Notes from the LURC Study Meeting

I attended the LURC study commission meeting on Thursday in Greenville. Commission members reached consensus on several proposals that we believe threaten LURC’s ability to protect the integrity of the North Woods. For example, they are currently considering letting counties “opt-out” of LURC, which could lead to a lack of uniform protections, a tax shift onto county residents, and piecemeal development across the area. Many thanks to Maine citizens, including NRCM members, who came and spoke passionately about the importance of keeping a statewide focus on the North Woods. The commission has one more meeting on December 1 in Bangor where it will grapple with how and whether to acknowledge the statewide significance of Maine’s North Woods, and the “adjacency” rules that protect the core of the North Woods, while allowing development near existing roads and other development. These are two critical issues NRCM will be working on so we can continue protections for the largest remaining forest in the east, and the people, jobs, wildlife and ecosystems that depend on this precious resource. Please visit our blogs and website often to stay informed.