To the editor:
Wolfden Resources Corporation is a Canadian mining company with land zoned as a “protection district” near Mount Chase, the North Gate of Baxter State Park, and the entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Wolfden wants Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission to change this zoning for a metallic mineral mining operation.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan states the LUPC must “prevent the despoliation, pollution and detrimental uses of the water in these areas; and conserve ecological and natural values,” and “prevent residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses detrimental to the long-term health, use and value of these areas and to Maine’s natural resource-based economy.”
The land Wolfden owns surrounds Pickett Mountain Pond and the headwaters of the Mattawamkeag and Penobscot rivers. Wolfden’s proposed mine will fragment, destroy and degrade critical habitats for Atlantic salmon and Canada lynx, heritage fish waters for the Eastern brook trout, and state-designated inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat. It also impacts Pickett Mountain Pond, Mud Lake, Grass Lake and Pleasant Lake.
In addition, the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River, Pickett Mountain Pond and the other waterways are of cultural significance to the Houlton Band of Maliseets.
Plus, according to Wolfden’s report, the headframe is visible from Pickett Mountain Pond, Pleasant Lake and Mount Chase.
Rezoning would go against the LUPC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Many see site jobs as the mine’s benefit. However, they aren’t permanent. The longest estimate is 10 years, the lowest is 4. What happens then? Wolfden as a junior mining company would do the preliminary work, then sell out to another company. Promises of jobs aren’t binding.
This also doesn’t consider jobs lost, like restaurants, hotels, guides, rental companies, etc.
No one wants to drive to northern Maine to encounter a mine’s noise and lights 24/7, along with dirty, loud trucks. They come for the beauty and peace they can’t find elsewhere.
Make your voice heard. Write to the LUPC at wolfdenrezoning.lupc@maine.gov, or give in-person comments at meetings Oct. 16-18 at Stearns Jr./Sr. High School in Millinocket or Oct. 23 at Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center.
Kara Potter
Mt. Chase
