation across the country as a rural business enterprise.

We need your support to undertake this work! Donate to Windustry on Give to the Max Day – between 8:00 am on November 17 and 8:00 am November 18. Gifts up to $2,500 will be eligible for a matching amount, with the generous support of GiveMN.org funding partners.

Donate to Windustry on November 17 and pass this message on to your friends, family, and colleagues. Together we can harvest the wind!