I think Gov. Paul LePage is making a mistake by trying to develop the North Woods.
I have heard it said that Gov. LePage's plan is to open the North Woods to development — like sprawling resorts and housing subdivisions — which could be built right on top of the places we go now to hike, camp and fish.
The governor has proposed stripping away 40 years of protection for the North Woods, including zoning a third of the North Woods (more than 3 million acres) for development, and dismantling the Land Use Regulation Commission, which is charged with protecting the North Woods.
The North Woods make up the largest undeveloped forest east of the Mississippi. Imagine what developers could do to our woods if left unchecked.
The North Woods forestland and rivers provide a home for a multitude animals, including bald eagles and Canada lynx. Many of us have learned to love the great outdoors. The next generation of children may never get the same opportunity.
Trilok Polavaram, Auburn
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The north woods are already
The north woods are already in peril. After spending some time in Aroostook, I saw first hand what Canadian company Irving is doing to our state. First, they spray broadleaf killer so that only pulpwood remains, next they clearcut. the sites look like a bombing range. As for laws regarding streams and such; forget them. They mow right over small streams and brooks to where you would never know they were there. If they get caught...if, the fine is like pocket change to them. They leave behind slash piles and debris that only small animals can survive in and leave. Next, they ship the timber to Canada where it is cut in govt. subsidized mills to be shipped back to Maine and sold at an inflated price.
Next to that, I would rather see a resort built that compliments the scenery and abides by U.S. laws.
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majority of our out of state tourists come here to experience the wildlife and whatnot
whatnot might mean Scenic Vistas?
What do the users of the great north woods expect?
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.i agree.
We need to help our existing communities flourish. Lets not waste money creating new communities. Maine's greatest feature is our vast untouched forests. The majority of our out of state tourists come here to experience the wildlife and whatnot. I would hate to see that go away. This is the first that I have heard of our governors plan. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
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