Monday’s announcement that the state has purchased 3,800 acres of pristine land in Weld, including the summit of Tumbledown Mountain, is exciting because it makes one of the most beautiful spots in the state public property.

Hancock Lumber Co., which sold the land, sweetened the deal by granting an easement to 7,800 additional acres, guaranteeing public access and promising to practice sustainable forestry on that land.

Maine has always been a wide open place, and Maine people have generally been respectful of the land. For most of the state’s history, private landowners have generally permitted public access to their properties. That tradition has changed subtly in recent years, with more and more landowners closing trails and posting properties.

Hancock Lumber demonstrates good stewardship through this sale and easement agreements with the state. We encourage MeadWestvaco, which owns a tract of land adjacent to this newly public land, to do the same.

Mead already generously permits public access to most of its properties, and it practices sustainable forestry, so granting an easement in Weld will not interfere with existing company practice.

We encourage Mead to join Hancock Lumber to permanently preserve this part of Maine for its people.


Fit for life
When we age, we all fear decreased mobility, losing touch with our communities and prolonged periods of loneliness. Getting old is not easy to endure, and too many people just accept their gradual separation from physical fitness and social contact because they are not inspired to do anything more.

Not Ted Burgoyne.

This Livermore Falls man is no typical 80-year-old. He works out twice, sometimes three times a week at a local fitness center and augments that concentrated exercise with regular walks. He’s not a body builder, he’s just trying to stay fit and enjoy life.

He is challenging our image of an octogenarian and doing what many scientists recommend for people who want to extend their lives — staying active and maintaining a positive attitude.

Burgoyne, a retired college professor and longtime musician, could simply relax, withdraw and enjoy the quiet. But he found it was no fun to sit at home and reminisce about bygone days. Going to the gym keeps him active, and keeps him mentally and physically alert.

People who look for something new in each day live longer, healthier, happier lives than people who lose interest in activities.

As our life span increases with each generation, Burgoyne is a fine example of aging in a modern world and an inspiration for people of all ages.


jmeyer@sunjournal.com

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