Maine Woods Coalition Offers Reward for Information on Vandals
The Maine Woods Coalition, an early member of the Coalition, is offering a $500 reward for information which leads to the arrest of the vandals in the latest attacks against the Plum Creek offices and against the private homes and families of Plum Creek employees.

In a meeting in Greenville this week, the Maine Woods Coalition voted on the reward. To learn more about the group and get information on how to contact them, please click on their website www.mainewoodscoalition.com.

Thank you to the Maine Woods Coalition!

Moosehead Region Futures Committee
In a press conference and public meeting this week, the Moosehead Region Futures Committee presented a neutral tone in bringing forth “17 Citizen Concerns” about the Plum Creek Plan. The information MRFC presented closely followed the themes heard at the four LURC Scoping Sessions last August.

MRFC has opened an office in Greenville and we welcome them as a neighbor. We suggest our two groups work collaboratively to educate people on the Plum Creek Plan and work with Plum Creek to ensure that the Plan is the best it can be for the people who live, work and raise their families in Piscataquis and Somerset Counties.

The Coalition continues to be impressed with Plum Creek’s willingness to listen to public input. The fact that Plum Creek acknowledges they are making changes to their Plan based on what they heard at the LURC Scoping Sessions and from meeting with groups like the Coalition, MPGA, the Chamber, etc. demonstrates how this process should work.

Coalition Mission Statement
As our own Coalition gains membership, the Co-Chairs have drafted a Mission Statement to guide the future work of the organization:

The Coalition to Preserve and Grow Northern Maine seeks to promote activities that provide job opportunities for the residents of northern Maine, a sustainable forestry industry and traditional recreational uses of the resources.

The Coalition will work towards a diverse economy based on natural resources, primarily forest products and tourism. The Coalition will promote the responsible development of infrastructure for the future economy. The Coalition also supports affordable housing options and a strong education system to serve the economic needs of the region.

The Coalition is comprised of a diverse group of individuals and organizations that bring a variety of viewpoints. The Coalition will seek open communication, public involvement and education about balancing conservation with economic opportunity throughout Maine.

The Board of Directors, Officers and General Members of the Maine Professional Guides Association (MPGA) voted unanimously to join the Coalition and to support Plum Creek's Moosehead Area Land Use Plan.

This is great news. MPGA is the largest organization of Maine guides in the State, and we all certainly know that the guiding industry is an integral part of the economy of northern Maine. To have the organization formally recognize the importance of the Plum Creek Plan, especially in terms of open access and responsible land use, is terrific. Thank you to MPGA for your support!

For more information on the MPGA, please visit their web site at www.maineguides.org.

And here’s another one…Kennebec Valley Tourism Council

The Board of Directors of the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council voted unanimously to join the Coalition. The Board also voted to endorse the Plum Creek Plan. Thank you to the Board and we look forward to working with them. Tourism issues associated with the Plum Creek Plan are critical; currently only 4% of our annual tourists head to the Moosehead area when they come to Maine. That has to change. The Tourism Council’s website can be found at www.kennebecvalley.org.

Your Comments on the Plum Creek Plan
Remember that we are still collecting your ideas and suggestions on the Plum Creek Plan. Since the Plan is currently being revised by Plum Creek, it is the perfect opportunity to let them know what Coalition members think about the Plan, and any suggestions you have for what you’d like seen changed in the Plan.

Please email your ideas to: info@preservegrowme.org, or mail them to:

Coalition to Preserve and Grow Northern Maine
P.O. Box 944
Greenville, Maine 04441

Visit the Coalition Web Site
You can find more information about the Coalition at our web site at www.preservegrowme.org.

Coalition Information Center
Location: Community House · 6 Lakeview Street · Greenville · Maine
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944 · Greenville · Maine · 04441
Telephone: 207-695-2264 (toll free 888-702-7466)
Web Site: www.preservegrowme.org

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.