| Plum Creek Plan Newsletter |
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Coalition to Preserve and Grow Northern Maine Coalition Newsletter - Issue Number 4 Mark Scarano, Piscataquis County Economic Development Council Jim Batey, Somerset Economic Development Corporation Treasurer Diane K. Bartley, DKB Catering, Greenville Weekly FACT Of the 426,000 acres in Plum Creek’s Plan:
Once zoned, the area could not be used for any other purposes. For example, within the 382,000 acres of working forest, the zoning restrictions would prohibit all new residential development and limit commercial development to those uses associated with a working forest. Unlike in the case of a conservation easement, the landowner could not even request that a single new house be constructed within the 382,000 zone – ever. LURC Scoping Sessions Conclude in Hallowell Abby Holman, former Executive Director of the Maine Forest Products Council, presented moving testimony in Hallowell, urging LURC to support the Plum Creek Plan. Abby stated, “About 8 to 9 years ago I stood before this commission and testified about the issue of long-range planning and zoning for Maine’s larger landowners. At the time I was the Legal Counsel to the Maine Forest Products Council. Later I became its Executive Director. This was the period that the LURC Commission was reviewing the CLUP (LURC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan). I sat through literally years of meetings. The main issue over the plan expressed by the Commission at that time was the need for a comprehensive plan that allowed for zoning in large undeveloped areas – so that development would be planned and not scattered. This was also the position of the environmental groups – the same groups that are vocal and confrontational about Plum Creek's proposal today. Plum Creek has done exactly what the Commission asked for – a proposal that will control and plan development and protect the working forests. It seems to be lost in the press and from the antagonists’ press releases – this proposal is simply a zoning change that will take place over a long period of time and it only impacts 2% of their land base. Plum Creek has done a lot to conserve the precious areas of Maine. And they are offering to do even more in this plan – 86% of the lakefront in permanent no development easements. This is an incredible offer – one should ask why some are biting the hand that is offering such an incredible gift to the state?” Unfortunately, the Sessions ended with the discovery of vandalism in the parking lot of the Hallowell Scoping Session. Jim Lehner, Regional Manager for Plum Creek, discovered his tire had been slashed and “Leave Maine” scratched in large letters on his truck. This is the third case of vandalism Plum Creek has experienced, the first two being at their offices in Fairfield and Greenville. The latest event was reported to the Hallowell Police Department. Deadline for Written Testimonies To LURC: September 7 Catherine Carroll, DirectorWe ask supporters of the Plum Creek Plan to keep their letters concise. The LURC Staff and Commission will be wading through piles of paperwork from the Scoping Sessions and other written analysis. Urge LURC to ignore the political rhetoric and media circus surrounding the Plum Creek Plan and look at just the facts, as well as recognize the strong support for the Plan by year-round residents within the Plan area. Latest Coalition Members Maine Snowmobile Association 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. | ||||||||||
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