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Morning Sentinel
Rafting group
backs Plum Creek
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 12/26/2007

I am writing on behalf of Raft Maine, an association of professional whitewater rafting outfitters, in support of the Plum Creek Concept Plan. We are Crab Apple Whitewater, Magic Falls Rafting Company, Moxie Outdoor Adventures, North Country Rivers, Professional River Runners, Three Rivers Fun, and Windfall Outdoor Center.

The plan offers substantial benefits in the areas of conservation, wildlife management, habitat protection, sustainable forestry, tourism, recreation, job growth, enhanced infrastructure development and overall economic growth.

By establishing the nearly 400,000-acre easement, Plum Creek will protect and perpetuate critical and diverse habitat, enhance wildlife management, facilitate research and promote sustainable eco-tourism.

The economic value of the conservation easement is substantial. Better yet, Maine citizens do not have to pay the acquisition costs of the easement.

The plan will attract more tourists, jobs, money and economic development to the region and the state. Tourism is a growing and important aspect of Maine's economy.

Plum Creek has a proven record in allowing access and recreation on their lands. They have committed time, money and equipment in the development of the existing Interconnected Trail System and ATV trails systems.

Plum Creek's plan is consistent with the highest recognized standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, creating incentives for outstanding management, stewardship and sustainability.

Plum Creek's plan exhibits the type of investment we want to attract and promote in Maine.

Jim Murton, President

Raft Maine Association

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Reader comments

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Erik Stumpfel of Sangerville, ME
Dec 27, 2007 10:44 AM
Cecil,

Is it really necessary to launch personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with your views? I have little doubt that you would have been equally effusive in praising Mr. Murton's courage and noble qualities had his association come down on your side of this issue.

Jack,

Does the last quote in your piece mean that you now want to eliminate whitewater rafting in northern Maine? Is there any business or industry that you will consent to allow in the Moosehead Lake region?

You also quote AMC. Hasn't AMC announced its support of the Conservation Framework that would take effect upon LURC's approval of Plum Creek's rezoning application?report abuse
Cecil Gray of bingham, ME
Dec 26, 2007 10:44 PM
Like all business owners Mr. Murton is happy to forgo logic and conscience in lieu of money. By virtue of monopolistic legislation they already have a lock on guiding fees on allocated days. Thus we have an industry that breeds on anti American economics, and now wishes to say what the hell and look the other way so a bunch of rich folks can buy lucrative lots and build in hope that some of their well to do friends will go rafting. My advice would be to look inside yourself and think hard about what you are selling. I suppose all those overnight wilderness raft trips will have the same appeal when Indian Pond is turned into a Sebago clone. It's the same mentality that dared ask the Federal Gov't to declare Maine a disaster area after a poor snow year the same year that Katrina hit. They cry socialism until no snow calls their bad investments. Now they want the state to leave them alone so they can pay less than minimum wage. They cry about gov't influence until winter rolls around and all the comp. reps. head to Augusta and beg for the state to buy the enchanted road so our tax dollars can grade it for them instead of paying the landowner a fee. There is no conscience in the hearts of these people anymore and now it is more than obvious. Plum Creek can go to hell and Raft Maine is not far behind anymore. The secret and spiritual beauty that is the SELL of Maine is now defunct in the eyes of these carpetbaggers who dare claim their respect for it.report abuse
Jack Pine of Brunswick, ME
Dec 26, 2007 11:50 AM
Steve - where is Steveit, Maine?report abuse
steve oconnell of steveit, ME
Dec 26, 2007 8:12 AM
Great sentiments Jim from your group, who act responsible and at the same time pump millions into our Maine economy through traditional recreation activities while using the working forest/waterway economy (as it has as been for hundreds of years, a working eco-system). I hope some of your members can attend the final public hearing in Greeenville to voice their support as well. Thanks.

Again and again folks who support Plum Creek have the courage, common sense, responsibility, and confidence in their opinions to step-up and speak-up, using their real names, address, organizations, and relationships to those organizations that they represent. And I know the majority of Mainers and LURC discount the anonymous comments, from those on either side, that wade into this debate from the pure, remote, wilderness of the Internet.

However, we need to call our State Reps to be sure this does not go into the black hole wilderness, stall and interveners’ Death (to any development) Valley .report abuse

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