By Bill Trotter, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Officials who oversee development in the state’s Unorganized Territory were urged Wednesday to not make rule changes that critics say could create sprawl in the Maine woods and undermine development in northern municipalities. Approximately 100 people attended a public hearing Wednesday in Brewer by the Read More
Land Use Planning Commission
Land Development Proposal Raises Concerns for Northern Maine Residents
by Melissa Lizotte The County news story MARS HILL, Maine — Several individuals expressed concerns about a new proposal that could lead to more commercial development in unorganized territories of Aroostook and the state during a public informational meeting held at the Bigrock Ski Lodge on June 14. The Land Use Planning Commission has proposed Read More
Development Changes to Maine’s Unorganized Territory Deserve Close Scrutiny
By Michelle Dunphy, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed It’s hardly a startling headline that rural Maine is in crisis. In fact, the face of rural Maine has been a sporting a series of fresh bruises as a regular occurrence since the 1890s. The utter collapse of the farm economy, the demise of Read More
Irving’s Plan for Aroostook Lakes Region Includes Commercial, Residential Development
by Staff Mainebiz news story J.D. Irving’s proposed concept plan for 51,000 acres in Aroostook County asks the Maine Land Use Planning Commission to allow new commercial and residential development around the Fish River Lakes chain, in addition to conservation plans and continued logging operations. The Bangor Daily News reported the plan for Irving’s acreage Read More
Opposition to LD 628, An Act to Amend Municipal Subdivision Laws and LD 1081, An Act To Amend the Municipal Subdivision Laws Regarding the Exemption for Transfers to Owners of Abutting Land
Good afternoon Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the Forests and Wildlife Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Read More
Opposition to LD 519, An Act To Clarify Occupancy for Tents, Campers, Trailers and Other Devices used for Camping in Unorganized Townships
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the Forests and Wildlife Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 16,000 members and supporters of the Natural Read More
Opposition to LD 549, An Act to Recognize Preexisting Uses
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am a resident of Alna and the Forests and Wildlife Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 16,000 members and supporters of the Natural Read More
Maine Loses Environmental Champion: Bill Townsend
NRCM mourns the loss of one of our greatest leaders and earliest members, Bill Townsend Statement by NRCM Executive Director Lisa Pohlmann It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of Clinton B. “Bill” Townsend, a tireless advocate for Maine’s environment for more than half a century. Bill was one of Read More
Irving Submits Plan to Develop, Preserve 51,000 Acres Around Northern Maine Lakes
By Julia Bayly, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story FORT KENT, Maine — State officials and the public got their first look at what Canadian-based J.D. Irving has in store for its 51,000 acres around the Fish River chain of lakes in northern Maine after the company filed its concept plan late last month. Read More