Maine Trails Advocates Push for $30 Million Bond to Fund Trail Development
Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and trails face challenges from a changing climate and the aging volunteer base responsible for maintaining them. That’s why advocates are calling for Maine voters to approve a $30 million trail bond in November to hire professionals for trail design, development, and maintenance.
The bond would fund competitive grants over four years to create, repair, and maintain motorized and nonmotorized trails, including accessible paved trails. The proposal has received bipartisan support and strong endorsements from various organizations, including businesses, ATV and snowmobile clubs, and municipalities. Maine’s outdoor recreation industry, which contributes 3.6% to the state’s economy and supports over 30,000 jobs, stands to benefit from the bond.
The bond could address trail damage caused by recent storms and help communities like Skowhegan and Rumford expand their trail networks, promoting tourism, economic diversification, and workforce development. Trail designer Steve Kasacek sees the bond as an opportunity to establish Maine as a national trail leader and create jobs in trail design and construction.
The Maine Snowmobiling Association President expressed hope that the bond would boost the snowmobiling industry, which has suffered from mild winters. The bond is one of five ballot questions voters will decide on in November, and advocates are optimistic about the positive impact it could have on Maine’s outdoor recreation sector.
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