Dear Editor:

We are writing this letter to speak up for a beautiful piece of property and family owned business found in Wiscasset, Chewonki Campground. Chewonki Campground, established over 50 years ago, is a place where residents and non-residents alike can gather for family reunions, weddings and business meetings; where Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can have their overnight events in a safe and beautiful environment; and where CPR classes and music seminars are held. People from all over New England, approximately 3,000 families, make the trek to Chewonki Campground to create memories and enjoy the many activities and businesses found in the Midcoast region. This campground not only offers a beautiful place to work, learn and play but adds to the economy of Wiscasset, the Midcoast area and beyond.

But the environment and way of life this campground offers to all of us is under threat. The Wiscasset Airport has created something called “The Airport Master Plan.” This plan would cut trees that would not only destroy 23 campsites, but create a blemish on the campground due to the loss of those trees. Taking the place of those magnificent pine trees will be huge airport lights, which will illuminate 150 feet into the night sky. Imagine the star gazing you were expecting to do with your Scouts will now be greatly hindered due to the light pollution from the new blinding airport lights.

Now imagine being a businessperson in the Wiscasset and Midcoast area; a business that has come to depend on a portion of the $600,000 to $2 million revenue these families and organizations that come to Chewonki spend, when those people no longer arrive because of the destruction proposed by the “Airport Master Plan.”

We ask that the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen consider the fallout of making a decision that will change this fragile and pristine environment and negatively affect the income of area businesses and organizations. The board should vote “no” to the “Airport Master Plan” and work with the Chewonki Campground owners and Wiscasset airport on a plan that will not have such devastating results to the environment, economy and Maine way of life.

Caroline Bond and Joseph Russano
Jefferson