Keeping Maine beautiful

To the Editor;

The first flight I ever took was to Maine, at age seven. My dad sensed he would be getting laid off from our local paper mill, so we thought we would be relocating to Millinocket. We didn’t end up moving then, but I’m now pursuing my doctoral degree at the University of Maine.

As the daughter of a millwright laid off from a paper mill in Wisconsin, I’ve seen firsthand what mill closures do to towns. But Maine has what my hometown in Wisconsin didn’t: an abundance of beautiful, natural places that can be enjoyed and used sustainably, supporting new businesses. Unfortunately, urban sprawl, pollution and climate change are threatening the wild soul of Maine. 

The vast majority of Mainers agree that the state’s unique lands and waters need to be protected. By protecting natural areas, we can support the outdoor economies of small towns while preserving access to prime hunting grounds and fishing spots. Protected forests can be sustainably harvested while serving as habitat to native wildlife and sequestering carbon pollution. Protecting 30 percent of Maine’s natural areas by 2030 would guarantee that future Mainers have access to the incredible wild places around us while supporting rural economic growth.

It is refreshing to see these 30×30 goals reflected in Maine’s climate action plan, but in order to achieve them, the Maine Legislature must fully fund the Land for Maine’s Future Fund. These investments are critical to keeping Maine beautiful and supporting our rural towns.

Ana Breit

Orono