MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 8, 2022
Local land trusts are continually trying to acquire land through easements or purchase, private land that is open to public recreation and, in many cases, hunting. There is a catch. While state and federal agencies can rely on taxpayer dollars to purchase lands, trusts depend on private donors. Sportsmen are often more receptive to joining national organizations like Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation and The National Deer Association knowing the cumulative total of their membership will be dedicated to species conservation. Surprisingly, they’re less inclined to support local groups devoted to providing public access in their own communities. Land open to hunting in central and southern Maine is rapidly disappearing and as the old real estate axiom warns us, they’re not making any more of it. Support your local land trust. ~ Bob Humphrey