A very local and very diverse group of more than 150 business people and community members from Greenville, Rockwood and Kokadjo have come together with one common goal: to preserve the integrity, beauty and character of a very unique and special area – the Moosehead Lake region. To achieve this goal, we have developed a conservation proposal we call the Greater Moosehead Conservation Proposal.

Most of the people in this group have some sort of dependence upon the forests of this region. Some of us are directly dependent on them and the access we have to them while others benefit indirectly from the many types of commerce these forests sustain.

Nearly three years ago, this group came together as a result of frequent changes in ownership and management of large tracts of undeveloped forests and the uncertainty that came with those changes. We found that we shared some common questions: will we have access to these areas and the treasures they contain; will these lands be developed; and what effect will that have on our local economy? Concerns regarding loss of access and fears of development united us.

The Greater Moosehead Lake region is unique for many reasons, but one of the biggest is its wildness. I often hear people refer to this region as the last frontier of sorts. For over 100 years this region has been a destination for people who wanted an unadulterated wilderness experience. Of course much has changed in the century: roads have been built, homes, camps, even businesses have been added to the area. This is a critical point in the history of this region. Much of the wilderness, beauty, charm and character that make this region so unique remain and this is what we seek to preserve for the future.

To some, especially those unfamiliar with the history of this region, timber harvesting and the forest industry would seem the enemy of this beautiful region. Timber harvesting and the forest industry have helped make this region what it is today. To those who come to this region and enjoy access to remote ponds, mountains and other treasures I ask: how did you get there? Almost without a doubt I would guess they traveled on a road created and maintained by a forest landowner or crossed private forestry industry land to get there.

This region has had a long and relatively positive relationship with forest companies that own land here. The Greater Moosehead Conservation Proposal seeks to maintain this relationship. We want the region to maintain its rugged, rustic appeal while preserving the many natural treasures we are blessed with for future generations. The forest industry is an integral part of this equation.

Our proposal seeks only to protect the wilderness of the region and public access to it, while maintaining a strong forest economy. We feel that this proposal truly has local support and is a viable alternative to a state or National Park. We propose that the State of Maine work with Plum Creek Timber Company to acquire a conservation easement on much of the company’s land with some additions to existing Bureau of Public Lands within the State Department of Conservation.

I believe I can speak for most in the group when I say part of our motivation is to preserve a certain quality of life as well. Most people who live and work in this region do so knowing that they could make more money elsewhere. They choose to live here because of the quality of life that comes from living in areas with so much wilderness.

Thousands of visitors come to this region each year to experience this quality of life if only for a short time. We feel the Greater Moosehead Conservation Proposal is an effective way to preserve the essence of this experience and the natural wonders and unique qualities of this region.

Craig Watt is the manager of Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville.