Supporters and opponents of a Maine Woods National Park have long been engaged in a battle to dispute one another’s data. Instead, they should work together to collect data to help shape the future of the region.

Moving this discussion forward is long overdue, but a study of the feasibility of creating a large federal government-owned reserve stretching from Baxter State Park to the Quebec border, as proposed by park proponents, is premature. The first problem with such a study is that it would have to be done by the National Park Service, which has long said it will not think about creating a new park in Maine without local support. The bigger problem is that opponents will not support anything, even a study, that has the phrase “national park” in it.

Park advocates and park foes, with input from local residents and landowners, should get together to commission a study to explore the types of land ownership and economic activity, etc. , that could take place in the region. Both Will LaPage, co-chair of Americans for a Maine Woods National Park, and John Simko, a founder of the Maine Woods Coalition, said this week that they support the concept. “I’m not opposed to it … it can’t be ‘park or no park,'” Mr. Simko, the Greenville town manager said. “We need to get beyond bickering. … An economic analysis should be done and it should be done comprehensively, including those who do not support a park,” said Mr. LaPage, a professor of forest recreation management at the University of Maine.

The first task is to assemble a team of experts, including economists with expertise in forestry and tourism. If both camps choose the team, neither side can say the study is biased and dismiss its conclusions. Rather than studying the pros and cons of a national park, the study should take a broader look at the current strengths and weaknesses of the region’s economy and identifying likely areas of economic growth and the impediments to such growth.

The early work has already been done. The Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy is compiling results of surveys of residents and business owners in Piscataquis County, the heart of the region eyed for a park, about their views of outdoor and cultural tourism. Without referring to a park, the survey asks if more visitors should be brought to the region and how those who live and own businesses there think this should be accomplished – by better promoting outdoor recreation, by setting aside land for nonmotorized use, by financially supporting artists who want to start a business, for example.

Based on this information, the center will create maps of potential land-use scenarios that will include possible trails and areas that should be protected from development. In addition, a map of the current situation will be available for comparison. Some may be shocked to see that much of the land in the region is not owned by paper companies as is the historical pattern, but by investment companies, some of which have already sold considerable portions of their holdings.

In the fall, the maps will be presented to area residents and business owners at a series of forums for their critique. This work is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program, a likely source of money for further review.

Now that park supporters and opponents have found some common ground, they should work together to quickly get this necessary study under way.