Maine’s beloved outdoor trail network could receive millions of dollars in improvements under a proposal conservationists want lawmakers to put before voters.
The state has long been a destination for hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and other outdoor adventurers, with more than 14,000 miles of snowmobile trails alone in the state. A proposal submitted to the Maine Legislature asks voters to approve $30 million in public funds for the design, development, and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized trails.
U.S. National Park Service faces lawsuit over plan to remove hundreds of feral cats from historic tourist site
A coalition of more than 500 organizations, businesses, and towns across the state rallied behind the proposal. Members of the coalition, including ATV Maine, the Maine Cities Association and the Maine Youth Camp Association, said investing in the trail network is essential to boosting the state’s economy.
FILE – Tourists photograph the sunset at the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine, on Oct. 2, 2014. The nearby Jordan Pond Shore Trail offers great views and allows you to step into the fall foliage. A proposal submitted to the Maine Legislature asks voters to approve $30 million in public funds for the design, development, and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized trails. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bucati, File)
“Literally in every corner of the state, trails are a valuable resource that connects Maine people and visitors to the natural world and helps them reach their destinations for work and play,” the coalition said in a statement. He added that the trail supports tens of thousands of jobs.
A committee in the Maine Legislature voted last Friday to send the proposal to voters. The next step is for the entire Congress to vote. A parliamentary spokesperson said the proposal was not scheduled for a vote as of Monday.
The proposal states that the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry would provide funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant process. The state’s trail network is operated by local governments as well as private clubs and conservation organizations.
If approved by the Legislature, the proposal would be on the statewide ballot in November.
Pete Didisheim, advocacy director for the Maine Natural Resources Council, said while testifying in favor of the proposal that the trail improvements should have wide appeal in the state.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Maine’s trails are near and dear to all of us, suitable for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, skiing, running, walking, and many other activities,” Didisheim said.
