I am sitting in my tent in Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset at 5 in the morning, watching the sun come up through the trees and I am wondering if they will be here in the near future.

According to an engineer’s drawings, these trees are “obstructions” or “hazards” to airplanes taking off and landing at the Wiscasset Airport and must be removed to protect imaginary airspace. Chewonki Campground, which has a reputation for being one of the best campgrounds in the country, brings a great deal to the village of Wiscasset, as does the airport. Without the trees, the campground will have to close, and to lose it at the expense of the airport would be a great loss for Wiscasset also.

It may not seem to be a loss on the order of Maine Yankee, but its loss would be felt greatly just the same. A seasonal business composed of transitory visitors may seem insignificant to Wiscasset, for nearly all of these people are here for relatively short stays and then they move on. The advantage of this business is that it brings in outside dollars to Wiscasset and then when the season is over you get your town back again. But while we are here in Wiscasset, we purchase food and supplies, medicine and even the occasional doctor’s visit, support the arts and restaurants, buy T-shirts and antiques, and make donations to the community in support of churches and charities.

The engineer’s drawings show that the trees around me now would all be gone. She also said during the Selectmen’s meeting that moving Route 144 would be a prohibitive cost of $3 million. However, the loss of most of the trees, and the subsequent loss of Chewonki Campground and would cost far more than relocating the road. It would seem short-sighted to not consider the total loss to all businesses in Wiscasset, beyond the very great personal loss to be felt by Pam Brackett and Ann Beck, and their daughters Phaelon and Johanna, of the business started by their parents more than 50 years ago. If the FAA is willing to pay to remove trees and take land that would ultimately destroy this business; would it not be more prudent and ultimately more beneficial to all for the FAA to direct its funds towards relocating the road?

Campers may seem like strange people to some. We come here and set up tents and trailers, pop-ups and RVs, nestled in the woods. We live with coolers and cook on tiny stoves, many of us do without power, and we all put up with dirt and mosquitoes willingly. But at night, the trees are alive with the lights from fireflies and the countless stars can take one’s breath away. It’s not a trip many would consider peaceful or relaxing; yet to those who come here, we could imagine nothing grander or more joyful. And as I sit here now it’s nearly 7 a.m.; the light is streaming through the trees and the birds are beginning to sing. Soon I will open my tiny stove and make coffee while I peruse the morning paper. To me, this is heaven.

One-by-one and familyby family, we support this campground and ultimately we support Wiscasset too. Please consider the total cost to the community before before losing this great asset of Chewonki Campground. A one-time cost to realign the the road may not be as cost prohibitive as losing a business that has been a strong financial contributor to all local businesses in Wiscasset for over 50 years.

Deb Mensinger
Melrose, Mass.