HALLOWELL (AP) – Demonstrating the breadth of interest in Maine’s North Woods, hundreds of people from across the state packed a public forum about the largest subdivision proposal in the state’s history.

The crowd spilled out of the room and some had to watch it on television in a tent outside the Maple Hill Farm and Conference Center during the last of four “scoping” sessions held by the Land Use Regulation Commission.

Plum Creek wants to rezone 426,000 acres to allow for the creation of 975 house lots, two resorts, three recreational-vehicle parks, a golf course, a marina and rental cabins in the region surrounding Moosehead Lake.

Plum Creek officials tout the proposal’s economic benefit and point out that it leaves 98 percent of the rezoned land untouched for at least 30 years.

Some people supported the development.

“Let’s share what we have,” said Mary McMaster of Randolph. “Plum Creek’s proposal is a win for all of us. Let’s not blow it.”

Other worried about the size of the development in a rugged region made famous by naturalist Henry David Thoreau.

“My gut feeling is that it’s really unbalanced,” said Kevin Slater of Newry, a Maine Guide who believes the proposal is too big.

More than 70 people requested a chance to speak Wednesday night. Some speakers spoke of beautiful locations lost to development. Others talked of outdoor jobs that have disappeared, creating hardships for rural communities.

“This plan is what will protect one portion of what is left of our working rural landscape,” said Abby Holman of Mount Vernon, who invoked the memory of her recently deceased husband, environmental journalist Andrew Weegar.

Holman said she and her husband shared a frustration with environmental groups – several oppose the proposed rezoning – saying they aim at the wrong targets.

“The environmental position should be supporting Plum Creek because it will stop sprawl and unplanned incremental development,” Holman said.

Many spoke of their appreciation for some of the most remote, and most pristine spots, in the state. Seve Swift of Vassalboro, who opposed the rezoning, spoke of canoeing to the middle of a distant lake at night.

“To go out there and see no lights at all, I don’t know how to describe it other than as a religious experience,” he said. “How do you put a monetary amount on that?”

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