Erik Stumpfel of Sangerville, ME 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 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 Steve - where is Steveit, Maine?report abuse

steve oconnell of steveit, ME 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

Jack Pine of Brunswick, ME "I think with Plum Creek, its development as proposed is too expansive. It's too sprawling. It is going to create a situation where you are going to be not able to keep up with the development that's there on a sustainable basis".
- Governor Baldacci, 11/30/07
http://tinyurl.com/28essd

"The Maine Woods is the last large, unbroken forest in the Eastern United States, with Moosehead Lake at its core. The final concept plan needs to ensure that any development is at an appropriate scale and location to enhance use and enjoyment of this area without damaging the rare, special qualities that draw residents and visitors to this region".
- Maine Chapyer, Appalachian Mountain Club

“The harm to wildlife and wildlife habitat would be both extensive and permanent,” said Maine Audubon Executive Director Kevin Carley. “The sprawling development located directly within high-value habitats and increased traffic through prime wildlife travel corridors would destroy and degrade wildlife resources, threatening populations of rare and treasured species like Canada lynx, bald eagles, brook trout, wood turtles, and common loons.”
- Maine Audubon
http://tinyurl.com/25hmc3

"The Maine Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, an organization dedicated to protecting and enjoying our woods, waters, fish and wildlife, opposes Plum Creek Timber Co.’s concept plan. One of the greatest threats to Maine’s traditional outdoor recreational activities within the North Maine Woods is scattered development. Large, expansive tracts of land unbroken by roads and human development are vital to our fish and wildlife".
- http://tinyurl.com/2cluj9

All of a sudden you’ll start hearing laughter and yelling, and then 10 or 15 rafts go by. You’d think you were in Times Square. It just shatters the beauty of the place.The bubble from the dam release carries away insects that trout feed on and warms the cold-water spots where the fish seek refuge on hot days. http://tinyurl.com/37yj5qreport abuse