Maine Trail Bond – Yes on 4

If a majority of Maine voters support Question 4, the Bureau of Parks and Lands will have access to $30 million to improve trails and build new ones over the next four years.

This summer, Maine Coast Heritage Trust joined with Maine Outdoor Brands, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Snowmobile Association, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Maine Trails Coalition to establish Partnership for Maine Trails. This committee is leading the effort to promote passage of Question 4 on this November’s ballot.

If a majority of Maine voters support the measure, the Bureau of Parks and Lands will have access to $30 million over the next four years. The funds will be distributed through a competitive grant process in which 50% will be dedicated toward multiple-use trails, 25% for motorized trails, and 25% for non-motorized trails. State agencies, municipalities, land trusts, and other nonprofits will be eligible grant recipients as they seek funding for the development of new and improved trails across the state.

Coming on the heels of significant storm damage last winter and as the state looks to ramp up outdoor recreational infrastructure to further economic development, Question 4 could not have come at a better time. And, as so many Mainers discovered during the COVID pandemic, greater access to quality recreational trails is key to our health, the health of our families, and the health of our communities.

Partnership for Maine Trails officially launched the campaign in early September at a press conference in Bangor. More recently, Maine Trail Bond supporters published a Yes on 4 website, a good source of additional information on the ballot question. Visit it today to learn how you can help ensure success in November by “making a plan” to vote, distributing materials at upcoming events, sharing support through social media, and writing letters to the editor.

For more information on Question 4, please contact Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Public Policy Manager Jeff Romano.