Plum Creek plan respects local culture

As lifelong residents of the Moosehead Lake region, we have taken a keen interest in the debate about Plum Creek Timber Co.’s concept plan for their land in this area. Despite numerous media reports and the wide array of public commentary, it occurs to us that one thing remains missing – the voice of women who live here, who have raised children here, and who hope that future generations will be able to carry forth the traditions and culture of this unique and beautiful region.

Apparently, from what we have heard and seen during this debate, there are a lot of misconceptions about both this community and the ability of residents to sort out future possibilities and Plum Creek’s plan.

To our neighbors in more prosperous parts of Maine, we have a simple message: We’re not interested in seeing this beautiful landscape ruined; nor do we want shopping centers, paved parking lots and things that are enjoyed in more densely populated parts of Maine. We only want more choices for employment, our independence and to maintain our way of life.

We understand that resorts, development and many of the jobs that go along with this plan won’t bring corporate positions with benefits and pension plans. We know this because most residents don’t have those kinds of jobs now. We know most of the jobs will continue to be blue-collar jobs or individual businesses started by folks with the entrepreneurial spirit it takes to figure out how to make a living in an area that historically has depended upon a partnership with timber and tourists.

Living here means being committed to planning and traveling; oftentimes giving up opportunities for professional employment because we would have to relocate. Many women may not realize that some of us have to drive 150 miles in order to buy a skein of quality yarn or be on the road for more than three hours to visit a spa, see a movie, do major shopping or seek specialized medical services.

Over the years, we’ve seen people enchanted by this community come and go. We’ve become very good friends with many folks from away who respect our values and our kind of diversity. We aren’t southern Maine. We are for planned development, investing in this community and the conservation of land that we’ve used for free for many generations.

We’ve lived here long enough to see many changes, and sometimes it feels as if we are always defending our way of life to those who have romantic notions about starry skies and the cry of the loon. We feel the sadness of saying goodbye to our children who have moved away because of the professional paths they have chosen, and we support those who have returned to start their own businesses. We grapple with the effects of a dwindling population that puts our school and economy in jeopardy.

Plum Creek’s plan addresses many of our challenges. Although the plan is not perfect, it is a reflection of this community and matches the unique character of this region. Plum Creek has taken the time and has invested numerous resources to offer all of us a balanced, well-thought-out plan that allows the privilege of access to private land.

We love and appreciate where we live. We feel a great sense of pride when we say we’re from Greenville. Plum Creek’s concept plan respects our treasured landscape by guaranteeing that 95 percent of the land they own in this part of Maine will forever remain just as it is today, working forestlands that provide a livelihood and a way of life for many families. Their plan guarantees that more than 400,000 acres of land – twice the size of Baxter State Park – will never see development.

This part of Maine needs jobs that fit with our traditions and culture. In order to support the growing nature-based economy, we need facilities to accommodate our visitors. A little bit of prosperity will not alter our landscape or threaten the experience of our welcome visitors. It just means that a lot of our neighbors may not be forced to work three or four jobs just to meet their basic needs.

The people who live here are independent folks. We are not shortsighted, nor are we greedy. We’re not looking to sell out or to play any part in the gentrification of Moosehead Lake. We want our families and friends to have more and better opportunities. We want this community to retain its identity so that our children and grandchildren will be able to come home and feel the same sense of pride and peace we do when we crest Indian Hill after being away.

Plum Creek’s plan respects and honors our way of life. We only ask the same consideration from the rest of Maine and those who feel a responsibility to protect us from ourselves.

Barbet Mason is a certified surgical technologist. Roxanne Roberts is a Reading Recovery teacher and literacy consultant. Both live in Greenville.