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