I wish to offer readers updated figures compared to what was reported in the Nov. 8 edition.

Since 1987, Maine voters have overwhelmingly approved three bonds: $35 million in 1987, $50 million in 1999, and $12 million in 2005.

Land for Maine’s Future has protected 444,000 acres of Maine’s great outdoors – land in every county and 919 miles of shoreline. More than 100 miles of trails have been acquired, which serve many users including bicyclists, ATVs and snowmobilers. Other conserved lands contain more miles of trail open to the public. Much of the land also continues as working forest, generating economic benefits to Maine’s rural economies.

Since 2000, every dollar of LMF funding has been matched by $3 from other sources. A great return.

Forty-five projects are under way using the final funds available from past bond issues, including a great new water access project on the Androscoggin River right in Lewiston.

Mainers had the right idea when they created LMF 20 years ago. The Brookings Report found that Maine has an international brand that is based on the quality of our natural resources and spectacular landscapes. The report recommended that Maine make long-term investments in this quality by redoubling land conservation efforts along with other critical investments.

The bad news is that LMF couldn’t fund all of the recent applications last spring and there is no new funding available to meet the land conservation needs identified every day by citizens all over Maine.

Tim Glidden, Augusta

Director, Land for Maine’s Future Program