Weekly FACT
What are the development trends in the Moosehead Lake Region?

LURC (Land Use Regulation Commission) records show that approximately 1,125 new dwelling permits were issued in the Moosehead region between 1975 and 2004. During the last 20 years in the same area, 1,553 new lots were created and recorded.

Even when the Plum Creek Plan is fully implemented (over a 15 year period), the amount of development in the Plan area will only be 57% of the development on others’ land in the same 29 municipal divisions. This is assuming that the rate of development over the next 30 years outside the Plan area will be the same as over the past 30 years.

FERMATA Study
There’s been a lot of discussion in the press about the FERMATA Study, commissioned by the State and endorsed by the Governor. The full report was released last month.

The FERMATA Strategic Plan outlines a vision where rural communities in the State can take advantage of the natural resources in their areas to promote and expand experiential tourism opportunities.

The balance of conservation and development proposed in the Plum Creek Plan before the Land Use Regulation Commission is consistent with the recommendations made by FERMATA.

• The nature-based tourism development advocated by FERMATA is not "Disney-style" or "Las Vegas" type development. Fermata's vision is low volume, low impact, with a high dollar margin per individual tourist, focusing on authentic natural and cultural experiences, rather than manufactured experiences and environments.

Nature-based tourism is a vital component of Maine’s economy. Outdoor recreational activities such as camping, moose-watching, fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and hunting contribute to rural economies and employ local people while preserving Maine’s remote and beautiful places. Maine Guides are proven builders of an ecotourism economy through and with people who have authentic knowledge of the area and are located in the traditional communities that serve that area.

The Plan submitted to LURC by the Plum Creek Timber Company will encourage and sustain this essential recreation economy and improve public access to the North Woods.

Public access to land owned by Plum Creek is essential to maintaining and expanding the nature-based tourism sector of the regional economy.

98% of the land in the Plan area will be preserved, providing a vast unfragmented working forest around a trail system and reliable public access that Maine’s eco-tourism businesses can bank on.

The FERMATA study has determined that the number of lodging facilities in each of the three study regions (Washington County, Maine Highlands, Western Mountains) is adequate for the number of new visits anticipated; however, the quality of existing lodging facilities is not up to the level expected by the targeted "experiential" traveler. The study noted the need for higher quality lodging with suggested quality improvements including enhanced physical amenities and services with a focus on attracting a target tourist who is 50+ years; within a 6-hour drive; intending a 2-3 day stay; and seeking outdoor and local cultural experiences.

The Plum Creek Plan includes zoning areas created to encourage high-end tourism resorts and the higher quality lodging recommended in the FERMATA report.

Also included in the Plum Creek Plan are 71.3 miles of snowmobile trails and 55.5 miles of hiking trails, which will enhance the tourists’ experiences and provide the types of tourism activities addressed in the FERMATA report.

The FERMATA study highlights the fact that the tourism opportunities offered in the region will occur largely on privately-owned land, a situation unique to Maine.

The Plum Creek Plan not only preserves and enhances traditional public access for recreational activities but also aids the State's efforts to create new tourism opportunities for low-impact experiential tourists.

Continuation of traditional public access would be best assured by proposals such as the Plum Creek Plan.

Coalition Information Center
Frances Turner at the Coalition Information Center in Greenville is available to answer questions about the Coalition. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to request a speaker to provide more information about the Coalition, please call Frances at one of the following numbers:

• Local (207) 695-2264
• Toll Free 1-888-702-7466

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please forward this to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and organizations you belong to and help us spread the word. Any questions or comments may be directed to Edie Leary eleary@eatonpeabody.com or Will Gardiner wgardiner@eatonpeabody.com or by calling The Coalition Information Center at 1-888-702-7466 or (207) 695-2264.