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| Jan-Feb 2008
ISSUE 15 -IN THIS ISSUE: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS— Governor J. Baldacci The Governor talks candidly about the Trade Mission to Asia and how important trade missions are for business in the global economy. Victoria Rowell author/actress/activist talks about growing up on a Maine farm, her best selling book and how she wishes it to be ‘made in Maine.’ Congressman Michaud The U.S. Representative talks in detail about how his Northern Commission will infuse the region with funds for economic growth Speaker Cummings Maine’s House Speaker talks about the importance of consolidation, education and the challenges of the 123’rd legislative session MAINE VOICES— The State of the State Highlights of Governor Baldacci’s 2008 address Working together to help the state grow by Ramona du Houx Economic fallout because of Bush policies by Eric Mehnert Mainers preserve ME They take our cultural heritage to heart by Ramona du Houx MAINE INITIATIVES— Quality Place Council Recommendations for action to preserve historic downtowns and natural places of beauty Budget kept in balance Gov. takes action to protect state from possible recession with curtailment & suplemental budget proposal Economic Council Bringing together business leaders for economic growth MAINE AS 'ONE COMMUNITY' NEWS— Alfond’s $500 gift For every baby born in Maine to go to college Protecting Mainers From high oil and gas prices —UPDATE: 8.8 million emergency LIHEAP funds released for ME – Jan 16 LURC Maine’s Land Use and Regulatory Commission BUSINESS NEWS— Pine Tree Zones Working for Maine’s workforce Wind power Stetson MT. wind project approved with special TIF benifits Alternative Manufacturing High-tech global economy business in Winthrop Kennebec Lumber Quality wood products co. sells products around the world BOOKS — Above the Gravel Bar- Native Canoe Routes of Maine The author writes an essay about the wonders of the canoe
Please comment on any article, refer to which article in your email, and it will be posted on that article's page. email: duhoux2@tds.net
Statistical information in this publication is obtained from state agencies and government offices. All photographs, articles, and layout are by Ramona du Houx unless otherwise indicated. Not authorized by any candidate, candidate’s committee, or the Maine Democratic Party |
The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, helping
balanced growth—
Catherine Carroll, LURC’s director, points out the area, over 10.4 million acres (shaded on the map), that LURC covers. Article and photos by Ramona du Houx In New England, Maine stands out as a state that still has vast, wild, open areas for recreation, solitude and inspiration. Much of the land that was once owned by logging companies is being rediscovered. Fifty percent of forestlands have changed ownership since 2000. In the global economy business can be conducted anywhere at anytime, with innovations and the Internet making what were considered out-of-the-way places more desirable. With 4,523 square miles of lakes and ponds, 5,000 rivers and streams, 3,000 islands and 3,478 miles of coastline, the state is unique. No other New England state can come close to matching the lake- river- or seafront property that is available. Three quarters of Americans choose to live near on the West or East Coast, by the sea. Inland waterfront properties are highly sought after across the country. Maine’s coast has already been discovered; now those inland waterfront areas on lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams are beginning to be seen as golden nuggets by developers. Luckily Maine’s Legislature understood the need for a nonpartisan commission that would oversee development proposals as the planning and zoning authority for the state’s townships, plantations, and unorganized territories. In 1971 the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) was established by the state. The commission has land use regulatory jurisdiction over these areas because they have no form of local government to administer land use controls or they have chosen not to administer land use controls at the local level. "Preserving the state’s natural resources is a priority," said Catherine Carroll, director of the Land Use Regulation Commission since 2003. "We’re here to protect Maine; at the same time it’s our responsibility to recognize Maine’s need for responsible, balanced development." LURC’s mission is to: extend the principles of planning and zoning; to preserve public health, safety, and welfare; to encourage the well-planned, multiple use of natural resources; to promote orderly development; and to protect natural and ecological values. If a developer wishes to
build in an area under LURC supervision, their proposal would have to be submitted to LURC
for analysis, public hearings held, and a non-paid commission of professional Mainers,
appointed by the governor, would then decide if the development could move forward. The
seven-member, independent commission has ultimate responsibility for rules, adjudications,
policies, and other agency decisions. The commission meets monthly to consider business
pending before it and holds public hearings as needed. Commission members hold staggered,
four-year terms. Each of four members of the commission must be knowledgeable in one of
the following fields: forestry, fish and wildlife, commerce and industry, and
conservation. "It’s our duty to obtain and advise the commission on all aspects relevant to any proposed land deal or acquisition," said Carroll. "We gather information from all organizations, public or private, businesses and individuals, that have an interest in any proposal that comes before us. We do extensive research and also rely upon the excellent work already being done by many state agencies." The amount of land monitored by LURC represents over half the state. The area encompasses more than 10.4 million acres and the largest contiguous undeveloped area in the Northeast. This diverse land includes several coastal islands and stretches from Downeast across the Western Mountains on up to the Canadian border. While the area has an extensive private land management road network, it has few public roads and is sparsely populated. "It’s up to LURC to balance proposals, so that we continue to preserve Maine’s natural resources, while helping to grow Maine’s economy," said Carroll. LURC, which is a branch of the Department of Conservation, has recently been challenged with a number of proposals that the staff must oversee, including three windmill plans and the controversial Plum Creek development of Moosehead Lake. "I trust the LURC commissioners to make independent, sound judgments. I’ve appointed good people to the board. LURC personnel and the commissioners deal with some very complex, controversial issues, but they are all enthusiastic and energetic about the undertaking and committed to Maine," said Governor John Baldacci. "I always ask them if they have the support and resources that they need. With half of the state of Maine in unorganized territories and its growth changing, we have to provide whatever resources LURC needs." Two of the three windmill plans, Black Nubble Wind Farm near Sugarloaf and the Kibby Mountain wind farm, both in Franklin County, are still under consideration, awaiting LURC approval. The Stetson Mountain Wind Farm in Washington County has been approved by LURC’s commissioners.
Maine citizens really care about their state, and public hearings often become major events. The plan to rezone roughly 400,000 acres in the heart of the North Woods for the biggest development project ever proposed for the region went to public hearings in December. Along with two major Greenville hearings, other hearings took place over a wide geographical range, to make participation easier for people who don’t live near Greenville. Plum Creek’s concept plan calls for creating about 1,000 house lots, along with two resorts, with a total of 1,050 accommodation units and about 190 employment housing units. Along with easements, it would also conserve more than 300,000 acres. Carroll sited the area in and around Rangeley as an example of how LURC has worked successfully. "We went through a similar process making sure that development would be balanced in the Rangeley area," said Carroll, "and it’s working really well." The scale of the Plum Creek proposal is unprecedented and would be the largest in the state’s history, if approved. "We’re committed to getting it right," said Carroll. "The development of the area is inevitable. How it is done is going to set the stage for other projects in the future. It sets a precedent." Nearly three years ago the first version of the plan was submitted; since then it has been revised three times. Over that time Plum Creek has responded to comments from LURC staff and other reviewers and made significant improvements. Everyday LURC still receives dozens of e-mails, letters, and phone calls about the proposal. The responsibility of reviewing literally mountains of documents involved falls upon LURC staff. Boxes upon boxes are spread out in the office that is dealing with Plum Creek. "We are able to keep up. But it is taking an exorbitant amount of our time and resources," said Carroll, who has worked for the agency since 1988. "Plum Creek, and three windmill proposals all at once has tested us." LURC has met the challenge with integrity and professionalism, taking on the extra workload without hesitation. In a time where state agencies are having to do more with less, LURC’s staff are prime examples of the unheard dedication of state workers. "We have an extraordinary staff," said Carroll.
Marcia Spencer-Famous shows the boxes of information she sifts through. She is the senior planner who is currently reviewing the windpower projects before LURC.
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