To the Editor: 
Do you enjoy snowmobiling? Do you enjoy mountain biking? Do you enjoy hiking?

All of these outdoor recreational activities depend on trails that need to be built and maintained. Recent storms have severely impacted them. We need trails in Maine not only for recreation but because of the significant health and economic benefits they provide.

If you want to continue enjoying all of these activities, please vote yes on Question 4 on November’s ballot:

•  Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development, and maintenance of non-motorized, motorized, and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

A “yes” vote will provide $30,000,000 over the next four years to the Bureau of Parks and Lands. 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.

This fund will especially benefit Buck’s Ledge Community Forest in Woodstock and provide money to improve our goal of access for all: trails for hiking; snowmobiling; and especially for our Trail for All. The Trail for All will be constructed to standards for wheelchair users and people of all abilities.

Marcel Polak
Woodstock