I have to disagree with you on this Carey. Just a few quick points; Bigelow doesn't need more people streaming into it, it's hard enough to keep up with trail maintance as it is. It certainly doesn't need more motorized vehicules. Who is going to pay for this venture? According to a friend (CPA)who has seen the business plan, they have no provision of where the money is going to come from or how it's going to be paid back. Does the state come in after and subsidize it? What are the compelling reasons any world traveler would come to this trail system. For a couple of 4000 footers? You mention New Zealand, Colorado, South America, there is some compelling reasons that attract paying tourists to those locations. Just a couple of things to think about.
Brian

Thanks Brian. Yes, Bigelow does get plenty of use now. But Bigelow will be just one piece of this 180-mile long project. Impact will be spread out along that route, not concentrated on Bigelow. As for money, not every idea has the cash behind it... at first. Nothing big would ever get accomplished if we let the problem of cash get in the way. That's the beauty of dreamers. They rally support and make things happen. I'm surprised by your last point. Maine rocks for scenic beauty. I moved here because Maine is beautiful. I stay here for the same reason. And I just love that I live in a place that makes so many others jealous. When I travel, I always get, "Whoa. You live in MAINE? That's awesome!" Maine has a unique natural environment that is on par with any place in the world. Mountains and oceans and so much in-between. How very fortunate! We're already a world class destination for many types of outdoor recreation. The hut-trails project would provide increased recreational opportunities and further establish that fact.

I could not agree more with Mr. Carey. We live in an area that is second to none. I commend Mr Warren for the time and energy that he has given to this project. It takes a visionary to be able to recognize the potential a project like this this can have. We should look to more ways of strengthing our enviorment with ideas such as this, rather than shutting the doors to economic oppertunities that have minimal impact on our lands. The Bigelow Preserve is not overwelmed by recreational activity by any means. It never has been. A snow groomer pasing in the night over a narrow path in the woods has little affect on anyone including the animals that live there. WMF has a strong core group of Board members that will make certain this project will have the funds avaliable long before any trails get improved in the Preserve. Maine is changing at a rapid pace right now. If we don't put this type of recreational ammenity together soon. we may never get a chance to down the road. Its time to move the shell.

A hiking adventure through the woods has a rejuvenating power like nothing else. It exposes you to the stunning beauty of the natural world, gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and makes you appreciate all of the wonderful things we have in our modern lifestyles that we usually take for granted. I experienced all of this during my Appalachian Trail thru-hike two years ago, an experience I wouldn't trade for anything in the world! That is the reason I'm supporting the movement for a hut system in Maine. Imagine all of the awesome adventures to be had and lifelong memories to be created! (Plus, I hate being outdone by New Hampshire. They have a first-rate, top-notch hut system, and I know that we, as Mainers, can do better)
Devin M. Beliveau
Maine Huts & Trails
Board of Directors

What an awesome idea and plan! Maine has some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, what better way to enjoy it in the winter?. If we can offer the opportunity for cross country skiers to tour from one hut to another along a 150 mile trail it will be a boost to the sport and the State. I understand the huts will not be on the top of the mountains so strong wind at higher elevations will not be a problem. I have always thought the Biglelow Preserve was for the people to use for recreation. Ski trails in the winter are very low impact, eco friendly, and a Maine tradation. You are correct Carey, build it and they will come.

"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of a cancer cell" Ed Abbey.

So the thousands of people who voted thier hearts and minds for the preservation of the Bigelows should be silenced for some additional tourist dollars?

Perhaps we lobby the legislature to change Baxter Park as well because the communities of Millinocket and Patten could use the additional tourist dollars. Add a few campgrounds, pave the perimeter road, and add some concession stands. What a great idea? They say the first step is the hardest. Opening the preserve up to additional development is that first step and it potentially is the wrong step. Chose carefully!!

Traveler

I couldn't agree more that this will be a great asset to have a hut to hut system in Maine. My husband and I are traveling to the White Mountains this summer to go hut to hut in the AMC huts. We spent a glorious vacation in New Zealand several years ago in their hut system on the Milford Track.

I have spent enough nights sleeping on the ground! I can't wait to be able to enjoy multiday hikes in Maine and be able to sleep in a bed at night.

In this age of handicap access and accommadating people of varied needs, the rigid thinkers resisting this tried and true form of recreation are out of step with the times.

I agree, I am over 400 lbs and I am disabled so I need a handicapped accessible trail to use. I hate sleeping on the ground too, can you provide someone of my stature with a king size posturepedic bed at each hotel. Will there be someone available to push or pull me up the steep parts? I hope there will be heated restrooms all along the way for my wife and handicapped son; they cannot hold it very long.