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Plum Creek Plan Gets Positive Review

May 28, 2008 - AUGUSTA — The Moosehead Lake region can absorb the impact of 2,000 new housing units that a Plum Creek development proposal could bring, Land Use Regulation Commission staff said Tuesday.

LURC commissioners met Tuesday for the first of two days of deliberations on the development proposal some fear would change the character surrounding Maine's largest lake.

Commission Chairman E. Bart Harvey said commissioners won't issue a final decision whether to approve the proposal until later this summer.

But staff members said they don't feel the estimated 975 homes and the resort accommodations for 1,050 people would have an overly damaging impact on the area.

They acknowledged that some areas, such as the now relatively undeveloped Indian Pond, could suffer from reduced scenic value.

But they said losses in scenic and recreational opportunities would be offset by Plum Creek's plans to put large parcels of land under conservation easements to protect them from future development.

Commissioner Edward Laverty, who early in Tuesday's meeting expressed concerns about the environmental and scenic impact of several specific parts of the proposal, said it is important to also consider potential positive impacts on the area's struggling economy.

"I'm also looking at the impact on what is becoming a rare, unique, endangered species: people who live and work there," Laverty said. "I think the area can absorb a substantial amount of economic development. I'm prepared to at least consider this, especially in light of the gains in conservation easements."

In the largest subdivision plan ever in Maine's North Woods, Plum Creek wants to rezone about 20,000 acres in the Moosehead region to accommodate development.

Plum Creek officials pledged, if their proposal is approved, to permanently protect more than 400,000 acres in the region through easements and land sales.

Environmental groups have criticized the proposal as too big and disruptive for such a rural area.

Although the commission did not allow public comment, many of the approximately 60 spectators at Tuesday's session wore stickers stating "Too much development: Save Moosehead."

LURC staff member Agnieszka "Aga" Pinette said numerous changes to Plum Creek's proposal recommended by staff are " a set of recommendations, if accepted, we believe would result in a concept plan that meets the review criteria."

LURC staff recommended that a large parcel of land near Moosehead's Lily Bay marked for housing development by Plum Creek be removed from the plan, though the resort there would be allowed to remain.

Commissioners expressed concern that development in that area would result in legal action by those concerned about Canada lynx habitat.

"The removal of that zone is a huge step toward making this development acceptable," said Commissioner Steve Schaefer.

By KEITH EDWARDS, Blethen Maine News Service May 28, 2008

Lakes: Moosehead Lake
Regions: Moosehead


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