Aaron Dority is the executive director of Frenchman Bay Conservancy. Amelia Nadio is the executive director of York Land Trust.

In the coming weeks, the Maine Legislature will consider whether to renew its investment in Land for Maine’s Future (LMF), a statewide initiative that has helped communities protect the landscapes that define Maine. This decision offers an opportunity to reflect on a simple truth: Investing in land is also an investment in the health, resilience and prosperity of our communities.

While many associate conservation with scenic trails and open spaces, the impact of LMF runs much deeper. The program has helped safeguard drinking water sources, protect the natural resources and working landscapes that fuel our economy and ensure that Mainers of all ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds enjoy access to the outdoors.

Since Maine voters first approved funding for the program in 1987, LMF has helped protect over 650,000 acres across the state. These lands support traditional outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. The program has also helped conserve hundreds of thousands of acres of working forests, critical wildlife habitat and farms and working waterfronts from York to Eastport.

A key reason for the program’s success is its ability to bring partners together. State funding often serves as a catalyst, enabling land trusts, municipalities and private landowners to combine resources and leverage local support from individuals, businesses and grantmaking foundations to complete projects that would otherwise be out of reach.

Along the Downeast coast, for example, LMF has helped Frenchman Bay Conservancy conserve a diverse network of lands, including Tidal Falls Preserve in Hancock — which previously had no town parks or publicly owned green space for people to enjoy. This beloved destination brings together residents and visitors to watch the powerful reversing currents of the Taunton River; is a gathering place for Monday Music events in summer; and helps safeguard a portion of the bay that protects rare habitat. Without community action and state support, public access to this cherished site would easily have been lost.

Another area that has benefited is the Whitney Community Forest, comprising over 400 acres of intact forest surrounding Ellsworth High School. This forest preserves critical wildlife habitat while providing popular walking trails and convenient opportunities for nature-based learning. 

Nearby, a partnership among Frenchman Bay Conservancy, local land trusts, the city of Ellsworth and private landowners, with support from LMF, conserved significant acreage around Branch Lake, protecting the forested watershed that supplies the city’s drinking water.

The program has also helped protect shoreline access points that clammers and wormers rely on to reach productive mudflats, along with working waterfront properties that support Maine’s fishing economy.

At the state’s southern end, LMF has helped transform a York property into one of the town’s most widely used community spaces.

The conservation of Highland Farm Preserve, a 150-acre property along Route 91 overlooking the York River, was a priority for the families and residents that call York home. With critical support from LMF, York Land Trust and the Kittery Water District turned this goal into reality. Today, a conservation easement with the town of York ensures that it’s protected in perpetuity.

The preserve also offers four-season trails ideal for birdwatching, and connects to a larger regional trail network extending toward Mount Agamenticus — the region’s iconic natural feature where LMF investments from 1991-2005 greatly enhanced public access to over 40 miles of trails for hikers, snowmobilers and ATV riders.

In addition, Highland Farm plays an important role in protecting water quality within the York River watershed and provides habitat for species in decline, such as the eastern towhee. Throughout the year, York Land Trust and community partners host dozens of free public educational programs and events annually that invite residents and visitors to learn about and experience the landscape.

LMF’s work has played out in similar ways across Maine. In all 16 counties over nearly 40 years, the bipartisan program has made intentional investments in clean water, natural resource-based economies, wildlife habitat, climate resilience and the preservation of outdoor traditions that shape lives and livelihoods.

Today, however, LMF has largely exhausted its available funding. Without renewed support from the Legislature, opportunities to protect the lands that matter most to Maine communities will be lost.

As lawmakers consider the program’s future this session, the choice is clear. Reinvesting in LMF will ensure that future generations inherit the same forests, farms, shorelines and waterways that have made Maine a place people want to live, work and play.

“Nature Connects” is a monthly column showcasing conservation stories from people and organizations across Maine. To learn more or suggest story ideas, email [email protected].