A community close to the proposed Maine North Woods National Park has drafted a letter that outlines the requirements it would like to see met before it could support such a park.

The letter (attached below) drafted by the Town Manager of Millinocket to U.S. Sen. Angus King, Maine's former governor, touches on a number of issues, from air quality and the eventual size of such a park to free access for Maine residents. In the letter, Town Manager Margaret Daigle said the town wants the park limited to 150,000 acres in size, a far cry from the 3.2 million-acre proposal initially outlined by park proponents. 

More recently, though, those pushing for a park have agreed with a 150,000-acre park, half of which would be designated like a national recreation area with more of a multiple-use philosophy than a traditional national park that could be more restrictive when it comes to snowmobiling and logging, two traditional uses of Maine lands.

Talk of creating a national park in Maine's North Woods has been kicking around for roughly 20 years. Supporters say such a park would provide an economic boost to the region that has suffered through shrinkage of the timber industry, preserve a breathtaking landscape, help wildlife species threatened with extinction for lack of habitat, and protect the "wild forests of New England."

But there are concerns that a national park would bring restrictive policies that could stymie economic growth beyond tourism.

"The working forest was, and still remains, a major economic engine in northern Maine and the Council has concerns that a proposed park could adversely affect the forest products industry and may place significant restrictions on areas surrounding the park," wrote Ms. Daigle. "In addition, it is believed historically that the National Park Service has been littered with eminent domain proceedings that have dislodged many families and adopted policies against recreational pursuits that are highly valued in the Katahdin Region, such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and hunting.

"The Council fears that a new national park woudl adversely affect the forest products industry and traditional recreational uses, and may place significant restrictions on areas surrounding the park, such as the operation or expansion of the area's industrial (smoke stack) businesses."

The letter, which the town council is expected to review this week and decide whether to send it, also touches on:

* Air quality. The region currently is classified as a Class 2 airshed, and the letter opposes any changes to that, noting that a more restrictive classification could block some industries from settling in the town.

* Construction of a road linking Millinocket to an area proposed for an entrance to the park.

* Land easements for creation of multiple-use trails that would connect Millinocket to the proposed park and its associated recreation area.

* Establishment of a national park authority or board comprised of representatives from surrounding communities and the recreation industry to provide guidance to the National Park Service in management of the proposed park.