LUPC Approves Petition to Terminate Concept Plan for the Moosehead Lake Region

July 15, 2020

For more information contact: Jim Britt at: (207) 287-3156

AUGUSTA - Today, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) approved a petition to terminate the Concept Plan for the Moosehead Lake Region and rezone the entire Resource Plan Protection (P-RP) Subdistrict currently applied to the approximately 380,074 acre Plan area. Due to unforeseen impacts from the economic recession of 2008-2009, none of the anticipated development has occurred. The Concept Plan area will be rezoned primarily to management and protection subdistricts, except for a 3-acre Recreational Facility Development zone to accommodate an existing sporting camp. The 363,000 acre Moosehead Region Conservation Easement, as well as certain other public benefits, including guaranteed public access, will remain in perpetuity.

LUPC Land Use Guidance Maps, the petition and supporting documents, resource agency and stakeholder comments, LUPC staff documents, and other materials are available online.

Next Steps

Termination of the Concept Plan offers the community and the region an opportunity to choose future land uses on 16,910 acres previously designated for development. Community members have worked hard for over a decade to plan for the regions future. Their efforts include a regional branding and economic development plan, a community-based visioning project, designation of the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway, community input on public access trails and conservation initiatives, and the Greenville Master Plan. A community planning process is just starting to engage the community in determining the future zoning for the region. More information is available online.

About LUPC

LUPC, a division of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestrys Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning, has the responsibility of serving the unorganized and deorganized areas of Maine and helping guide land use across its 10.4 million acres. LUPC serves as the planning and zoning authority for the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State, including townships and plantations. These areas either have no local government or have chosen not to administer land use controls at the local level. Along with carrying out its planning and zoning responsibilities, the LUPC issues permits for smaller development projects, such as home construction and camp renovations. For larger development projects requiring the Department of Environmental Protection review under the Site Location of Development Law, the LUPC certifies that proposed land uses are allowed, and that proposed development activities comply with applicable LUPC land use standards. The Legislature created the Commission to extend principles of sound planning, zoning, and development to the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State. Learn more online.

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