Investing in Maine's trails promises rich returns

43 statewide organizations, 192 local organizations, 75 cities and towns, 167 businesses, and 41 ATV and snowmobile clubs can't be wrong…right?

All of these organizations last week sponsored a $30 million bond to finance the design, construction and maintenance of motorized, non-motorized and multi-use trail projects across the state. If the proposal receives the necessary legislative approvals, it will go to voters in a statewide referendum this November.

The creation of the so-called Main Trails Bond, LD 1156, deserves approval by all parties.

Groundbreaking investments in our trails can boost economic activity across the state (and especially in rural areas in need of economic activity) and attract residents and visitors alike. Supporting environmental and climate goals by protecting valuable areas of coasts, mountains, and forests, and by facilitating more modes of transportation than cars and trucks. And by encouraging people to take to the skies and be active all year round, we make a meaningful contribution to public health.

“Many of the trails we love would not exist without dedicated volunteers and organizations working on shoestring budgets and often competing for the same funding,” said the Bath-based Sylvia Cassano, project coordinator for the Maine Trail Coalition, said in a Press Herald article. I knitted it last year. Bonds can change that, and we sincerely hope so.

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