Do you own undeveloped land that you want to make useful? Donating your land to conservation is a great use of your property.

Undeveloped public land is one of Maine’s most valuable resources because it increases tourism, supports habitat for wildlife, provides clean air and water, and boosts the economy of Maine.

Maine’s forests are homes to 16,000 different species, making Maine one of the most biodiverse states in the country. Biological diversity keeps Maine’s forests healthy.

Maine’s natural beauty and wildlife are attractions for tourists, bringing Maine $900 million annually.

We need to conserve land to keep our wildlife thriving. Imagine what would happen if all of Maine’s habitats were lost to development.

Conservation keeps Mainers thriving, by keeping the environment clean. Forests prevent erosion of the soil and keep water from being polluted and land intact.

According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection: “The major threat to maintaining lake water quality is changing land use. The greatest change has been the transition from mostly forested land to numerous small residential developments.”

Every acre of forest we cut down, we lose hundreds of gallons of water annually and thousands of pounds of oxygen. By conserving Maine’s forests, acre by acre, we help ourselves and the world.

An argument against conserving land is “It’s my land, why don’t I just sell it?”

When selling your land, anything could happen. Donating land ensures protection benefiting Maine and can give you a tax deduction on the fair market value price.

Conservation protects nature, which is fundamental to survival.

Conservation provides us with public land and critical products.

Donating your land to conservation in Maine will increase tourism, strengthen the economy, keep wildlife thriving and provide clean air and water.

Save the beautiful woods of Maine acre by acre so future generations can enjoy the land we know today.

Oliver Sullivan

Yarmouth