Consensus unlikely for Plum Creek proposal

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After more than two years of informal debate and more recent formal public testimony, you’d think we’d be a bit closer to a consensus on Plum Creek’s development plan for the Moosehead Region.

Unfortunately, we’re not. We’re simply closer to a decision by the state’s Land Use Regulation Commission on whether the company’s plan will be approved.

Since the plan was first proposed, I’ve paid close attention, but remained conflicted about what ought to be allowed in the Moosehead region.

I’m still paying attention, and I’ve still got some concerns.

I’m not sure that Plum Creek’s vision is the absolute, best-case scenario for me. Nor are the alternatives I’ve heard. But I have come to some conclusions.

. No matter what my grand view of what the region ought to be, I don’t own the land in question. Plum Creek does. And to me – a lifelong Mainer – that means a lot. There are responsibilities that go with that ownership, and there are privileges.

It’s important to note that in Maine’s history, a lot of large landowners have done a lot more heinous things to their pristine land than ask for permission to build a thousand houses in the woods, and rezone a portion of their acreage.

Most of those previous deeds were performed for a simple reason: To make more money.

Some things don’t change … and haven’t changed here, either. Plum Creek is a company with a profit motive. That doesn’t make it an evil entity. It makes its employees strive for success.

And the more successful businesses we have in this state, the better.

. Tradition, as it applies to the Moosehead region, is a more divisive issue than you can imagine.

Tradition is whatever you decide to make of it, as far as I’ve seen.

For some, adhering to tradition means allowing relatively few developed areas outside of the town of Greenville.

For others, tradition describes something else entirely: The golden age of the region, when a monstrous hotel sat on the Kineo peninsula, and thousands of city folks flocked to Moosehead each summer.

One person’s wilderness is another’s backyard, you see. One person’s vacation destination is another’s only reason for staying put in their hometown, even when economic times are tough.

. Thankfully, plenty of Mainers realize that the woods and waters of the state are special places that deserve their attention.

Protecting threatened areas is important. Lobbying to preserve special places is desirable.

And so is realizing that the woods and waters are big enough and plentiful enough for all of us to enjoy … even if we disagree about how best to enjoy them.

Snow, snow, snow

So, you’ve finally got the car all scraped off, and you’re wondering how the rest of the state fared in our recent pre-winter storm?

If you’re a skier, chances are good that your favorite hill will have plenty of the white stuff for you to work with.

According to the Sugarloaf/USA Web site, the Carrabassett Valley resort received between 15 and 16 inches, and drifts on parts of the mountain had reached four feet.

Here in the Bangor area, a nice blanket of snow fell before precipitation changed to sleet and freezing rain. Luckily for snow-lovers, that late changeover didn’t erase our hard-earned snow, merely covering it with crust.

And with the forecast calling for nighttime temperatures in the single-digits all week long, the larger resorts will continue to pad their already substantial base layers with plenty of man-made snow.

Winter doesn’t officially arrive until later this week, but it’s certainly nice to have a bit of snow to play in.

Lifetime licenses a gift option

With a week left before Christmas, it’s time to get serious about shopping for those on your list.

If you’re like me (and hopefully you’re not), you’re just about ready to get started … kind of … maybe.

A hunting buddy called today and suggested I pass along a gift suggestion.

His idea was a good one, so here it is: Buy a kid a lifetime hunting or fishing license. Or, if you’re really feeling flush, buy a combination lifetime hunting and fishing license.

I’ve talked with a lot of parents who have taken advantage of the opportunity over the past few years, and though the initial cash outlay seemed a bit steep to many, the sting has since faded, and most are big fans of the program.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife offers the program to two groups: Those age 65 and older, and those age 15 and younger.

Today, let’s focus on the kids.

If you get in early – when your child is less than six years old – a lifetime hunting or fishing license will only cost you $150. A combo license will put you back $250.

After they turn six, the price ramps up to $300 for a hunting or fishing license, or $500 for a combo package.

There are also special lifetime licenses and packages that include trapping and archery.

The best part: No matter where your children may travel after they grow up, the DIF&W will always consider them a Mainer, and honor the license.

For more information, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

John Holyoke may be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214.