Question 3 on the state’s Nov. 2 referendum ballot proposes to continue Maine’s investment in woodland, farms and working waterfronts.

This time the Land for Maine’s Future program seeks $9.25 million. A “Yes” vote is needed to continue this successful conservation effort.

Voters have supported the Land for Maine’s Future program for more than 20 years. During a time when open space was rapidly being lost to development, it has preserved recreational land, wildlife habitat and access to fresh and salt water.

Acquisitions by the Land for Maine’s Future program have been key to accumulating public holdings in the Mount Agamenticus area that now protect more than 9,500 acres of woodland and reservoir watersheds.

It has acquired the grassland and pitch pine habitat of the Kennebunk Plains, 300 acres along the Ossipee River in Waterboro, and conservation easements on the orchards, fields and woodland of McDougal Farm in Sanford, to name just a few.

Bonds passed in 1987, 1999, 2005 and 2007 raised more than $117 million. Acquiring land and conservation easements from willing sellers, the program has protected more than 510,000 acres throughout Maine.

More purchases and easements are in the works, but the fund needs replenishment. Opportunities to protect valuable resources will continue to come forward, and the Land for Maine’s Future fund must be prepared.

Question 3 specifies that $1 million must go toward farmland, $1.75 million toward protecting waterfronts supporting commercial fishing and $6.5 million for wildlife and fish habitat, water access and outdoor recreation.

These priorities are the essence of Maine’s landscape, but without such investment, the landscape is likely to change.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.