The report by Dr. Thomas M. Power, the chairman of the Department of Economics at the University of Montana, concludes that a North Woods national park ³would neither do significant damage to the northern Maine economy nor would it lead to a boom that would transform the region.²

But the MWC Steering Committee strongly disagreed with some of Power¹s assertions, including the prediction that the wood products industry is in an irreversible decline.

Millinocket Town Manager Eugene Conlogue said that Power¹s solution ³would be like swapping two horses (manufacturing and a national park) for one, but they can¹t live in the same pasture.²

Conlogue pointed to Great Northern Paper¹s multi-million-dollar expansion underway in his hometown, despite the stagnant economy and decline in commercial paper sales. ³But that¹s no thanks to the federal government,² Conlogue said.

When the mill was securing financing for the expansion two years ago, Conlogue said that the Department of Interior - a federal agency - disputed some aspects of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection¹s licensing for the mill¹s emission control.

Conlogue explained that the federal agency wanted to use stricter standards than the state required for licensing because of concerns over whether pollution could drift to Acadia National Park or Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge near Calais. The plant, he noted, ³was well outside the 100-kilometer buffer zone. But if they¹re concerned about places 100 kilometers away, what would they do about a national park on our doorstep?²

MWC member Bill Peet of Harfords Point said that RESTORE: The North Woods, which is distributing Power¹s report, is using ³three major pieces of ammunition to push the national park issue.

Peet said that the the environmental group is making widespread use of a poll that reportedly shows that a majority of Maine residents favor a national park. ³Then there¹s the Power¹s report, and the inference that a park would enhance the quality of recreational opportunities in the area. These are things we have to refute,² said Peet.

The MWC did take a position on another major issue at last week¹s meeting, however: Plum Creek Timber Corporation¹s concept plan to sell 89 lots on First Roach Pond in Frenchtown Township.

The Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) held a lengthy public hearing in Greenville Oct. 25 on the concept plan where it was praised by some as sound economic development but criticized by others who questioned the environmental impact of the project.

But the 12 members of the MWC Steering Committee at Thursday¹s meeting strongly endorsed the plan. ³This is an example of the type of growth we want to see here,² said Dick Thornton, a trustee of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club in Greenville.

Conlogue told the committee that the Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council (MAGIC) also voted to support the First Roach Pond concept plan at its recent meeting.

The MWC scheduled its annual meeting on Nov. 30 at the Black Frog Restaurant in Greenville where members will have an opportunity to discuss future goals of the organization along with its revised platform.

Treasurer Bill Jarvis said that the organization now has 80 members, including 73 eligible to vote and seven supporting members.