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September 17, 2012

Conservation protects a way of life and the economy

To the editor:

Recently, the Biddeford/Kennebunkport community got together to celebrate the great conservation achievement of purchasing Timber Point and Timber Island for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge acquired 98 acres from the Ewing family for a price tag of $5.2 million. Located in Biddeford, Timber Point lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Little River Estuary, the river being the boundary with Kennebunkport and Biddeford. The parcel is now part of the Little River Division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, one of 11 divisions of the refuge spanning from Cape Elizabeth to Kittery. The refuge will continue protecting the land for wildlife habitat, with public access via a trail that takes you along a tidal river, through an old growth deciduous forest, over grassland meadows and out to splendid views of the ocean and islands.

The real story of Timber Point is one of people coming together. The initial investment for the purchase came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, with the strong support of U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree. This spurred a public/private fundraising campaign that elicited more than 700 individual donations and a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Thanks to this hard work and leadership, Timber Point will be accessible to all forever. Without the Land and Water Conservation Fund, this project simply would not have happened.

The Land for Maine's Future, The Trust for Public Land and Maine Coast Heritage Trust have published reports detailing the economic benefits of conserving lands. There is a direct positive impact on the local, regional and state economy: outdoor tourism, hotel occupancy levels, general stores, retail shopping venues, food establishments … the list is endless. These are just a few examples of the direct economic benefits; there are also many indirect benefits that we may not think about in our day-to-day lives.

We all know Maine has a great product: Maine. Take a walk along a coastal path, hike up a mountain, kayak on a tidal stream and go hunt in your favorite spot during hunting season. All of these activities enhance our quality of life and Maine's economy. Plus it makes you feel good; conserving land is well worth the price.

The Friends of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge are grateful to our delegation for supporting the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses revenues generated from offshore energy leases — not taxpayer dollars — to acquire important lands for the public. The fund has helped conserve some of Maine's most special places, including Acadia National Park, White Mountain National Forest and the Appalachian Trail. We love them all, but we're especially glad that LWCF helped permanently protect the spectacular 98 acres of Timber Point. We urge continued support for full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund so that Maine's next great conservation story will have an equally happy ending.

Bill Durkin, president

The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Biddeford Pool

Perspectives welcomes all views on the Maine economy. Submissions should be under 650 words and submitted to editorial@mainebiz.biz. Mainebiz reserves the right to edit for clarity, length, style and libelous or offensive material.

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