MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • June 16, 2024
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 a critical component of our outdoor recreation industry, which contributed $3.3 billion to Maine’s economy in 2022 alone. That’s nearly 4% of the state’s GDP. Trails help preserve fragile ecosystems, allowing locals and visitors to experience nature while limiting our physical impacts and inspiring environmental stewards of all ages. Organizations and trail supporters statewide support the Maine Trails Bond, which would authorize $30 million over four years to support the design, development and maintenance of motorized, nonmotorized and multiuse trails throughout the state. ~ Pete Didisheim, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and Gabe Perkins, Maine Trails Coalition and Inland Woods + Trails