The Benefits of Land for Maine's Future
For twenty years, Land for Maine's Future has helped to secure those natural assets that enhance Maine's quality of place, and that are so integral to our quality of life. Every citizen benefits in many ways from the legacy and ongoing good work of Land for Maine's future:
Economic Vitality
The Brookings Institution study found that Maine's quality places are scarce and increasingly valuable assets in today's economy. Open spaces and wild places are loved by visitors and business leaders alike, enhancing the state's appeal as a business location and tourism destination.
In addition to helping make the state an ideal location for business and tourism, Land for Maine's Future secures land that is essential to several key industries:
- Agriculture: By conserving 25 working farms, LMF supports family farmers producing dairy products, vegetables, meat, wool and flowers.
- Forestry: By helping to conserve more than 250,000 acres of working forestland, LMF guarantees continued forestry jobs and sustainable forest management.
- Fishing: By investing in working waterfronts, LMF supports Maine's fisheries and ensures that the unique character of Maine's coastal communities continues. And in protecting freshwater fishing locations, LMF serves Maine's fishing tourism industry.
- Clamming: By protecting coastal sites, LMF ensures that clammers and wormers have access to mud flats.
Recreation Access
Many LMF projects provide guaranteed ongoing public access for the outdoor recreation that is part of Maine's way of life. The program has protected more than 1,000 miles of shorefront, guaranteeing access for canoeing, fishing and boating, over 100 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, biking and snowmobiling, and many thousands of acres for hunting and adventure.
Environmental Conservation
Land for Maine's Future has provided for Maine's natural communities as well as its human communities.
- The program has protected wetland estuaries, providing nesting grounds for every species of migrating bird in the Atlantic flyway.
- LMF has enhanced habitat quality and connectivity within the North Woods, to the benefit of Canada lynx, moose, bears, American martens, and more.
- Through protected estuaries, rivers, and lakes, LMF has enhanced and protected habitat for migrating fish such as eel, shad, and salmon, as well as inland, freshwater species.
- Throughout Maine, LMF preserves have protected habitat for such rare species as black racer snack, blanding's turtle, and piping plover.
Quality of Life
The open spaces and wild places protected through Land for Maine's future, and the recreational and business opportunities they provide, combine to form the Maine way of life. Maine boasts a character and authenticity not found in other locales. Twenty years ago, Maine's citizens recognized the need to guarantee the preservation of that way of life, and that work continues today through Land for Maine's Future.