In Maine we are fortunate to still have large tracts of uninhabited land for recreational use and maintenance of ecological balance. But the fact is that the vast majority of that land is unprotected. Less than 6 percent of Maine is publicly owned with guaranteed access to all.

Traditionally, locally owned timber companies have allowed public access to their land. But that has been changing. More than 4 million acres of forest land has changed hands in just the past few years. The new owners are “kingdom buyers,” land developers, and liquidation harvesters. Through restrictions, development, or clear-cutting, remote pristine areas are being lost, and access to the woods for recreation is decreasing.

Now is the time for vision and leadership in providing a balanced plan for protection of our incomparable wilderness tradition. Fortunately we are getting that vision and leadership from Gov. John Baldacci’s bold Maine Woods Legacy – bringing together wilderness conservation, guaranteed access for remote recreation, sustainable forestry, and economic development. The governor sees this plan as an opportunity for a wide range of Maine residents to work together as partners in the sustainable use of our natural resources and the protection of our wilderness heritage.

As members of the Northern Maine Group of the Sierra Club, we agree. The Maine woods are large and diverse enough to fill many needs – sound forestry practices, hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, rafting, etc. With commitment and planning it can sustain all of that and still provide a truly pristine wilderness experience for the increasing number of people who seek it.

We especially applaud the governor’s creative approach to the legendary 100-mile wilderness region of the Maine woods. This spectacular area around the Appalachian Trail is currently protected by a very narrow corridor. In some places there is only a 250-foot buffer between the trail and the industrial forest. Some of the best known areas along the 100-mile wilderness, such as Gulf Hagas on the West Branch of the Pleasant River, are protected. But there are important unprotected areas in the watershed of this river, which is a world-class native brook trout fishery. Whitecap Mountain, Cooper Mountain, Jo-Mary Mountain, Baker Mountain, and Barren Mountain are all vulnerable. And the 100-mile region contains treasured old-growth forest stands and valuable habitat for lynx as well as rare plant communities.

Now there is hope that these spectacular areas will be protected in perpetuity. That would mean a continuous wilderness corridor from Baxter State Park, through the Debsconeag Wilderness and the Nahmakanta Reserve, and on through the 100-mile region. Given the excessive usage of Baxter State Park, it is important to protect more of Maine’s wilderness to reduce the concentration of visitors and maintain the high quality experience that generations of outdoor enthusiasts have treasured.

Not only is the 100-mile wilderness a great legacy to leave for future generations, it is a unique recreational area that can help to diversify northern Maine’s struggling economy and reduce reliance on the troubled paper industry. Wilderness is becoming increasingly rare in the world. Maine’s large uninhabited areas are one of its great economic assets with the potential to create more jobs unique to wilderness recreation – jobs that build on Maine’s independent spirit and connection to the land. Income and jobs associated with ecotourism, guiding, outfitting, campground operation, and sporting camps will increase. It’s also fair to assume that visitors traveling to these wilderness areas will bring more business to Maine restaurants, inns, and shops.

Gov. Baldacci is to be commended for his vision and sound judgment. As Sierra Club members we look forward to working with him, and the people of northern Maine who place a high priority on both the balanced protection of our natural heritage and the stability of the northern Maine economy.

This commentary was submitted by Ken Cline of Bar Harbor, Lee and Ron Davis of Orono, Jim Frick of Orono, Ed Kaler of Bangor and Fred Paillet of Bucksport, active leaders in the Northern Maine Group of the Sierra Club.