Forest Advocates Expose Plum Creek's Destruction of Winter Deer Yards January 27, 2009 Contact: Native Forest Network: nfnmaine@gmail.com Photos available: www.flickr.com/photos/savethenorthwoods Forest Advocates Expose Plum Creek's Destruction of Winter Deer Yards Indian Stream TWP, ME- Activists with the Native Forest Network (NFN) have reported an imminent threat to historic deer yards and late successional forests within an active Plum Creek operation. The group has requested an immediate evaluation of Plum Creek logging operations in the Indian Stream area by the Maine Forest Service. The deer yards fall within the boundary of the proposed conservation easements for Plum Creek's controversial development plan, and are adjacent to the Big Moose State Reserve. Concerns regarding the timber harvest were brought to the attention of NFN by local landowners and hunters. Together they are concerned about the imminent loss of ecologically and culturally significant deer yards in the region, which is seen as a primary factor in this years' low deer harvest. NFN recently visited the site and documented deer beds, tracks and browse in parcels currently being logged and others intended for harvest. These areas are also home to intact diverse late-succession forests that are unique to Maine's North Woods. Shirley resident, Charlie Baker expressed concern about the active cut and its planned expansion saying, "Hunters in this area know that these have historically been the biggest deer yards of Somserset County. Destroying these deer yards in the middle of winter is like burning down one of our houses. Where are we expecting the deer to go?" Baker's family has lived, logged and hunted in the region for several generations. Baker continued, "I have hunted this land for over fifty years, the Indian Stream area has significant winter deer yards. We must protect this land." Meg Gilmartin of NFN agrees, "We believe that much of the planned cut is winter deer habitat. The forest has beautiful views of Eagle Rock through a canopy of giant Cedar, Spruce, Hemlock, and Birch trees. Its adjacent location to State lands makes it a prime corridor for wildlife and recreation. If this tract is cut this season, an important opportunity will be lost." The group is continuing to work with local residents, biologists, and elected officials. They are hopeful that responsible State agencies will take immediate action to stop the destruction of these forest, and are committed to defending Maine's landmark forests through every possible channel including civil disobedience if needed. "We have reported our observations to the Maine Forest Service and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and we will continue exposing Plums Creek's threats to the ecological integrity and historic uses of the area," said Ryan Clarke of Sangerville. "The old forests and wildlife of Maine are public resources, we will not sit by and allow them to be destroyed."
Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2009 (Archive on Thursday, February 19, 2009) Posted by Jym St. Pierre   Contributed by
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