For far too long there have been meetings, discussions and hearings on -- and changes and more changes to -- proposed plans for altering forever the unique natural area around Maine's Moosehead Lake region.

The unfortunate thing is that the beauty of our state's forestlands was ever on the market. How many times I have wished the wisdom and conviction of former Gov. Baxter -- or a man of his dedication -- had been on board before Plum Creek stepped in and bought the land!

Alas, no good ever came of crying over spilled milk! If there is any legal way to say "no" to all proposals and never allow a bit of change in that area, I would be the first to sign a petition or vote for such a well-aimed plan.

If such can never be the case, please find some way to finalize all the talk and eliminate as many as possible of the proposed changes.

In spite of the often-mentioned good aspects of the plan, I would gladly forgo all that to have our state remain what I have known it to be for more than eight decades. One change undoubtedly would lead to many more such actions, as we have experienced over the past several years.

What am I saying? In a few, well-chosen words: "No to Plum Creek proposals today, and in the future."

Katy Perry

Hallowell