I thank Sen. Cathy Breen and Rep. Michael Timmons for supporting LD 1378, and ask for their continued support by voting to override the governor’s veto. My family relies on access to water bodies and public lands that are part of the legacy of the Lands For Maine’s Future program.

LD 1378 will force the governor to issue LMF bonds. LMF has a strong history of investments that strengthen Maine’s economy and our local communities. LMF has protected over 560,000 acres of conservation and recreation lands, including 315,000 acres of working forest lands that keep lands in private ownership with permanent land conservation agreements and offer many recreational activities; 52 water access sites, guaranteeing access for canoeing, fishing and boating; 37 farms totaling over 8,900 acres, supporting generations of family farmers; 24 commercial working waterfront properties, guaranteeing access for lobstermen and other fisherman and ensuring their economic future; more than 1,200 miles of shorelands; and 158 miles of former railroad corridors for multi-use recreational trails, part of a statewide network generating millions for local economies.

Among the 30 projects at risk due to the lack of LMF funds is Wormell Farm in Cumberland Center. This project will help keep a 78-acre multi-generational family farm operating as an organic dairy farm, protecting productive farmland, and supporting local agriculture.

Please vote to override the veto and free the LMF bonds, investing in our economy and community.

Susan Gallo
Cumberland

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