"Tourism is a core strength of Maine’s economy. State parks and historic sites are critical tourism assets. We must invest in our strengths. It’s that simple."
Governor John E. Baldacci

"State park investments mean real jobs for Maine people. State parks bring Maine’s tourism economy to inland and rural areas. We have an obligation to invest in Maine’s natural and cultural heritage, to support small Maine businesses."
Patrick McGowan, Commissioner, Maine Department of Conservation

"Maine state parks provide an opportunity for all age groups to enjoy outdoor activities. Physical inactivity is a critical public health concern. Investments in state parks will help keep Maine people fit and healthy."
Dr. Dora Mills, Maine Center for Disease Control

"Public-private partnerships with the Bureau of Parks & Lands have helped make Fort Knox an economic engine for Hancock County and Waldo County. I support a bond issue for preservation of historic sites statewide, to stimulate economic growth and tourism in other rural areas of Maine, while preserving and protecting Maine’s remarkable cultural heritage."
Leon Seymour, Exec. Director, Friends of Fort Knox

The Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks & Lands, has identified strategic capital upgrades to protect Maine’s natural and cultural gems, while supporting tourism and rural economic development.

The nonpartisan Margaret Chase Smith Center reported on the economic impact of Maine’s state parks and historic sites in 2005. They reported an annual impact of $100 million to the state’s economy, supporting nearly 1,500 jobs and a payroll greater than $31 million. According to the State Planning Office, ten million dollars in construction spending supports 220 construction jobs. Attracting out-of-state tourists brings new money to the Maine economy, resulting in the strongest multiplier effects for job creation.

Investments in state parks are driven by strategic visions and goals:

• To capitalize on appropriate sites for encouraging in-state and out-of-state tourism?
• To increase tourism economic development benefits to rural and inland portions of the state
• To preserve sites for uses by state residents for recreation?
• To conserve environmentally sensitive sites as well as sites that have cultural, historical or heritage value for Maine residents?
• To make the most efficient and effective use of the available natural and cultural assets for tourism and economic development.

A state parks bond will support improvements at Maine treasures ranging from Cobscook Bay State Park in Washington County to Fort McClary in Kittery, from Peaks-Kenny and Lily Bay State Parks in the Piscataquis Highlands, to Lake Saint George State Park in Waldo County and Popham Beach State Park, and a major snowmobile and ATV trestle in Aroostook County.

A state parks bond would support:

• major new playgrounds
• historic fort preservation projects
• coastal beach park upgrades
• projects to add or replace major water, power or sanitary systems
• major new restroom buildings with 8-10 family units each
• access road or parking lot improvement projects
• renovations to existing restroom buildings to improve ADA accessibility
• new large group picnic shelters
• upgraded park campsites
• major rail-trail trestle renovation
• pier renovations

posting from Emma's Family Farm
Windsor Maine;
Steve Hoad

033007