Plum Creek's plan area is essentially split between two counties in northwestern Maine — Somerset County (on the westerly side of Moosehead Lake) and Piscataquis County (on the easterly side).

When compared to the rest of Maine, these two counties are clearly struggling to reinvigorate a once robust economy that was principally driven by vast timberlands, manufacturing and recreational tourism.

Downtown Greenville

Today, however;

• Somerset County ranks 14th of Maine's 16 counties in per capita income.

• Piscataquis County (which includes the town of Greenville) is ranked 16th — last — with $23,392 in per capita income as compared to the state average of $29,164.

During the last few years, the region has suffered a number of major economic setbacks, including the closings of shoe manufacturing plants in Milo and Dexter and paper mill closings in the Millinocket area.

Those setbacks contributed to an overall loss of more than 1,700 jobs in Somerset and Piscataquis counties in a three-year period between 2000 and 2003, according to the Maine Bureau of Labor.

But the area is also facing other challenges, such as dwindling and aging populations that have created an infrastructure vacuum, threatening to close local schools and the Greenville hospital.

Piscataquis County's population has been steadily declining since the early 1900s, from a peak of approximately 20,544 people to roughly 17, 200 people today.

In Somerset County, the decrease in population has not been as severe ¾ but the area that includes the towns of Jackman and Rockwood has experienced much slower population growth (roughly 50 percent) than the rest of Maine during the last few years.

Sustainability:

Some argue that Plum Creek's plan focuses too much of its economic development goals in the area of new residential construction, expressing concerns about a lack of sustainable growth once those homes are built.

In reality, Plum Creek's plan calls for "phased-in" and limited development of the proposed 975 lots, placing a cap on developing no more than 125 lots during any calendar year.

Thus, the benefits of residential development construction would likely be spread out over a 10-to-20-year period, especially when considering that some lots will be purchased simply as investment opportunities to be built at a later date.

Balance:

Plum Creek's Plan calls for setting aside 100 acres of its land for the development of 60 units of affordable housing for the town of Greenville, where wages have not kept pace with housing costs. The addition of affordable housing will allow for greater stability and more versatility for the region's workforce.

The need for affordable housing in this area is well documented, from the town manager's report to the recommendations of regional economic development organizations.

Since the region has experienced significant population losses, Plum Creek's plan will have no negative impact on the area's schools and hospital because of the spare capacity generated by a steadily dwindling population.

Indeed, some of the new lots will likely be purchased by year-round residents. In combination with affordable housing, this is likely to result in a much-needed boost for the school and hospital.

Recreational/ Public Access Opportunities:

Plum Creek's Plan is poised to enhance traditional recreational opportunities and public access in the Moosehead region by expanding existing snowmobile, hiking and biking trail access and by stimulating economic investment, such as a four-season resort on Big Moose Mountain.

These enhancements will maintain the region's traditions and provide new investment opportunities that could restore Moosehead's reputation as a premiere tourism destination.

By implementing precedent-setting conservation easements on the bulk of its land, Plum Creek has guaranteed future generations of visitors the same opportunities to enjoy Moosehead's scenic splendor and quiet beauty, eliminating uncertainties about public access on private land.

By forever guaranteeing public access in this beautiful region, the Plum Creek Plan solidifies yet more economic development opportunities by encouraging private investment among businesses that rely upon visiting tourists.

Currently, access on these private lands has been granted as part of an informal arrangement that spans back more than 100 years, when paper companies allowed hunters and others to benefit from this unique landscape.

By formalizing the public's access in this region, Plum Creek is solidifying an enduring tradition that will instill the confidence of future investments by local businesses, such as registered guides, outfitters and other service providers.