Over the past 18 months, Mainers have repeatedly been reminded just how much our personal and economic well-being is intertwined with the well-being of our natural world. Again and again, devastating storms intensified by climate change have taken lives, shut down travel, businesses and government, and wrought hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to both private and public infrastructure.

The frightening spill of 1,450 gallons of firefighting foam containing “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station in August is only the most high-profile of recent incidents affecting our water and ecosystems. Around the same time, a truck fire caused the spill of 70 gallons of diesel fuel, some of which went into South Portland’s Long Creek. Lisbon residents were under a do not drink order for 24 hours after the accidental sludge spill into the water supply. Hallowell residents wanting PFAS-free drinking water must fetch it from a spigot at the local water district until at least 2027.

Unseasonably warm weather and lack of snow last winter shortened the snowmobile season and canceled the Can-Am Dog Sled Race for the first time in its history, with profound economic impacts. Our winters are growing shorter and less predictable. And Maine is not immune from catastrophic storms like Hurricane Helene and the massive destruction it left in its path.

In addition to growing Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections in recent years, Maine now has mosquito-borne diseases and sightings of great white sharks, all seemingly driven by a warming climate. These changes require vigilance from both the public and state agencies.

Our air, water and soil support an $11.7 billion agricultural sector, and our 17.5 million acres of forest support an $8.1 billion forest products sector. The marine products sector contributes $3.3 billion to our economy annually, and together these assets support a $7 billion tourism industry. Maine ranks in the top five states for outdoor recreation as a percentage of GDP.

Yet the state agencies charged with protecting the well-being of Mainers, visitors, wildlife and the land and water resources that define Vacationland remain stretched too thin. Together, the departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Marine Resources represent just 9.5% of the state’s General Fund budget. Three of them will receive less money this fiscal year than last, even as they face unprecedented challenges.

We must do better.

Over the past six years, Gov. Mills and lawmakers have made significant strides in addressing the threat of climate change, safeguarding human health and stewarding the natural assets that feed our economy. Budget highlights include the creation of the Maine Climate Council, the Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Maine Climate Corps; appropriating $80 million to support farmers whose soils are contaminated with PFAS; investing $50 million in repairs and enhancements to our beloved state parks; appropriating $40 million to the Land for Maine’s Future program to conserve farmland, working waterfront access, wildlife habitat and open space; passing a $30 million bond question to build and repair trails; and starting a pilot program to encourage climate education in schools across Maine.

The state recently reached an agreement with its employee union to complete a classification and compensation study, a critical step in attracting and retaining the qualified employees who carry out the services we rely on. That’s great news. Yet essential key positions are scheduled to expire in June unless renewed by the governor and Legislature.

Again, we must do better. Let us together choose to prioritize our safety, economy and well-being by ensuring that the agencies charged with stewarding our natural resources are fully funded and staffed. Let us be prepared to address climate change and toxic substances, manage emerging threats from insects and disease, protect our waters, safeguard wildlife and biodiversity, guide development appropriately, and meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities.

Maine voters can do our part by electing candidates who appreciate the importance of Maine’s environment and will act to protect it. On the November ballot, we can signal our enthusiasm for investments in the outdoor economy by supporting Question 4, the Maine trails bond.

In assembling her final biennial budget, Gov. Mills should ensure that the Maine Drinking Water Program and departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Marine Resources have the staff and funding to meet the moment before us.