LUPC approves petition to terminate Concept Plan for the Moosehead Lake region
AUGUSTA – On July 15 the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) approved a petition to terminate the Concept Plan for the Moosehead Lake region and rezone the entire Resource Plan Protection (P-RP) Subdistrict currently applied to the approximately 380,074 acre Plan area. Due to unforeseen impacts from the economic recession of 2008-09, none of the anticipated development has occurred. The Concept Plan area will be rezoned primarily to management and protection subdistricts, except for a 3-acre Recreational Facility Development zone to accommodate an existing sporting camp. The 363,000 acre Moosehead Region Conservation Easement, as well as certain other public benefits, including guaranteed public access, will remain in perpetuity.
LUPC Land Use Guidance Maps, the petition and supporting documents, resource agency and stakeholder comments, LUPC staff documents, and other materials are available online at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/plans_maps_data/resourceplans/moosehead_prp014.html
Next steps: termination of the Concept Plan offers the community and the region an opportunity to choose future land uses on 16,910 acres previously designated for development. Community members have worked hard for over a decade to plan for the region’s future. Their efforts include a regional branding and economic development plan, a community-based visioning project, designation of the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway, community input on public access trails and conservation initiatives, and the Greenville Master Plan. A community planning process is just starting to engage the community in determining the future zoning for the region. More information is available at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/agenda_items/071520/MooseheadRegPlanning_CommPkt_July2020.pdf
In a press release Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) Forests & Wildlife Director Melanie Sturm said LUPC approval of Weyerhaeuser’s termination petition will launch a new regional planning process to determine how to rezone the land covered by the Concept Plan.
“This is an opportunity for the Moosehead community and the LUPC to breathe new life and economic vitality into the region,” Sturm wrote.
“NRCM is tracking the ongoing planning for this region, which is why in May we submitted comments to the LUPC about the termination petition and rezoning process. Well-planned development concentrated around existing development that recognizes the potential richness of outdoor and tourism economic sectors for Moosehead could be the ticket to a bustling economy without sacrificing sensitive habitat and wildlife. You can read our full comments here (https://www.nrcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/NRCMcommentsLUPCweyerhaeuserMCP.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=449db663-5406-4c8b-b013-9e2870d6d5a1)”
“The Concept Plan, when it was being debated more than a decade ago, wrought tension and demanded a lot of time and energy from activists and community members for years. With the LUPC’s recent decision, NRCM is cautiously optimistic that abandoning the Concept Plan, which we believed allowed too much development in the wrong places, is a positive turning point.
“The LUPC has laid out a timeline for the regional planning process to engage stakeholders and the public. In the meantime, the more than 390,000 acres of conservation easements created by the Concept Plan will remain in place forever. And Weyerhaeuser has agreed not to develop, submit development proposals, or make clear cuts until Dec. 31, 2022, or until the regional planning process concludes, whichever comes first.
“We look forward to seeing the community, stakeholders, and LUPC come together to think long-term about conservation and economic development around Moosehead Lake. Let’s work together to do all we can to help ensure things get done right. Count on us to keep you informed about how this process plays out.”