In Maine For The Trails
Say Yes to the Health and Growth of our Communities
Trails are the economic foundation of our towns in Maine’s High Peaks, and at the heart of why we live here. Twenty years ago when I moved from California to Kingfield, Maine (when broadband was prohibitively expensive!) the realtor boasted, “you can snowmobile to Canada right from your backyard.” And while those snowmobile trails were not my Maine draw, the outdoor recreation community is why I built a home here… on a trail.
Whether riding an ATV, pedaling a bike, or walking dogs, everyone I know uses our local trails. Trails get us outdoors. Trails keep us physically and mentally healthy. Trails are where we meet friends and colleagues. Sometimes our trails are even a local fashion show (thank you, Spandits!) Before working with Greater Franklin I had a short stint with Maine Trail Finder helping them add Trailside Services to their website. The lodges, restaurants and shops frequented by trail users are the same businesses that support the clubs who build and maintain trails. We are all working together here… in the name of trail love!
Stephen Engle, director of Community Geographics (who operates Maine Trail Finder,) pointed out that economics are only a fraction of the benefits of investing in trails. The physical and mental health rewards of getting people outside in nature are not quantifiable. Moreover, outdoor recreation offerings attract providers to come work in Maine’s rural hospitals and health centers.
The Maine Trails Bond aka Question 4 on the ballot is the first time the people of Maine have the opportunity to say yes to continued investment in our trails. From the Maine Snowmobile Association to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to the Appalachian Mountain Club, it’s clear everyone involved in building our trail networks knows the bond will produce huge returns for Mainers (see all the towns and organizations saying yes to trails.)
Thanks to all the friends and neighbors who shared their thoughts about the value of trails. This is one item on the ballot where everyone in Maine can come together and show that we care about the health and growth of our communities.
Steph Dunn
Greater Franklin
Local Voices on the Value of Trails
Economic Benefits
“The Rangeley Inn is the last of several grand hotels that were built alongside Rangeley’s lakes and ponds in the era of train travel. It has been a cornerstone of the downtown and an important reminder of the community’s enduring outdoor heritage that predates European settlements. Before the advent of trains, trails brought people to Rangeley – for seasonal hunting, fishing, and forestry. Today, visitors arrive by car but they are drawn here by our uniquely pristine and beautiful natural setting. Trails provide access for immersion into the remote pockets of our region – on foot, on snowshoes and skis, on bikes, or on ATVs and snowmobiles. Between their adventures, our visitors patronize local shops, eateries, and lodging establishments like The Rangeley Inn. This economic activity has allowed us to maintain a vibrant community in our remote location, and to continue the legacy of Rangeley’s outdoor heritage.”
Travis Ferland, Owner/Manager
The Rangeley Inn & Tavern
“Snowmobile trails enable Northern Outdoors to be a viable, year-round business, with 35 year-round employees in a town with a population that hovers around 50. The operation of the lodge and restaurant, the cabins, and the investment in infrastructure and staffing are all made viable by snowmobiling. The trails themselves now get year-round use with the growth of ATVing and ATV clubs to maintain the trails in the summer. Adding ATV adventures to river rafting and local hiking means guests stay longer. Investing in trails adds economic diversity to our rural communities.”
Russell Walters, President
Northern Outdoors
“Our summer revenue is directly tied to the building of new mountain biking and hiking trails in the Carrabassett Valley corridor. New trails draw visitors to Kingfield, who many times become new residents. The growth of local trail systems in and around Kingfield is attractive to people who want to live in town rather than closer to Sugarloaf Ski Resort. We’re grateful to and supportive of our trail builders! Thank you to generous landowners, Kingfield Trail Builders, CRNEMBA, Kingfield Quad Runners, Kingfield Sno-Wanderers, Freeman Ridge Bike Park, Maine Huts & Trails, and Carrabassett Valley Trails!”
Polly MacMichael, Co-Owner
Rolling Fatties
Education and Community
“The trail system behind Kingfield Elementary School (KES) has been a huge part of learning here. We use the trail system to take field trips to the Kingfield Town Park, the Kingfield Historical Society, and the Stanley Museum (to name a few). We have also used the trial system to support our learning of native plants and trees. Over the past few years we have created kiosks that line parts of the trail system near the school to identify the type of tree it is, and why that tree is important to our local area. In the winter, we use the trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to promote winter activities and healthy lifestyles to all students, kindergarten through fourth grade. Unfortunately, there are sections that have not been kept up. But part of our learning and growing has been involving community members to come in and help with trail maintenance …clearing fallen trees after storms, and laying lumber across areas that get flooded. All living things at KES, and our whole community enjoys the trails behind the school!”
Erica Luce, 2nd Grade Teacher
Kingfield Elementary School
Supporting Maine’s Trails
“Supporting the Maine Trail Bond means more than just better trails. For Maine Huts & Trails, this is an investment in connecting communities and people with the lands they steward. The bond will benefit Mainers by increasing access to the outdoors for everyone regardless of age, ability, or background. This bond is a direct investment into our state that will generate far-reaching and long-lasting impacts in our local societies and economies.”
Erika Johnson, Strategic Content and Media Manager
Maine Huts & Trails
“By choosing to put money towards trails, we’re choosing to say that our communities are more than physical places to exist. They are meant to be explored alongside each other. Choosing to both live in Maine because of its recreation access and build a business here as a direct response to wanting to support these trail based rural communities is why I support this bill.”
Kelsey Silfvenius, Owner
Black Rabbit Design Studios
“Access to the outdoors is Maine’s most important quality. Whether it is after work, on the weekend, or on vacation, trails are where we all turn to recharge and get away from the problems of the day. On private or public land, trails need to be funded, that’s why we urge Maine voters to vote Yes on Question 4.”
Brent West, Executive Director
High Peaks Alliance
Your Favorite Trails in Maine
Where do you like to get out on the trail? How do you play outdoors in Maine?
Tell us in the comments below!
One Response
Thank you, Mainers for passing this bond! Trail project funding is now available. Info and applications: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants/maine-trails-program.shtml