At a time when almost everyone in Maine is aware of the need to protect opportunities for outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking, etc.), agriculture, water access for public use, the working waterfront, and wildlife habitat (for both the animals and those who come to view them), it is vitally important for the passage of Question 4 on Tuesday.

Much has been done already by Land for Maine’s Future to safeguard those opportunities using the monies raised by previous bonds. But the threat to our natural resources has greatly increased, as more lands, both coastal and inland, are being sold and subsequently offered for development purposes, thus limiting the possibilities for Maine residents and tourists alike to freely venture into the areas that have drawn us to this uniquely beautiful state.

Look at real estate sites such as those of LandVest to see the large pieces of the Western Maine lakes and mountains now up for sale at prices only the hugely rich can afford.

In reading the proposal for Question 4, I learned that matching public and private contributions of almost $22 million are to be added to the $35.5 million requested in the bill. Much good can be done if we act in time.

I hope that all Mainers will turn out to support the use of these funds to save Maine’s valuable resources.

Nancy Prince, Wilton