LURC Decision Under Review (2011)
On April 7, 2011, the Maine Superior Court released its decision on the appeal of LURC’s approval of the Concept Plan for Plum Creek’s lands in the Moosehead region. Of the six points challenged by those who were appealing LURC’s decision, the judge upheld LURC on the five points that focus on the material aspects of the Concept Plan, including those relating to the 363,000-acre conservation easement that FSM holds and enforces.
On the final point, which was a procedural question, the judge concluded that although LURC provided several opportunities for review and written comments on the final version of the plan as it was being developed and finalized, that he felt another public hearing was warranted on the final plan. Based on that procedural point, the court decision sends the plan back to the LURC proceeding for public hearing on that final amended plan. This court’s decision has now been appealed to the state’s highest court. During this time of continuing appeal, the conservation easement remains in full effect with FSM as holder, just as it has since October 2009.
While LURC’s approval works its way through the appeal process, FSM will remain focused on the remarkable conservation outcomes that hang in the balance. This 363,000-acre easement provides strong, ecological protections, sustainable forestry practices, and assures public access for traditional recreation opportunities. It anchors a two- million-acre network of conserved forests across Maine’s North Woods that sustains the forests, waterways and habitats of the region.”
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