My son has a book — “At One: In a Place Called Maine” — that is described as a love letter to Maine, depicting experiences that author Lynn Plourde has encountered across the state.

It takes readers to a backyard with fawns, up Mount Katahdin, cross country skiing, and camping. If people haven’t had a chance to read this peaceful and beautiful book, I encourage them to do so, and then call their legislator in support of LD 736, which would preserve biodiversity in Maine and grow our ecological reserve lands so that my son can grow up in the “place called Maine” that all Mainers have the privilege of experiencing today.

More specifically, LD 736 would enable our ecosystems to remain intact. Although they cover less than 1% of the state, they protect some of our most spectacular landscapes, including spots I’m hoping to take our son — the Cutler Coast and Nahmakanta.

LD 736 would also enable the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to conserve more vulnerable habitats by increasing the acreage cap currently in place.

Last, we are in a climate crisis. Expanding our ecological reserves helps store carbon and meets the state’s goals to conserve land and enhance biodiversity.

Heather Drake, Cape Elizabeth, member of the Natural Resource Council of Maine’s Rising Leadership Team


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