About 95% of the land is already on the tax rolls, and the fiscal impact of taxing the others would be negligible. by Tim Glidden, David Trahan, and Kate Dempsey Portland Press Herald op-ed At the 11th hour and with state government teetering on the edge of a shutdown, the governor has stirred up a Read More
Land for Maine's Future & Conservation
Battered but Still Standing, Land for Maine’s Future Turns 30
by Christine Parrish Free Press Online news story Since 1987, when Maine voters approved the first Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) bond, the program has been working to help protect land of statewide significance from development. Now 30 years old, the LMF program, by most measures, is a success. As of this year, LMF has Read More
Opposition to LD 727, An Act to Protect the Tax Base of Municipalities by Removing Property Tax Exemption for Land Held for Conservation or Public Access Purposes
Good afternoon Senator Dow, Representative Tipping, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in opposition to LD 727, An Act to Protect the Tax Base of Read More
LePage Plan to Outsource State Park Jobs Questioned
A lawmaker says outsourcing workers because of poor equipment is like eliminating a state trooper whose cruiser is dying. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — LePage administration proposals to outsource two dozen state park jobs and eliminate conservation-related positions received a chilly reception from some lawmakers and advocacy groups Read More
If America’s Public Lands Were a Business, the GOP Would be Bungling the Balance Sheet
by Yvon Chouinard Bangor Daily News reprint of LA Times op-ed American politicians have always been obsessed with running government “like a business.” They promise to make bureaucracies leaner and let the free market fix all our problems. Well, if America’s public lands were a business, shareholders would be shocked by the gross negligence of Read More
With Maine Parks, Don’t Mess with Success
Privatizing positions would make for a worse experience at state parks. By The Editorial Board Central Maine newspapers Whether they’re delving into Maine’s history at Colonial Pemaquid, collecting shells at Popham Beach or fishing at Lake St. George, residents and visitors alike love Maine’s state parks. And research shows that knowledgeable and helpful staff are Read More
How Would LePage’s Plan to Outsource Park Jobs Affect Visitors?
Conservation advocates believe replacing the current staff would hurt the visitor experience, but the state says the change comes with benefits. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Conservation advocates are raising concerns about Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to outsource two dozen jobs at Maine’s state parks and to eliminate Read More
LePage Withdraws “Provocative” Nomination to Land for Maine’s Future Board
The governor gives no reason why former lawmaker Mike Timmons of Cumberland is no longer his choice for the board. By Scott Thistle, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage abruptly withdrew his nomination of a former state lawmaker to the Land for Maine’s Future board on Friday, giving no reason for Read More
Visit These Land for Maine’s Future Locations for Some Winter Fun!
The Land for Maine’s Future program (LMF) turns 30 this year! Why not celebrate during the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, happening February 3-5, by getting out on one of the beautiful properties protected by LMF funding? Here is a list of LMF sites that have great cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. To see other LMF Read More
