State Park Expansion Controversy Grows In Maine

"Opposition that is threatening a plan to expand Baxter State Park's wildlife sanctuary seemed to catch conservationists and state officials by surprise. That may be because the backlash is about more than losing 6,015 acres of hunting and trapping grounds. For many who live in and around this friendly, struggling mill town of 5,000 people at the park's front door, it's about trying to hang on to a disappearing way of life.

Everything from paper mill bankruptcy and layoffs, timberland sales, gated access, lost camp leases and outsiders' efforts to restrict logging and hunting have left residents here defensive and distrustful.

'We keep losing all the time, and it's got to be stopped,' said Danny Hinse, an East Millinocket resident."