The June 2008 monthly meeting of the Royal Society of New Zealand Canterbury Branch had as it’s speaker Nick Head of Doc talking about the ecology of Canterbury Limestone landscapes. Although not about the Mainpower proposal to build it’s windfarm on Mt Cass ridge it was clear to many present that such a development would irreversibly destroy the character of a unique part of Canterbury and threaten many rare and endangered native plants.  As a consequence some members and others set about forming the Mount Cass Ridge Protection Society to give a collective voice for those wishing to object to the proposal.

We aim to stop the Mainpower proposal in it's present form. We are not opposed to wind power, or even a wind farm in the general area around Mt Cass but we are opposed to the destruction of such a unique part of Canterbury and believe it has a better use as part of the conservation and recreational estate.

Groups such as Forest and Bird and Tramping clubs will be opposing the proposal. We are not an umbrella group for other opposition organisations but we work with them and we welcome membership from people who are members of such groups as wekll as the general public.

From our draft constitution:

Object: The Object of the society shall be the protection of the natural heritage of the area know as the Mt Cass Ridge in north Canterbury.

Immediate Goal : The immediate goal of the society shall be to oppose the  proposal by Mainpower to establish a wind farm on Mt Cass ridge by submissions to consent processes and other actions consistent with the Goal of the society.

Long Term Goal: The long term goal shall be for the eventual incorporation of the area into a Regional Park or similar entity linked to the existing adjacent reserve areas at Mt Cass for public access and enjoyment.

Membership of the society  shall be open to anyone who supports the goals and objects of the society.