As a businessman with ownership in two wood products mills in Maine, I have a vested interest in Plum Creek’s development plan.

As a native son, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve frequented the affected areas for most of my life and feel I have a good pulse on the effect of this plan to the local community.

I find it particularly interesting that most “locals” favor the revised plan, apparently recognizing that Plum Creek has tried hard to be a good neighbor. It’s the disconnected people from away who tend to disfavor the plan.

Which group should get the greatest weight?

When people’s livelihoods and way of life are at stake, shouldn’t their preferences outweigh the desires of those whose aren’t?

That issue aside, people would be wise to remember that Plum Creek owns the land; it paid real money for it; and continues to pay real money in maintenance and taxes as well. The company benefits both the local and state economies with the jobs it provides and with the jobs it supports at the local businesses they supply with wood.

Sure, it wants to develop some land. But that’s a very small percentage of what it owns and it has offered to place in excess of 400,000 acres into a permanent conservation easement, granting access for all who care to come and enjoy.

Does anyone really understand how huge that is? That’s so huge that it would make it the second largest conservation easement in U.S. history.

Douglas Fletcher, New Vineyard