Wolfden Resources Corporation is a Canadian mining company that purchased land currently zoned as a “protection district” near Mount Chase, Maine ,and the North Gate of Baxter State Park, as well as about five miles from the entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

This current designation means “development would jeopardize significant natural, recreational and historic resources, including, but not limited to, flood plains, precipitous slopes, wildlife habitat and other areas critical to the ecology of the region or State.” 

The mining company is hoping the state of Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission will change this zoning to a “development district” which would allow for industrial uses in this area and permit it to build a Metallic Mineral Mine.

In the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, it states that the LUPC has a responsibility in Maine’s unorganized and de-organized areas to, “Prevent the despoliation, pollution and detrimental uses of the water in these areas; and Conserve ecological and natural values.” and “Prevent residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses detrimental to the long-term health, use and value of these areas and to Maine’s natural resource-based economy”.

The land Wolfden owns surrounds Pickett Mountain Pond and the headwaters of the Mattawamkeag and Penobscot Rivers.

As such, Wolfden’s proposed mine will fragment, destroy, and degrade critical habitats for Atlantic salmon and Canada lynx, Heritage Fish Waters for the Eastern brook Trout, as well as State designated Inland Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat. It will also impact waterways including Pickett Mountain Pond, Mud Lake, Grass Lake, and Pleasant Lake.

In addition, the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River, along with Pickett Mountain Pond and the other waterways in the area are of important significance to the Houlton Band of Maliseets and other members of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The indigenous tribes of the area have a long held duty, and a right, to protect their traditions and cultural practices which are tied to these water bodies, rivers, and the land surrounding them. Tribal members also utilize these lands to sustain themselves through hunting, fishing and gathering foods and medicines. Wolfden’s mine is in direct opposition to the tribes’ ability to protect their lands and continue their traditions.

Plus, according to Wolfden’s own report, the headframe will be visible from Pickett Mountain Pond, parts of Pleasant Lake, and the summit of Mount Chase impacting tribal members, hikers, ATVers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, fishers, boaters, hunters, and anyone else looking to find clean food and water, get away from it all, and/or recreate in the area. 

Given all this, rezoning this land would go against both of these points in the LUPC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

We have heard proponents of the mine discuss the LUPC’s responsibility to balance these other ways of using the land with the economic value of the jurisdiction that can be derived from working forests and farmlands. However, the type of economic development approved must be compatible and interconnected with all of the other elements of the LUPC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  Any “economic value” Wolfden is claiming would be seen at the expense of the other principles LUPC must uphold. 

I understand many in favor of the mine consistently cite jobs as the mine’s benefit for the area. But this is shortsighted. I fully grasp the economic situation in northern Maine. And the fact that young people continue to leave is something that good jobs could, in part, help stop. However, these jobs the mine would offer aren’t permanent. The longest estimate is 10 years, and some say as few as four. So what happens then? Another set of economic issues like those we face now? Where does that leave the workers? The youth who stayed for these temporary jobs, what do they do now? And, the safety of the potential temporary jobs isn't even regularly discussed, but is also an important issue.

Not only that, Wolfden is what’s referred to in the mining industry as a “junior mining company”.

According to University of South Carolina Associate Professor of Geography David Kneas, junior mining companies, “rely heavily on investments and often sell out or partner with larger mining companies once the preliminary work is completed. Promises of jobs and economic gain made on a local level are not binding.”

So whatever is being said at meetings by Wolfden, or at its sponsored “community activities” isn’t necessarily how this situation will play out.

The narrative regarding new jobs also doesn’t take into account the jobs that could be lost should this mine become a reality. Those who rely on tourism (from restaurants and hotels, to guides and equipment rental companies in the immediate area as well as across the state) could be greatly impacted in a negative way. No one wants to drive all the way to northern Maine to encounter a giant mine, spewing noise and bright lights 24/7. Not to mention the loud, dirty trucks driving all around the back roads leading up to Baxter State Park.

Folks make the journey here to “get away”. They come to find clean air and water, fishing and hunting, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, and more, all because of the unparalleled beauty and peace they’re not able to find elsewhere on the east coast! Permanently destroying some of it (potentially a lot of it) for the short term gain of a few temporary jobs (that are unsafe and not often appealing to youth or others) seems like a very poor decision when it comes to the area’s tourism “brand” and the long term jobs and small businesses that this unique area creates.

Companies like Wolfden have come to countless towns over the years promising folks everything and assuring residents what they’re about to do is all so safe. The town begins to cater to the company, sometimes even investing in building infrastructure for the companies’ needs. And there are jobs for a while. But then, the company leaves, and residents are jobless again; but now with the added pollution and devastation that's been created. All while the company takes the profits and runs off to their next “site”.

But luckily, there’s still time to act and make your voice heard!

The LUPECs public comment period is still open. Write to them at wolfdenrezoning.lupc@maine.gov

You can also attend in person sessions in Millinocket (Stearns Jr/Sr High School, Oct 16-18; eneral public can comment in the evenings) and Bangor (Cross Insurance Center Oct 23 at 6:30 p.m.).

Visit Friends of Pickett Mountain Pond’s website to learn more about the many issues associated with Wolfden Resources Corp., its proposed mine near Mt. Chase, and Metallic Mineral Mining as a whole. 

Kara Potter lives in Washington and Mount Chase