The Eastport Land Trust and the Quoddy Regional Land Trust urge voters to go to the polls on Nov. 5 and vote YES on question 5. Question 5 will provide $5 million to continue the acquisition of public access land for Maine’s people. It will continue the Land for Maine’s Future program, a program with a proven track record.

As a result of the last bond issue ($35 million, approved in 1987), the Eastport Land Trust and the Quoddy Regional Land Trust were able to work cooperatively with the state to secure public access land at Shackford Head in Eastport, Tide Mill Farm in Edmunds, and 4 miles of coast in Cutler. This is open space, coastal access and land for wildlife — land available to us all, forever. Since Maine ranks last in the nation in land set aside for public use, we are fortunate to have such special places saved for future generations.

But the job’s not done, and there will never be a better time to do it. The cost to each of us for the $5 million bond request amounts to only 95 cents — one ice cream cone — per person, per year, for five years. Surely we can afford this, to help create a lassting gift of open space for our children and grandchildren.

Make sure you get to the polls on Nov. 5 and vote YES on 5. Be a part of our future by voting yes. Nancy L. Nielsen for Quoddy Regional Land Trust Carol Bryan for Eastport Land Trust