Maine Earth First! protests Plum Creek

AUGUSTA – A dozen protesters, including a woman suspended 35 feet in the air, are criticizing Plum Creek Timber Co.’s massive development plan for the Moosehead Lake region.

Maine Earth First! claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s demonstration outside the Augusta offices of the Land Use Regulation Commission, which is weighing the development proposal.

Meg Gilmartin, who was suspended atop a teepeelike wooden tripod, said the “destruction of the largest undeveloped area east of the Mississippi will not be tolerated.”

Seattle-based Plum Creek is proposing 975 house lots, two large resorts and protection of 430,000 acres in the Moosehead Lake region. LURC’s decision is expected by year’s end.