AUGUSTA — A group of lawmakers, sporstmen, snowmobiliers and conservationists will hold a press conference at the State House today in support of a putting a $5 million state-borrowing package for the Land For Maine’s Future program before voters in November.

 LD 852 is designed to help fund working waterfronts, farmlands, and forests, according to a release issued by the Maine Land Bond Coalition, a group of  more than 350 supporting organizations, including sportsmen, business leaders, citizens, health organizations, conservationists, recreational enthusiasts and environmentalists.

Those rallying today are expected to herald the economic and community benefits of nautral resource conservation in Maine. “They will discuss the LMF program’s long-standing popularity and its importance to Maine’s agriculture, forest products, fishing, and tourism and recreation industries,” the release stated.

The LMF program has been used  in all 16 of the state’s counties and has helped conserve and keep open to the public 200 different parcels and 500,000 acres of land. The properties conserved are used for hunting, fishing, hiking and other types of outdoor recreation, the release stated.

“Our natural resources are what set Maine apart – they are our biggest competitive advantage,” said state Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta. “Preserving and conserving them has got to be a top priority as we develop and grow. This is a value shared by families and businesses across the state.”

The press conference is set for 12:30 p.m. in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.

Joining Katz at the conference will be Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan; Carole Dyer, a hunter from Bowdoinham; Dave Ramsey, sportsman and President of the Brownville Snowmobile Club and Melanee Osier-Gilbert, a fisherman from Bremen.


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