What local people are saying

Geno Murray, CEO, Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, Greenville: "I think a lot of people are reacting to Plum Creek's plan on an emotional level without taking a step back to consider all of the facts," he says. "From what I've read in the media, there are a lot of misconceptions about the Moosehead Lake region." Complete Interview

Jen Dumont graduated from Greenville High School in 1995. Today, she and her husband Rob have two daughters and live in the unorganized town of Rockwood, roughly 19 miles north of Greenville on the shore of Moosehead Lake. Complete Interview

Ron and Bonnie Searles have spent nearly a quarter century living and working on the shores of Moosehead Lake. The owners of Rockwood Cottages, Ron and Bonnie have a spectacular view of Mount Kineo, but with each passing day they are also witnesses to the changes that have taken place in this once bustling tourism destination. Complete Interview

Tom McCormick is a strong supporter of the concept plan that Plum Creek submitted earlier this year to Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission. Although he doesn't think Plum Creek's plan is perfect, he is concerned that not enough people are asking what will happen to the region if the plan is rejected. Complete Interview

Nancy Paradise grew up in Jackman, Maine, a place she describes as a "tight-knit community where people care about their neighbors." She still lives in Jackman, but she worries whether her children will be able to return home because many of the jobs our youngsters are being trained for may not be available in Jackman. Complete Interview

Some of Bette DiAngelo's favorite childhood memories took place on the outskirts of Greenville, where she and her husband are now raising their three sons. She grew up in a small town near Augusta, but spent many school vacation days and weekends on family ski trips at was once the Squaw Mountain Ski Resort. During the summer months, her family camped and hiked on land that is today owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company. Complete Interview

Dan Legere of Greenville didn't care much for Plum Creek's original concept plan for its land in the Moosehead Lake region. In fact, Dan was one of many local people who said Plum Creek's plan should include more permanent conservation to protect the area's remote character and its abundant recreational resources. Complete Interview

When asked about Plum Creek's plan for their land in the region, Alan Duplessis makes no bones when stating his opinions. "We need something to happen here," he says. "Plum Creek's plan may not be the perfect plan, but it incorporates all of the things that are important to the people working to survive here and raise their families." Complete Interview

Steve and Barbet Mason both grew up in Greenville. Steve is a fourth-generation resident; Barbet is third-generation. To say that they love their hometown is an understatement. They met each other while attending high school here. This is the town where they bought their first home and where they raised their son. Steve and Barbet both remember a time when their hometown was not facing so many challenges. They worry about a dwindling local economy, including recent job losses in manufacturing mills around the region.
Complete Interview

John Morrell is a self-described realist. He doesn't think Plum Creek's plan will save his hometown, but does think the plan will help reverse the trends that threaten to destroy the traditions and character of Greenville
Complete interview

Fred Nutter editorial of Aug. 18, 2006
WCSH Channel 6 website

"I knew that Plum Creek was going back to the drawing board to change their plan, but I was blown away when I found out how well they listened to people's concerns. This revised plan strikes the right balance. It preserves what is so special about the place we call home, as well as contains some development, which will allow for the economic growth of the region."

—Craig Watt,
Business owner, Greenville

"This plan is a wonderful balance of conservation and economic development that will return the Greenville-Jackman region to its rightful place at the center of Maine's outdoor economy."

—George Smith,
Sportsman's Alliance of Maine

"I am excited about Plum Creek's revised plan for their land in the Moosehead Lake region. This part of Maine is facing challenging times. Statistically speaking, Piscataquis County is at the bottom of the list when it comes to average per-capita incomes in Maine. We also struggle with some of the highest unemployment rates in Maine.

"Plum Creek has laid out a carefully designed plan that provides this region with a measure of predictability. It provides us with the closest thing to a crystal ball for the area's future; and that future embraces Moosehead's history and special character by promoting and enhancing the region's nature-based recreational opportunities, not to mention the infusion of carefully planned growth in a part of Maine that has been steadily experiencing a population decline since the early 1960s."

— Mark Scarano, executive director
Piscataquis County Economic Development Council

This page will be updated regularly as people learn more about Plum Creek's plan for its land in the Moosehead region.