Department of Conservation

AUGUSTA, Maine – (December 11, 2001) Department of Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio announced today the resignation of Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) Director John S. Williams. Williams will leave the department Friday, January 11 to become the president of the Maine Pulp and Paper Association.

“John has served the people of Maine well as director of LURC and we will miss him here at the department,” remarked Department of Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio. “John’s ability to weigh differing sides of issues and lead groups toward consensus represents one of his many strengths.”

During his seven-year tenure at LURC, Williams oversaw the adoption of a Revised Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the 10.5 million acres of land under the jurisdiction of LURC, and the first regional prospective zoning plan for the Rangeley Lakes area. The agency moved permitting functions to regional offices in Rangeley, Greenville, Millinocket, Ashland and Cherryfield, streamlined the permit process, and eliminated redundant permitting between LURC and DEP. This year Williams successfully worked with the Legislature to repeal the “40-acre exemption”, a loophole in state law allowing unchecked development in the north woods.

Williams, attributing much of his success at LURC to the dedication and interest of the seven Commissioners and the hard working staff, stated that “I will miss working on the issues of the north woods and coastal islands, but I know that I am leaving the decisions that will shape the future of this area in good hands.”

A search committee coordinated by Commissioner Lovaglio will start immediately.