When our legislators return to Augusta in January, they will have an opportunity to vote on two pieces of legislation that will restore the Land for Maine’s Future program: LR 2132 and LD 1454. LD 1454 was approved by the Legislature in July, but Gov. Paul LePage has promised to veto it in January. We need our legislators to override his veto.

LMF funds have helped conserve thousands of acres in Maine that are enjoyed by hikers, sportsmen and others for outdoor recreation. This has had a huge, positive impact on Maine’s economy. Here in Scarborough, LMF funds have helped protect Broadturn Farm, Fuller Farm, Scarborough Beach State Park, and contributed to the Higgins Beach parking lot project as well as improvements to the Pine Point Pier.

One needs look no further than Scarborough’s own Town Land Bond Fund, passed three times by overwhelming majorities, to see that there is strong local support for land conservation.

I urge Sen. Amy Volk, Rep. Karen Vachon, and Rep. Heather Sirocki to stand up for the Land for Maine’s Future Program in 2016. By approving LR 2132 and overriding the likely veto of LD 1454, you will be voting in favor of land conservation, which is strongly supported by your constituents.

Mark Follansbee
Scarborough