Oppose LURC bills

As fourth-generation sporting camp owner and resident of the Unorganized Territory, I am writing to alert the public to two disturbing bills, LD 472 and 473, now being considered in the state Legislature, that would cut the legs out from under the Land Use Regulation Commission, which oversees land use in the UT.

Like many northern Mainers, I earn my livelihood from Maine’s natural resources. In my case, I depend on being able to market and offer to guests a remote and quiet Maine Woods experience. This feeling of remoteness has sustained northern Maine’s tourism economy for generations and hopefully will continue to do so. Timber, lakes, ponds, streams, campsites, and trails for hiking and sledding, all in the relative absence of development, make this region what it is.

It was with wisdom and forethought as to how we would collectively conserve these values for future generations that LURC was created in 1971. The Legislature created the Land Use Regulation Commission to carry out this important work for the public benefit, and for the good order of the people of this state.

LURC has worked well for 36 years. These two bills would have disastrous effects on the region in which I live, and LURC’s ability to do its job. LD 472 would splinter LURC’s independence by giving legislative oversight of the agency, injecting politics into what is and should be an independent agency. LD 473 fundamentally change the purpose of LURC, heavily favoring large landowners at the expense of the public good.

Residents of the Unorganized Territory, and all Maine residents, should contact their legislators and ask them to oppose LD 472 and 473 today.

Eric Stirling

West Branch Pond Camps

Greenville