In this last effort Gov. Baldachi created a committee to ease the passage of a container port development. To do this he had those who wished to participate begin the process by agreeing that they were not opposed to a port. That eliminated all voices arguing that the plan would in any form be irrevocably damaging to the Island ecosystem and regional fisheries.
The destruction of the estuaries around Sears Island (which in order to allow the huge container ships passage would have to be deeply dredged) would indeed be catastrophic for the regional fisheries. New studies by Canadian researchers show that when shallow eelgrass ecosystems are destroyed - survival rates for infant fish are reduced to 1 in 17,000! Can anyone imagine how that would impact our coastal sustainabilty? It makes no sense that in the "joint use" process, no active fishery representatives were included in the discussions, and the ecologically inclined were represented by a recreational hiking club and an individual who seems to have profited greatly (awarded grants) from his participation.
Another aspect of Sears Island's Future that disturbs me is that 600 acres of PUBLICLY Owned Sears Island has been, in effect, given to a Private Land Organization - Maine Heritage Trust. It would seem to me that such a huge gift of public land would have to be approved by Maine Citizens rather than unelected representatives who are unaccountable to the public will! How is it possible for the MDOT to have the right to disseminate public land without electoral input, review, or referendum?
to be continued after tonight's forum...
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