Some believe environmentalists want to turn Maine’s North Woods into a vast tree museum, suitable only for Thoreaulike contemplation. Others think hunters, snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts see the North Woods as something like an amusement park and don’t understand the fragility of the natural world. Neither statement is close to being true. But until the various groups who are passionate about the largely undeveloped parcels in the Katahdin region sit down, face to face, to discuss their different visions, the stereotypes will be perpetuated.

The latest deal involving the North Woods did just that. The deal, struck by preservationist Roxanne Quimby and the state, allows recreational access to 11,500 acres while preserving 8,900 acres of wilderness land . The deal, and the way it came together, suggests a broadening vision for the region, balancing recreation and preservation.

Ms. Quimby’s commitment to protecting the land around Baxter State Park through her philanthropic purchases is often viewed with suspicion by the recreational users of the North Woods. She is unapologetic about her desire to see a North Woods National Park established, or to at least create a de facto version of such a park through her purchases. That vision has hunters, snowmobilers and other recreational users of the region believing they will not be welcome if such a park is created.

Despite the anti-Quimby sentiment in the region, it’s likely the grandchildren of today’s hunters and snowmobilers will be grateful for Ms. Quimby’s efforts. And it appears that Ms. Quimby’s view of recreational users of the land has evolved, so that she sees them as valued stewards, who appreciate the wonders of the woods as much as she does.

Development proposals such as Plum Creek Timber Co.’s plan for the Moosehead region suggest how quickly the traditional character of the North Woods could change. But there is still room enough for recreation and preservation. The key is allowing recreation on suitable parcels, while preserving and protecting those that are not suitable. The latest deal does this.

This more sophisticated analysis of large parcels of undeveloped woodland is hard work, but it is the only clear path to take as Maine continues to see unprecedented change of forest ownership. Such an approach will ensure the North Woods provides fiber for paper mills; the tourism draw for hunters, snowmobilers and ATV users; and the transcendent beauty that spurred visionaries like Percival Baxter to action.