Economic Development vs. Conservation in Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region

It is a question that arises anytime a new subdivision is proposed. But, New England has probably not seen something like Plum Creek Timber’s proposal to build close to 1,000 houses and several resort hotels near Maine’s Moosehead Lake, arguably the gateway to the state’s – and New England’s – last major swath of forestland.

Proponents have argued the area needs more development to boost the economy and lower the tax burden. While, even some environmentalists will admit development is needed, shouldn’t the region look to industry to decrease taxes and create jobs?

As opponents have pointed out, a housing development of this magnitude will overwhelm the region’s schools, fire, police, hospitals and other infrastructure, more than likely, causing tax increases for residents.

Industry could include alternative energy plants, environmentally-friendly product manufacturers, sustainable forestry or a haven for scientific research. These are establishments that could enhance schools and add to Moosehead Lake’s distinctive character.

For more of this argument see these Portland Press Herald articles here and here.

Under the proposal, the developer will make around 400,000 acres conservation land. But, one must always examine this with skepticism. Is that land even buildable in the first place? Is it contiguous and/or connected to already conserved land or fragmented by new neighborhoods?

This potential conservation land has been the subject of contention even within environmental circles. Though residential development would be prohibited, the land could still be used for logging, skiing and hiking huts, communications towers and wind farms, all of which could destroy additional wildlife habitat.

In regards to wind power, forests are not ideal locations for major wind farms, as their construction would destroy valuable wildlife habitat. Instead, planners should look to already developed areas (like Hull, Mass. and Boston, as I described in a previous post.)

Another concern for environmentalists is the precedent approving such a massive development would set. Certainly, other companies may step forward with ambitions similar to Plum Creek Timber’s in other sections of Maine’s vast northern woods. Once one is approved, does it open the floodgates for others?

Whether the proposal is struck down or approved, the public has had ample time to express their thoughts as a series of four public hearing recently concluded. Now the fate of a region rests in the hands of the state’s Land Use Regulation Commission.