Letter: Trail bond can preserve natural landscapes and support local economies
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Members of the board of directors of the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust are writing to express our full support for the Maine Trail Bond proposed in LD 1156, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development, and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation.
At Woodie Wheaton Land Trust, we are dedicated to protecting, preserving, and conserving the land and water of the Chiputneticook Lakes Region of Eastern Maine and Western New Brunswick. We understand the immense value that trails bring to our communities, both in terms of recreation and economic development.
The Maine Trail Bond is essential for meeting the increasing demand for trails across our state. Maine’s trails are experiencing record levels of use, and many need repair due to extreme weather impacts. By investing in trail development and maintenance, we can ensure that our trails remain accessible and enjoyable for generations to come.
Moreover, trails play a vital role in supporting Maine’s economy, especially in rural communities like those we serve at Woodie Wheaton Land Trust. They attract visitors, support local businesses, and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually in economic activity. The Maine Trail Bond will provide much-needed funding to support trail projects that will make Maine a national leader in high-quality trails.
We urge our fellow Mainers to support the Maine Trail Bond (LD 1156). Together, we can ensure that Maine remains a destination for outdoor enthusiasts while supporting our local economies and preserving our natural landscapes.
Phoebe Redfield
Executive director
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust
Forest City Township
