Update as of October 25, 2005:
There will be no bridge over Wassataquoik Stream!
Conservation activist Roxanne Quimby, through her foundation Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., has acquired the Gardner Land Company lands north of the stream. Gardner will be withdrawing its application to LURC seeking approval to construct the bridge.
We appreciate the support of our members on this issue and we will continue to work for conservation of lands adjacent to Baxter State Park. We are very thankful that this critical area will be conserved.
*********************************
September 8, 2005
Mr. Weston Kenney
Project Analyst
Land Use Regulation Commission
191 Main Street
East Millinocket, ME 04430
Re: Wassataquoik Stream, BCP 6005
Dear Mr. Kenney:
We have recently learned of the pending application to construct a paved bridge over Wassataquoik Stream. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Friends of Baxter State Park is extremely concerned with this application and the potential adverse impacts a bridge in this area would have on the wilderness character of Baxter State Park. Increased vehicular traffic, including ATV use, threatens the wilderness values of the park and increases the likelihood of trespass onto park lands.
Wassataquoik Stream, its headwaters and much of its length protected by the park, is a pristine river system deserving of the highest protection for its entire length.
The creation of new motorized access across this extraordinary stream in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin is contrary to the statutory requirements that the commission shall approve no application, unless "[a]dequate provision has been made for fitting the proposal harmoniously into the existing natural environment in order to assure there will be no undue adverse effect on existing uses, scenic character, and natural and historic resources in the area likely to be affected by the proposal". 12 M.R.S.A. ß685-B (4)(C).
We believe this application is inconsistent with the law and LURC's policies. We therefore strongly urge LURC to deny the application.
If LURC is not prepared to deny the application, we request a public hearing on this matter. Our Board and membership are very much concerned about this threat to the Park and if the application is not denied we would appreciate an opportunity to be more fully heard on this matter.
If you have any questions about these comments, do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Charlie Jacobi
President
| 
