Investing in trails is like investing in Maine

For Mainers, the outdoors shapes our way of life. It is as essential to our collective and individual identities as spring snowmelt is to the mountain streams that flow into rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands. Maine’s outdoors hold both spiritual and tangible values ​​that support our health and livelihoods.

Just by climbing to the top of Pownal’s Bradbury Mountain, you’ll be in awe of Maine’s vast natural landscape, as well as Casco Bay’s active waterfront, inland forest economy, and what awaits us. View endless recreational opportunities. At just 486 feet above sea level, all of Maine’s outdoor charms are revealed.

For more than 110 years, LL Bean has been inspired by and dedicated to that promise, allowing everyone to experience the restorative benefits of the outdoors. My great-grandfather and our company’s founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, once said: “Going outside is a great temptation that takes us into vast spaces and teaches us to forget about the mean and trivial things in life.”

The trail leads us into the spaces LL spoke of and into the restorative experiences we seek to provide to Maine people every day. Just as we consider investments in roads and bridges to be investments in our economy, we should also consider investments in trails. And now the need for investment has become a reality. Despite Maine’s many excellent and diverse trails, access remains a barrier for many. Trail groups and communities have also identified a large backlog of trail projects that require additional attention after two devastating storms this winter.

Beyond necessity, there is also possibility. Trails are the artery of Maine’s outdoor recreation industry, contributing $3.3 billion annually to Maine’s economy. The total represents his 3.9% of the state’s GDP (his sixth highest nationally and more than double his national average). Supporting her 32,000 jobs in Maine. The contribution of activities to GDP has increased as well. Since 2021, climbing, hiking, and tent camping have increased by 16%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Snow activity has increased by his 36%. Outdoor travel increased by 26%. Investing in Maine’s trail system will only boost this part of the economy, especially in Maine’s rural counties.

For these reasons, L.L. Bean fully supports the Maine Trails bond proposal being considered by Congress. The bond will authorize him $30 million over four years to design, develop and maintain motorized and non-motorized trails. The funds would be administered by the Maine Department of Parks and Lands. The project will require commensurate funding from other sources.

The Maine Trails Bond leverages need and potential to fund the construction and maintenance of trails that are accessible to more people of all abilities, making Maine’s outdoors truly accessible to everyone. and help fully realize Maine’s outdoor recreation industry. .

Given these accomplishments, it’s remarkable that the Maine Trails Bond enjoys broad support from more than 500 organizations, from state, regional, and regional chambers of commerce to conservation organizations, sports organizations, and local governments. Not. L.L. Bean is proud to be part of this coalition, encouraging Congress to pass the Maine Trails Bond and honoring who we are in Maine this November and making it what we want to be. Gives you the opportunity to approve investments that will help you achieve your goals.