National monument a gift for Maine

To the Editor;

I have watched the North Woods national monument debate with interest and concern over the lack of long-term concern for the future. I grew up in Presque Isle, still own a home in northern Maine and spent 19 years studying the economic aspects of Maine’s natural resources at the University of Maine.

A study I conducted at UMaine examined the recreational fishing benefits of removing Edwards Dam in Augusta. We found that the typical angler could not see the benefits of dam removal; only a few forward-thinking individuals could see the benefits. Now many dams have been removed from Maine’s rivers to open waterways to ecosystem, recreation and other benefits.

Just like Maine’s use of rivers for dams for energy and other industrial purposes changed, the landscape of Maine’s timber industry is changing forever. The timber industry will not go away, but it will continue to evolve and be smaller. More importantly, ownership of the land is changing and private uses are likely to outweigh revenue from timber harvesting just as we have seen for agricultural lands and the working waterfront along Maine’s coast.

Actions to create opportunities take a visionary perspective and perseverance to withstand the many criticisms that accompany innovative vision. It is time to thank a benevolent landowner for offering an ecological and economic benefit to future generations. A North Woods national monument can be a signature resource that will bring jobs and income to northern Maine, help keep young families in the area and keep schools open.

Kevin Boyle
Greenville