Jim lombard
New member
From an article written by Ed Hawkins.
Yes, the MWI ( Maine Woods Inititive ). A great idea,
a great concept, and a great project for the AMC.
The purchase of a 37,000 acre parcel of forest, in the
Maine 100-mile wilderness area, for permanent protect-
ion and management, under the stewardship of the AMC
is certainly a noble undertaking. An opportunity for the
AMC to demonstrate and practice what it preaches to
all of us, through its many educational workshops,
seminars, and volunteer led recreational trips & activities.
I can support most ( probably 90% ) of what the current
MWI plan and outline proposes.
However, I do not suport current MWI projections and
plans, for full service facilities within this parcel, on either the short term or the long term.
The Little Lyford Ponds Camps full service facility already exists. So, O.K., the AMC fixes it up, maintains it, and makes improvements for ongoing continuous use.
So why do we need "two more" similar facilities
( currently projected ) on two pristine lakes within this parcel?? And, an easement for a 3rd, somewhere in the future?? All located within 10-mile walking distance of the other. And, discussions of buying additional properties ( hunting camps, etc. ), outside, and on the fringe of the MWI parcel, for additional, future, full service facilities.
Full service facilities are "high overhead". They are expensive to build, and expensive to maintain. And, they do not represent low impact use of the MWI property.
And, they are "self-perpetuating", in that they require expensive fees for visitors, and ever increasing demands by these same visitors for more.
These full service facilities are just an expansion of the
AMC into the high-end recreational "resort" business.
I suggest, that the MWI is an opportunity for the AMC
to change its model and its m.o. ( modus operandi ).
The BSP ( Baxter State Park ) model would be ideal
for this parcel and the MWI project.
The BSP model, is, to maintain trails, and to offer tent
sites, leantos, and a limited number of self-service camps.
No running water, electricity, etc. Outhouse facilities,
and gravel roads, adequate for low speed travel, within
the park, are two of the primary maintenance items. The
park is 100% carry in and carry out!!!
All of the above are low overhead, and low maintenance,
which in turn perpetuates, and keeps the property pristine
and wild. And, access fees remain low and reasonable.
Access to the property is limited by the availability of
the above listed tent sites, leantos, and self-service camps. And, by pre-determined limits for parking, within the park, for day visitors.
The AMC will tell us that they need full service facilities
to generate income to cover the costs of the MWI
property.
This is not true!!! The MWI property is "already", almost completely paid for, through grants, donations, etc.
And, remember, the AMC will not be paying property
taxes on the MWI parcel. And, they will not be paying
income taxes.
The idea, that the AMC will need high-end "resort" type,
full service, income producing facilities, to support the property, is a fallacy!!!
The only purpose served by the full service facilities is for the satisfaction of "high-end" visitors with money. People who like to think they are experiancing the wilderness, while being "catered to" in a full service "resort".
This may be the AMC's idea and way of attracting
money through future donations, grants, wills, etc. And,
it may work!!! But, is this really what the AMC is
about?? Are these the values that we ( AMC members )
espouse going forward??
These are some of my thoughts and opinions. You do
not have to agree!!
I urge and suggest that you all pay attention to what is happening and being proposed with this project. Ask questions and request information. And, most importantly voice your opinions, and write letters expressing your own thoughts and opinions about this project.
As dues paying members you have a right to know what
you club is about, and where it is headed. Does it
represent you, and the overall direction you expect of
the AMC???
Sincerely
Ed Hawkins
Note: Ed is not a member of Views but he wanted to generate conversation about this project.
Yes, the MWI ( Maine Woods Inititive ). A great idea,
a great concept, and a great project for the AMC.
The purchase of a 37,000 acre parcel of forest, in the
Maine 100-mile wilderness area, for permanent protect-
ion and management, under the stewardship of the AMC
is certainly a noble undertaking. An opportunity for the
AMC to demonstrate and practice what it preaches to
all of us, through its many educational workshops,
seminars, and volunteer led recreational trips & activities.
I can support most ( probably 90% ) of what the current
MWI plan and outline proposes.
However, I do not suport current MWI projections and
plans, for full service facilities within this parcel, on either the short term or the long term.
The Little Lyford Ponds Camps full service facility already exists. So, O.K., the AMC fixes it up, maintains it, and makes improvements for ongoing continuous use.
So why do we need "two more" similar facilities
( currently projected ) on two pristine lakes within this parcel?? And, an easement for a 3rd, somewhere in the future?? All located within 10-mile walking distance of the other. And, discussions of buying additional properties ( hunting camps, etc. ), outside, and on the fringe of the MWI parcel, for additional, future, full service facilities.
Full service facilities are "high overhead". They are expensive to build, and expensive to maintain. And, they do not represent low impact use of the MWI property.
And, they are "self-perpetuating", in that they require expensive fees for visitors, and ever increasing demands by these same visitors for more.
These full service facilities are just an expansion of the
AMC into the high-end recreational "resort" business.
I suggest, that the MWI is an opportunity for the AMC
to change its model and its m.o. ( modus operandi ).
The BSP ( Baxter State Park ) model would be ideal
for this parcel and the MWI project.
The BSP model, is, to maintain trails, and to offer tent
sites, leantos, and a limited number of self-service camps.
No running water, electricity, etc. Outhouse facilities,
and gravel roads, adequate for low speed travel, within
the park, are two of the primary maintenance items. The
park is 100% carry in and carry out!!!
All of the above are low overhead, and low maintenance,
which in turn perpetuates, and keeps the property pristine
and wild. And, access fees remain low and reasonable.
Access to the property is limited by the availability of
the above listed tent sites, leantos, and self-service camps. And, by pre-determined limits for parking, within the park, for day visitors.
The AMC will tell us that they need full service facilities
to generate income to cover the costs of the MWI
property.
This is not true!!! The MWI property is "already", almost completely paid for, through grants, donations, etc.
And, remember, the AMC will not be paying property
taxes on the MWI parcel. And, they will not be paying
income taxes.
The idea, that the AMC will need high-end "resort" type,
full service, income producing facilities, to support the property, is a fallacy!!!
The only purpose served by the full service facilities is for the satisfaction of "high-end" visitors with money. People who like to think they are experiancing the wilderness, while being "catered to" in a full service "resort".
This may be the AMC's idea and way of attracting
money through future donations, grants, wills, etc. And,
it may work!!! But, is this really what the AMC is
about?? Are these the values that we ( AMC members )
espouse going forward??
These are some of my thoughts and opinions. You do
not have to agree!!
I urge and suggest that you all pay attention to what is happening and being proposed with this project. Ask questions and request information. And, most importantly voice your opinions, and write letters expressing your own thoughts and opinions about this project.
As dues paying members you have a right to know what
you club is about, and where it is headed. Does it
represent you, and the overall direction you expect of
the AMC???
Sincerely
Ed Hawkins
Note: Ed is not a member of Views but he wanted to generate conversation about this project.