Long-term plan needed

My family has owned property on Moosehead Lake since the 1920s. My only credentials to speak on the Plum Creek proposal are good common sense, which tells me something is lacking in the bigger picture of this development plan.

If you own land, you ought to be able to do with it what you want, within the law. I also believe in landowners’ responsibilities. With our shrinking planet, large-tract holders have an unspoken obligation to be stewards of the land and to protect and preserve it in a sustainable way. If the land is developed, we won’t say one day, “Let’s tear those houses down and build a forest here.”

LURC was created in 1971 because of the development that began in the 1960s. I am sure no one at LURC ever anticipated having to face this kind of development. Instead of being asked to accept or deny Plum Creek’s plan, I wish they could put a moratorium on any substantial development until a suitable comprehensive plan can be developed that addresses the unique situation of the 10.4 million acres they are responsible for. Instead, they are being forced to react to a plan that has Plum Creek’s interests first.

I am all for economic development. I don’t want people to be jobless, homeless and hungry. However, the Plum Creek plan affords a very temporary, short-term economic gain with the risk of permanently changing this pristine part of Maine. I understand we need a sustainable plan for the area. I just don’t think this is it.

Brenda Cartwright

Ellsworth