For so many of us, trails are what first introduced us to the natural wonders of Maine.

From mountain biking to birding, hiking, ATVing, cross-country skiing, commuting, snowmobiling or simply walking, trails connect Mainers with the outdoors. They promote physical activity while immersing us in Maine’s stunning and diverse landscapes.

Maine’s trails are also a critical component of our outdoor recreation industry, which contributed $3.3 billion to Maine’s economy in 2022 alone. That equates to nearly 4% of the state’s GDP, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. What’s more, trails help preserve fragile ecosystems, allowing locals and visitors to experience nature while limiting our physical impacts and inspiring environmental stewards of all ages.

In addition to the economic and environmental benefits, trails also support both physical and mental health.

Spending time on a trail has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation, and every dollar spent on trail-building yields $3 in health care savings. Trails are a source of identity and pride for Mainers, and they connect our communities in ways we sometimes take for granted; most trails are free for all to use.

In recent years, the number of people spending time on Maine trails has greatly increased. Fortunately, many of Maine’s trails are maintained by local land trusts, community organizations, municipalities and the state of Maine – with the support of limited staff and caring volunteers who devote thousands of hours each year to caring for trails. But with record levels of use, many trails are in dire need of maintenance. Trails are also facing new, urgent challenges related to the damage caused by severe weather events spurred by our rapidly changing climate.

Communities, organizations and trail clubs need help maintaining existing trails and building exciting new trails, especially in rural areas where trails are a key part of the local economy. Maine has the potential to become one of the top-tier trail states in the nation, supporting local businesses while connecting people with the outdoors, as well as with each other.

This is why the Maine Trails Coalition, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and many other organizations and trail supporters statewide support the Maine Trails Bond. The bond, which would be administered by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, would authorize $30 million over four years to support the design, development and maintenance of motorized, nonmotorized and multiuse trails throughout the state. The funds would be distributed through a competitive grant process, prioritizing accessibility and sustainable design standards.

This past spring, a coalition of more than 520 organizations, businesses and towns representing a diverse range of interests – from tourism to recreation, retail, conservation and public health – urged Maine lawmakers to approve a measure to add the Maine Trails Bond to the November ballot. With overwhelming bipartisan support, lawmakers and Gov. Janet Mills did just that. They also noted how rare it was to see such broad demographic and political support for almost anything these days.

Clearly, support of Maine’s trails is a cause that connects Mainers.

And this November, for the first time, voters will have the opportunity to build on that unity by approving a bond that would repair and enhance our beloved trails. Passing the Maine Trails Bond will help make Maine a national leader in trails that bolster local economies, strengthen community connections and improve our overall quality of life.

As it happens, June is also Love Maine Trails Month, featuring a series of events bringing people and organizations together to care for Maine’s trails. To find out how you can get involved, check out the events page on the Maine Trail Finder site, where you’ll find opportunities all over the state.

Be sure to get outside on a trail this month to experience all the benefits that trails provide. And please consider voting for the Maine Trails Bond in November.

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