Plum Creek conservation may help state

As someone who lives in Greenville and depends on access to the vast forest lands for my livelihood, I am troubled why large environmental groups are not talking about the massive conservation opportunity that is part of the Plum Creek Timber Company’s plan for their land in the Moosehead Lake Region.

It is obvious Mainers value access to large tracts of land in Maine through their continued commitment to the Land for Maine’s Future Fund which purchases land and conservation easements for all to enjoy and preserve for generations to come.

Today Plum Creek is offering a historic amount of land (more than 400,000 acres) for permanent protection from development with access and traditional usage guaranteed for all to enjoy, yet it is rarely mentioned during the ongoing debate over the region’s future. All sportsmen and big woods lovers who have enjoyed free access on this private land for generations now have an assurance that our traditions will endure.

Ultimately, this proposal would connect to already protected land to create a swath of land that stretches from Greenville to the Canadian Border above Jackman then down along the West Branch Project including Canada Falls and Seboomook Lake to the rim of Baxter State Park then south past Rainbow Lake, the Nahmakanta Reserve, around Roach Ponds, the Roach River and Spencer Bay. There could be more than 1 million acres available to the general public to enjoy forever.

For generations we have taken for granted the unspoken promise of access on private land. That longstanding tradition has endured changes in land ownership in this region. Since purchasing the old Scott Paper Company land in 1999, Plum Creek has continued the longstanding tradition of free public access on their land. They have not asked for a dime from anyone who uses their land and accesses their property on roads built by them. Plum Creek is now committing to put more than 400,000 acres aside through conservation easements with the Nature Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Forest Society of Maine.

Beyond simply protecting more scenic land from development potential, this conservation opportunity offers many other tangible benefits, especially for those of us who choose to live and work near Maine’s largest lake. Forest-related jobs will continue and as a registered Maine guide for more than 30 years mine and many other guides livelihoods are directly connected to a longstanding tradition of public access on vast tracts of private backcountry land in central and northern Maine.

It was the lure of the unbroken back country and all it has to offer the avid sportsman that brought me here from southern Maine 25 years ago. It is that very image that brings people here today. The conservation part of Plum Creek’s plan will do the most for our economy whether we are talking about jobs or recreation. It all depends upon permanent conservation of large tracts of land. Without that guarantee a vital economic component will continue to erode resulting from lose of appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore the future of our working forests will have to live in the shadow of increasing development pressure.

Large-scale conservation is especially important in all unique recreational areas such as the Moosehead Lake Region. Those of us who cherish these special places want to make sure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to experience what we have been so fortunate to enjoy throughout our lives.

We cannot predict the future, but we can shape its path by embracing a vision that protects our traditional ways and continue to allow the diversity needed for a healthy economic base so all interests can be enjoyed.

Plum Creek has put together a plan that offers a measure of predictability. They have sat at the table with all the major conservation groups to develop a plan for massive land conservation which will benefit us all. They have revised their plan in a way that reflects the concerns of many who value the region’s scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and needs of those of us who live and have raised our families here.

If you truly value Maine’s special remote places, continued access and traditional use of more than 400,000 acres of one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts of land surrounding the Moosehead Lake Region then you need to know that this is a historic conservation opportunity that may not come our way again.

Unfortunately some of the large environmental groups, which I have always supported, have become more anti-development focused and choose not to elaborate on the true benefits of long term preservation and access issues many of use hold dear to our traditional ways if life.

The privilege of accessing and using other people’s private property is quickly vanishing in many places. I do not want you to overlook this historic land conservation plan simply because all you are hearing are anti-development comments regarding the Plum Creek proposal.

Dan Legere of Greenville is a registered Maine guide and a business owner.