Holy Trinity Monastery Will Host Conference to Address Wind Farm Proposal

JORDANVILLE — Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville continues to raise concerns over a proposed wind energy project that officials say could dramatically alter the historic monastery’s landscape and affect a site visited by thousands of pilgrims each year.

The Rolling Hills wind project, being developed by Terra-Gen, LLC, is in the early stages of planning and could include a 200-megawatt wind facility across approximately 30 square miles of Herkimer County farmland. Monastery representatives say the proposed turbines could eventually surround the property, replacing the current peaceful views with structures reaching nearly 700 feet tall.

Bp. Luke Murianka, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, told a local news stations that this marks the third time in the monastery’s nearly century-long history in Jordanville that wind turbine proposals have threatened the area. He emphasized the monastery’s international importance, noting that pilgrims from around the world visit the grounds, which include cemeteries containing approximately 4,000 burials.

Archimandrite Nektarios, business manager of Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary, said the property’s status as a state and nationally registered historic preservation site should provide protections from developments that could significantly alter the character of the area. Monastery officials have contacted government agencies, lawmakers, and legal representatives while working to raise awareness about potential impacts on farmland, wildlife, and the surrounding community.

Alexandra Fasulo, president of the American Land Rescue Fund, also raised concerns about the proposed project, arguing that the state’s renewable energy permitting process could threaten religious sites, environmental protections, farmland, and historic locations. After visiting Holy Trinity Monastery, Fasulo said she observed an active eagle nesting site on the property and warned that the project could affect both wildlife and the monastery’s religious environment.

Terra-Gen officials said the project remains in the planning phase and will undergo environmental review and stakeholder engagement. They said the proposed wind farm would provide renewable energy, jobs, tax revenue, and economic benefits.

The monastery will host a “Stop Energy Sprawl” Conference on Aug. 8, 2026, featuring lawmakers, attorneys, environmental experts, and community advocates discussing the proposed project and broader concerns about renewable energy development.

UOJ-America is also completing work on a short documentary about Jordanville's battle against the project. Visit here to support the film and sign up at the bottom of this article to become a website member.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Jordanville Monastery supporters planned a protest against a wind project.