Project History

Corporate style wind developers do not offer ownership or partnership in a wind development company. They simply offer land leases or royalty payments and open communication is not important. They often approach landowners one by one, as opposed to presenting the project to the community as a long-term plan.

Gerry Fisher wanted a different alternative for his family's land in Day and Roberts counties, South Dakota. An alternative that would not only benefit his family, but that of neighboring families in northeast South Dakota. Fisher researched many alternatives including National Wind's approach to community wind development. He decided National Wind's approach was the best option for the landowners and the community to participate and share in the economic benefits of wind energy.

At Fisher's request, National Wind met with several key landowners to determine if there was strong local support for a project such as this. After determining the support does exist, National Wind and Fisher formed a development company called Dakota Wind Energy, LLC, a South Dakota Limited Liability Company. The company will serve as the platform to development a series of wind farms in the northeastern corner of South Dakota. Feasibility studies indicate that this region has some of the greatest wind energy resoureces in the country.