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Maine Woods Coalition


About Us :

What is the Maine Woods Coalition?
We are a group of concerned citizens from the region of the State of Maine which is most affected by any major changes to the current use of the 3.2 million acres known as the Maine North Woods. We incorporated on January 4, 2001 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. We seek to be the voice of the stakeholders in the Maine Woods.

Who makes up the Maine Woods Coalition?
To be a voting member of the organization, you must reside in, own property in, or operate a substantial part of your business in one of four counties: Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, or Aroostook. Interested parties who do not meet these criteria may opt to become supporting members of the coalition.

Why did the Maine Woods Coalition Form?:
For several years, a group of dedicated environmentalists from outside the State of Maine and from outside of this four-county region have sought to convince the Federal Government to create a National Park on the 3.2 million acres of land known as the North Maine Woods. In recent meetings with major proponents of this proposal, it appears that those working for the creation of this Park (1) do not understand what would happen to the lives and livelihoods of the residents and property owners of the region, (2) do not want to consider these concerns in their on-going efforts, and (3) do not appear to feel that the residents here should have a say about the future of this large tract of land. The residents of this four-county region believe strongly that we have a right to have a say in what happens to the Maine Woods. To make sure that right is exercised – and not denied – the Maine Woods Coalition was formed.

What does the Maine Woods Coalition do?:
We are a public interest group who is concerned with the prospect of sudden and substantial changes to the current use patterns of the North Maine Woods. We promote the current relationship between private owners of large tracts of land and the access allowed to the general public. We are concerned that decisions regarding the Maine Woods would be made without the input of the stakeholders of the region. We seek to promote the value of the current relationship between the public and the landowners, and to ensure the best interests of the stakeholders for the region are met. We do this through public discussions, newspaper articles, brochures, and other media. We seek to be the common ground all the stakeholders of the region share, expressed as one voice to ensure the health and well being of our region.