Though Plum Creek, a well-known timber company, acquired 9,00,000 acres of Maine woods in 1998, the actual controversy started in 2005 when the company came up with its proposal for development in nearly half of the area (Austin, p. 1). This highly debated proposal received criticism in many dimensions. While conservationists were concerned about potential damage to the naturally wild and beautiful Maine woods forest area, local people were anxious about losing their forest-dependent livelihood. However, prolonged discussions with related parties and consequent alterations to the actual proposal in these two years seem to show an acceptable solution to the problem.
In 2005, Plum Creek submitted a proposal for development in the Moosehead Lake area to the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) of Maine. Plum Creek wanted to start various commercial building activities in the area under the ‘Lake Concept’ by showing compensatory environmental protection measures. With an apprehension over the alleged lack of sincerity on environmental conservation and shrewd business attitude of Plum Creek, local people and environmentalists raised objections to the plan. The main concerns have been a possible threat to local businesses, untoward financial burdens on the actual residents, and damage to the wild and beautiful area with excess development that may even badly divide the wild area into segments (Berk, p. 1).
However, the latest proposal after the second revision since 2005 seems interesting by properly addressing the concerns of local people. Firstly, it has considered offering permanent protection to nearly 94 percent of land in the plan area (approx. 4,31,000 acres) against its initial idea of a 30 year no-development zone (Hutchinson, p. 1). This alleviates some initial concerns that future developments in the area will spoil the forest and may render local permanent residents to leave the place. Also, Plum Creek has mentioned in this report that proposed commercial activities would take place mostly around the existing development. It is not only beneficial in protecting the inner forest area but also improves business opportunities for the nearby population.
Also, as the permanent protection plans will cover areas surrounding commercial development, concerns of future over-development can be avoided. Moreover, the working forest area, along with industries like sawmills, will enhance job opportunities for local people (Plum Creek’s Plan, p. 1). The local government can gain revenues from tourism growth and other developments, which can be used for the welfare of the public. Importantly, visitor spending in this area may increase from the current $2.5 milliom per year to $25 million per year after the completion of the tourist resorts as per Plum Creeks Plan (Colgan, p. 20). The area is relatively underdeveloped in the Maine region. Hence, the implementation of the project will fill this void and boost the local economy and opportunities. Even some local businessmen are supporting Plum Creek’s plan, anticipating future gains from business zones and tourist resorts (Miller, p. 1).
All in all, the new version of Plum Creek’s proposal for the Moosehead Lake area of Maine woods provides scope for a favorable understanding between interested parties. However, the key factor will be the determination from Plum Creek to address public concerns. Maine area is mostly an unorganized territory and known for its sprawling nature that needs to be given prime importance by this timber company. Plum Creek should further its attempts to gain acceptance from local people through regular public hearings and meetings with the local elite.
Works Cited
- Austin, Phyllis. “Plum Creek’s Big Plan.” Maine Environmental News. Web.
- Berk, Judy. “Record Number Tell LURC They Oppose Plum Creek’s Proposed Developments.” 2006. National Resources Council of Maine.
- Colgan, Charles S. “Estimated Economic Impacts of Implementing the Proposed 2006 Plum Creek Rezoning Plan in the Moosehead Area” 2006: 1-28. University of Southern Maine.
- Hutchinson, Alan. “Understanding Plum Creek’s Plan.” bangordailynews.com. 2007: 1.
- Miller, Kevin. “In The News: Plum Creek revises Moosehead Plan.” Bangor daily News. Town of Greenville. 2007: 1.
- “Plum Creek’s Plan for the Moosehead Region of Maine” 2007: 1-2.