Celebrating Maine sportsmen

By U.S. Sen. Angus King
(I-Maine)
    Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities are tremendously important in Maine – historically, culturally, and economically. The outdoors is an inseparable part of our heritage, and recreation serves as a valuable economic driver in the state.
    Maine is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, and importantly, a long-standing understanding that land is open for recreation unless specifically closed. It’s a tradition that dates back to a colonial ordinance in 1641 (back during the dark times when we were still part of Massachusetts), and it’s one that’s fairly unique.

    I was talking to a prominent Maine guide recently, and he was telling stories about leading trips with visitors from other countries – and they’re always surprised to see how much access we have. We have a wonderful history of cooperation with private landowners that has opened Maine’s wilderness to generations of sportsmen. We also are a national leader in conservation easements – but that doesn’t mean we lock up the land and throw away the key – it’s still open to forestry, hunting, fishing, and other recreation.
    A perfect example of that cooperation and balance between reaction and conservation is our extensive network of snowmobile trails. The Maine Snowmobile Association helps manage 14,000 miles of trails in the state. An all-volunteer group of more than 280 clubs across the state works to maintain the trail system, about 95 percent of which is on private land. So this fantastic public recreation opportunity, which also brings a lot of economic activity in the state, is due in large part to the generosity of private land owners. As someone who has had a lot of fun on cold rides through the Maine woods, I’m certainly thankful for this historic cooperation.
    It’s also one that I am working to support here in the Senate. I’ve joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and I am a cosponsor of the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, a bill that would enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy. By protecting sportsmen’s rights and emphasizing conservation, this legislation further fosters the connection between recreation and conservation that we are so fortunate to have in Maine.
    This really is a great time for Maine sportsmen. It has been a very good winter season for snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of other snow-driven activities. And now that the snow is slowly starting to melt and the days are getting longer, a whole host of other outdoor opportunities open up.
    I’ve been to my share of Maine sportsmen’s shows over the years, but they never get old.
    It’s a wonderful experience, and a good way to learn more about the Maine outdoors.