Three members of this household voted for Gov. Janet Mills in anticipation that she would protect the dwindling wilderness of Maine. Her support to drive a dagger through the heart of Maine — a hydroelectric dagger that consists of cutting a swath of precious, irreplaceable semi-wilderness — is disappointing, but understandable. This project will eventually result in cleaner air. Unfortunately, using me as a doormat will result in an enormous, ugly clear-cut when compared to the woods on each side of this permanent scar. To label it otherwise is misleading.

As a former woodsman and ranger, I’m aware that making an area more accessible leads to more killing of wildlife through trapping and hunting, more trails for ATVs and snowmobiles that shatter tranquility and displace wildlife, the possibility of more wind turbines, and the loss of habitat for many creatures.

This land between the Forks and Quebec is a unique piece of land. The area considered for development is one of the very few, semi-wild forests left.

We Mainers, including Gov. Mills, should only support this project if construction of the twin scabs of turbines and solar panels is halted. In addition, those that are in operation should be dismantled within 10 years. Out of concern for that which gives us life and so much beauty, let’s only embrace the hydroelectric project based on the terms mentioned above. Let’s lessen the commercialization that is turning Maine into a mirror of the states south of us.

Call Janet Mills’ office at 287-3531 and, like the voters of her hometown of Farmington, request she end support for this project and consider all other alternatives, especially the one mentioned above.

 

Frank Hutchinson

Carthage

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