OK everybody, the new plan is here.

That's right.

Plum Creek has finally completed it revised plan for the Moosehead Lake region and submitted same to LURC.

So, my dear Trail Head friends, here is your assignment: Read the plan, look at the maps, and get back to me with your comments.

I've only just printed off the 494-page plan, and haven't but skimmed it at this point. So I'll reserve detailed comment until I've had a chance to pour through it.

I'm hoping all you concerned folks on both sides of the Plum Creek fence will do the same.

This is big. And requires some careful consideration and frank discussion. .

Plum Creek country: Mount Kineo and Moosehead Lake from the trail on Little Moose Mountain just outside Greenville.
Photo by Carey Kish

Here's a summary, according to the Plum Creek press release dated today:

* 400,000 acres of permanent conservation with public access--the 2nd largest conservation easement in U.S. history

* 90,000 acres of the conservation easement will wrap around development areas to permanently contain sprawl; includes all shore frontage owned by Plum Creek on 60 lakes and ponds and a significant portion of Moosehead Lake

* Binding P&S agreement with The Nature Conservancy, Forest Society of Maine and the Appalachian Mountain Club on 341,000 acres

* Recreational trail easements for Maine's ITS snowmobile system, a "Peak to Peak" long distance hiking trail, and the Maine Huts and Trails Nordic ski and hiking (and hopefull mountain biking) trail system

* Development zones totalling 20,500 acres for residential, non-residential and commercial uses

* 180 shorefront lots eliminated

* Development of 975 lots to be closer to existing communities, and more concentrated

* Resort-based development centered at Big Moose Mountain and Lily Bay

Dat's da brief scoop as I'm reading it folks.

OK now, you have your assignment, now let's get to work.

Read, make notes, take a good look-see at the map. Crack a cold one. Mull it over some.

Then let's talk next week...