This session, I sponsored a bond bill that would reinvigorate the Land for Maine’s Future program for the next four years and garner matching funds to be used to further Maine’s land conservation efforts.

Being a rural state, conservation is vital in Maine. By taking an active role in preserving and protecting our lands, we stem the spread of development and the loss of Maine’s natural resources that our economy depends on.

In 1987, as land development spread across the state, the public made it known that protecting Maine’s natural heritage was a priority. This prompted the Maine Legislature to create the Land for Maine’s Future program, with the intent to secure public access to lands, waterways and other natural resources, through conservation, for the benefit of future generations of Maine people.

Since its creation, the program has received overwhelming support from Maine voters, and four bonds totaling $117 million. It has protected nearly half a million acres of land in the state. Of those protected acres, 1,100 miles were of shoreline and 158 miles were snowmobile trails. Land for Maine’s Future has also secured wildlife habitats, entire islands, 25 working farms and three working waterfronts.

For every dollar spent, the Land for Maine’s Future program leverages a one-third match in private and federal funding. This money sustains places like:

• the remarkably unspoiled Cold Rain Pond in Naples;

• beautiful Sebago Lake Beach in Raymond;

• the Sebago headwaters preserve Bald Pate Mountain in Bridgton, which is a popular place to hike;

• Morgan Meadow in Raymond;

• Black Brook Preserve in Windham, which offers trails for snowmobiling and mountain biking;

• Jugtown Plains near Casco.

And these are just the places in our area that are supported by Land for Maine’s Future Program grants. The state Planning Office has a list and accompanying maps of all of the Land for Maine’s Future projects, as well as more information on the program. I encourage you to visit their Web site to learn more: www.maine.gov/spo/lmf.

Maine citizens and our economy have both benefited greatly from the Land for Maine’s Future program. The more than 490,000 acres of conservation land is a great draw to tourists wishing to hike, bike, camp and just enjoy all the recreations that Maine’s natural resources have to offer. We must do all that we can to safeguard the things that make Maine such an extraordinary place to live, work and play.

Sen. Bill Diamond is a resident of Windham, and serves the communities of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Standish, Windham and Hollis as Senator of District 12. He can be contacted at 287-1515 or by visiting www.mainesenate.org/diamond.