Need one example of why a bond funding the Land for Maine’s Future program is important this year? Look to Newry.

A plan to develop the Dunton tourmaline mine failed when the property was unexpectedly sold to another buyer, who quickly repackaged the 100-acre plot with other land and sold it again.

The mine is not a perfect example. Land for Maine’s Future had pledged $50,000 to the project already. But before other funding could be secured, the landowners took another offer. Now, the opportunity for a tourist attraction and preservation of open space may be lost for good.

So it goes with land conservation. Buyers sell when they can. If the funding for a conservation purchase isn’t available when a property comes on the market, too bad. That’s the risk the state runs since Republicans continue to block putting an LFM bond on November’s ballot – a misguided mission, to be sure.

We can’t predict which opportunities might be lost if the funding for Land for Maine’s Future is put off. But there’s a good chance some will be missed.