"We run sheep and cattle, and we have areas that this would enhance," Moench said. "Any way we can generate income on the ranch, then we don't have to sell, and we can keep it open space."

Property owners can typically capture between $2,000 to $4,000 per wind turbine per year in royalties.

Counties can reap even bigger profits in property taxes. Last year the Foote Creek Rim wind farm in Carbon County, Wyo., generated $480,000 in annual tax revenues.

Andy Swapp, a high school teacher in Beaver County who participated in the tour, said his school district could offset its annual electrical costs of $167,000 through the generation of one turbine.

Utah's pending renewable energy bill may be the answer in attracting wind development.

"Wyoming passed that bill last year, and the only reason why those turbines are in the ground today is because of that bill," said Christine Watson, energy engineer for the Utah Energy Office. "We're not very competitive with Wyoming without that piece of legislation."

---

E-mail: danderton@desnews.com