Maine tribes say the state has failed to consult them about plans for a wind farm near sacred sites.

The Penobscot Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township say the project is too close to land that is used for ceremonies. The tribes own tens of thousands of acres near Bowers Mountain, The Portland Press Herald reported.

"Located on these two tribal townships, near the wind turbine site, are religious sites, places that have been used for the last 10,000 years," Pasamaquoddy tribal historic preservation officer Donald Soctomah wrote in a letter to the state Land Use Regulation Commission. "We believe that the wind turbines would have a harmful effect also on this activity for the tribes."

The LURC held a public hearing on the First Wind project last month but the tribes say the agency hasn't talked to them in person.

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Tribes: Wind plan may interfere with sacred ceremonies (The Portland Press Herald 7/26)