Last Monday, the Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee held a public hearing on the plan to include the 6,000 acres surrounding Katahdin Lake in Baxter State Park. Everyone who testified seemed to believe that these lands are worthy of protection.

The devil, as they say, is in the details. The question seems to be whether the lands should be protected as wilderness sanctuary or whether hunting and motorized access should be allowed.

I, as both an individual and as a member of the board of the Friends of Baxter State Park, feel strongly that the lands should be included in the park as sanctuary in accordance with Gov. Percival Baxter’s original plan.

This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add to the great gift given us by Percival Baxter. Adding this land to the park brings a new type of terrain into Baxter’s boundaries. The view of Katahdin from Katahdin Lake is one of the most spectacular anywhere. The ecological value of the primeval forest is unique in Maine.

There was passionate testimony demanding that so-called “traditional uses” be allowed. My own testimony told the story of my family’s traditional use of a tiny pond just north of the park during the 1950s and ’60s.

Following up on a tip from a fisheries biologist, my father and a friend located “Lost Pond.” Our annual trip, made originally to fish for the giant brook trout, involved carrying our gear and a canoe through the woods and over a small mountain.

For me, the wilderness experience grew to be very important. The fishing was a socially acceptable excuse. “Lost Pond” was a magic place. We never saw another soul or heard the persistent whine of civilization.

I saw my first bear cubs playing in a clearing and knew enough to run because I didn’t see the mother. I was so proud the year I was strong enough to carry our four-man canvas tent over the mountain to the pond.

In time, the landowner cut close enough so that the pond became accessible, first by snowmobile, then later by car. The fish were gone in a year. Now, there’s a maintained road and a boat launch. I’ve never been back to Upper Hudson Pond. There’s no reason to keep the name a secret anymore. My traditional use was destroyed.

In the 75 years since Gov. Baxter’s original gift to the people of Maine, there have been a lot of changes in north-central Maine. I lived in Patten as a child and in Piscataquis County as an adult.

I understand why people want to preserve their uses of what is a rapidly dwindling resource. But please, when you consider something a “traditional use,” remember that my family’s traditional use did not involve easy access for everyone with a tank of gas. There should be some little corners left for those of us who value solitude.

Within the 6,000-acre Katahdin Lake parcel, approximately 700 acres of land south of the lake have been cut recently allowing easier access to the lake. The remainder is mature forest. Some local people have used some parts of the land for snowmobiling but there are no recognized trails and some, in addition to the patrons of the sporting camp, may have hunted there.

Al Cooper, the current manager of the Katahdin Wilderness Camps, testified that ATVs have found their way to Katahdin Lake and that the state “needs to do something.” His way of life is going to change no matter what happens.

It is true that including Katahdin Lake in Baxter State Park as wildlife sanctuary will mean that a few people may have to forgo what they consider to be their traditional uses. The state continues to acquire conservation lands where those uses are welcomed and I support those efforts.

But to me and to those like me who value quiet solitude and the effort of the journey, it makes sense to hold on to a little bit of wilderness.

Maybe 75 years from now another little girl can feel great because she can carry a heavy load to a magic place. We all agree that Katahdin Lake is such a place.

Isn’t Baxter State Park a perfect place for that tradition to continue?

Anne Huntington, who lives in Wayne, is a member of the board of the Friends of Baxter State Park.