Vote Yes on 4 in November

On November 6th, Maine voters will go to the polls and vote on five ballot questions. Question 4 is a $35.5 million bond request that includes funds for land conservation, Maine's State Parks and Historic sites, riverfront community development, and working waterfront preservation. The question reads:

Do you favor a $35,500,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation, water access, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, farmland and working waterfront and to invest in state parks, historic sites and riverfront, community and farm infrastructure to be matched by at least $21,875,000 in private and public contributions?

If passed, Question 4 would direct $17 million into the Land for Maine's Future program, which for twenty years has been at the heart of efforts to conserve the best Maine has to offer. This award-winning program has protected more than 440,000 acres of wildlife habitats, farmland, and unique natural places throughout the state. Working with towns and land trusts, LMF has helped acquire properties that both preserve Maine's heritage and welcome access by the public. On three previous occasions Maine voters have approved LMF bond measures, including 65% of voters in 2005.

In addition to supporting the LMF program, Question 4 will direct $7.5 million in funds to Maine's state parks and historic sites in order to complete critically needed maintenance and improvement projects to these important state resources. The bond also builds on the success of the recently created Working Waterfront Pilot Project by allocating $3 million in new funds to permanently protect coastal parcels important to Maine's commercial fishing industry. Lastly, Question 4 proposes targeted investments in Maine's riverfronts, communities, and farmland.

For more information on Question 4 contact Maine Coast Heritage Trust at 729-7366.