First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company, and the Penobscot Off Road Riders co-hosted the first “Ride the Wind” ATV Ride-In at the Rollins Wind Project. The Ride-In event brought together ATV enthusiasts from across the area to experience one of Maine’s wind projects up-close while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. Event participants were able to tour the Rollins Wind project.

Situated in the towns of Lincoln, Burlington, Lee and Winn in Penobscot County, Maine, the 60 megawatt (MW) Rollins Wind project generates enough clean energy to power about 23,000 Maine homes. The power is being delivered to Maine homes and businesses at cost-competitive rates as part of long-term electricity supply contracts with Bangor Hydro and Central Maine Power.

As part of the Rollins project and its four other projects in operation in Maine, First Wind has worked diligently to ensure that the sites are open for outdoor and recreational use. First Wind supports several outdoor and recreational organizations including the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and numerous local ATV, snowmobile and hiking clubs.

Event participants were given a tour of the Rollins project wind towers and the Ride-in concluded with a barbecue luncheon and a 50-50 raffle to benefit Camp Capella, which provides diverse recreational and educational opportunities for people with disabilities. The ATV Ride-in follows several other recreational activities hosted by First Wind including the annual Snowmobile Ride-In, which has given snowmobile riders the opportunity to see both the Stetson Wind and Rollins Wind projects.

First Wind currently has five operational wind projects in Maine, including the 60 MW Rollins Wind project in Penobscot County, the cumulative 83 MW Stetson Wind I and II projects in Washington County, the 42 MW Mars Hill project in Aroostook County, and the 34 MW Bull Hill Wind project in Hancock County.