A misguided assertion has been circulating that protecting our land and waters from rapid development should be paid for only through donations. That assertion reflects a lack of understanding of how land protection projects are successfully funded across Maine, especially in highly competitive and expensive real estate markets like Scarborough where properties sell quickly.

Land trusts cannot purchase properties solely through donations and still be competitive. Instead, donations are combined with grant funding from town, state and federal governments as well as private foundations.

For Scarborough Land Trust projects over the last five years, while successfully protecting 335 acres, grant funding from the town’s land bond provided 35% of the funding with other sources (including donations) providing 65%. Land bond funding was critical to successfully protecting those 335 acres and helping balance rapid development in our town. Please help protect our land and waters. Vote “yes” on Question 3.

Scott Kunkler
Conservation director of Scarborough Land Trust