A Michigan music festival's longtime home could lose more than 130 campsites to proposed high-voltage power lines, raising concerns about the future of a community gathering place that has welcomed visitors for over 50 years.
Here's what to know
The Copperton Projects would stretch more than 250 miles, cost more than $1 billion, and come online in 2032, according to WCMU.
ITC, the nation's largest electric transmission company, would handle construction.
Mecosta County's Wheatland Music Organization could face significant consequences from the proposed route of a project intended to strengthen Michigan's electric grid.
In a social media statement, the organization warned that the route would eliminate upward of 70,000 feet of campground space.
"Wheatland's grounds have brought people together for music, dance, learning, and camping for more than 50 years," the statement read. "The proposed route would affect our fall festival … year-round programs, wooded areas, and use of the property."
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The lines would connect a Midland County substation with substations in three places: Ludington, Gratiot County, and Tittabawassee.
More background
Copperton is part of Tranche 2.1, a group of over 20 projects coordinated by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
MISO oversees grid operations in Manitoba and 15 U.S. states, serving tens of millions of customers.
According to the Citizens Utility Board, the state consistently ranks last nationally for power reliability. ITC describes the projects as a way to improve electricity reliability, an especially pressing concern in Michigan.
Unlike neighborhood distribution lines, these higher-voltage lines can require clearance of as much as 200 feet, as WCMU reported.
Landowners along the proposed routes worry that the required clearance could restrict future uses of their property and affect its value.
Lansing-area owner Rick Thelen learned that a proposed route could cross his 80-acre field.
"I feel like they just [have] complete disregard for property rights," Thelen told WCMU.
What's being done?
Copperton remains in its listening phase, with open houses for landowners scheduled in spring 2027.
ITC plans to seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission.
If approved, the company would seek negotiated payments — but it could pursue eminent domain if negotiations fail.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has proposed rules that build on voluntary application guidelines approved in January for projects involving transmission lines spanning 5 miles or more.
Under the proposed rules, companies would have to explain their route choices and provide contact information for a representative knowledgeable about the project.
They would also have to invite landowners and local government leaders within a mile of proposed routes to meetings for public feedback. Builders would need to document comments and requests for small route changes, while also investigating more alternative routes.
For communities such as Wheatland, these requirements would create a formal record of objections before construction decisions are made.
ITC representative Andrew Johnson expressed support for the commission's proposed process improvements in comments reported by Bridge Michigan.
"ITC appreciates the Commission's continued efforts to improve the transmission line siting process and supports its focus on early, transparent, and meaningful public engagement."
Where can I learn more?
Similar disputes over transmission routes are playing out in Texas and other states. These stories examine proposed power lines, impacts to property, and tribal opposition.
• Texas landowners and lawmakers are challenging a utility company's proposed 200-mile Big Hill line.
• A Texas landowner learned a 345-kV transmission line could split the family's property.
• The Quechan Tribe is pushing back against plans for an Arizona-California power line.
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