Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, and Rep. Gary Hilliard, R-Belgrade, deserve thanks for supporting L.D. 1378. The governor has vetoed this bill, and I urge them and their colleagues to override his veto on Thursday.

Gov. Paul LePage is withholding the Land for Maine’s Future funds for political reasons. L.D. 1378 requires the governor to release voter-approved bonds unless there are legitimate, non-political reasons for holding them. It’s critical that the Legislature vote to override the veto and release the LMF bonds. Otherwise, 30 projects, already approved, are at risk.

Over its 20-plus year history, LMF has provided critical funding to protect forestlands, shorelines, working farms and waterfronts, salt marshes, mountain summits and other treasures of Maine’s heritage. LMF funds have protected more than 560,000 acres all over the state, including 315,000 acres of working forestlands, conserving the working landscape and keeping lands in private ownership with permanent land conservation agreements. These lands offer a variety of activities including hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, picnicking, and birdwatching for all Mainers.

LMF investments strengthen Maine’s economy and our local communities.

LMF has protected 52 water access sites, which guarantee access for canoeing, fishing and boating; more than 8,900 acres of farmland, which support family farmers producing dairy, vegetables, meat and flowers; and 24 commercial working waterfront properties, which guaranteed access to the water for lobstermen and other fishermen, ensuring their economic future.

Land acquisitions include more than 1,200 miles of shorelands, and 158 miles of former railroad corridors have been protected for multi-use recreational trails, part of a statewide network generating millions of dollars to local economies.

I thank my legislators for their support of L.D. 1378, and urge them to vote to override the veto on Thursday.

Fritz Onion

Wayne

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