The test for a $10 million bond proposal for public land being heard today in the Legislature is simple: How well has the previous bond money been spent? By that measure, the answer is clear. Lawmakers should enthusiastically support the new request.

If passed, the bond issue request would appear as follows: “Do you favor a $10 million bond to purchase public lands and easements from willing sellers for public outdoor access and recreation, farmland preservation, conservation and to protect wildlife habitat, to be matched by $5 million of private and public funds?”

The question will sound familiar to anyone who voted 11 years ago. In 1987, however, the level of funding was more ambitious: $35 million. Nevertheless, that bond was supported by voters almost 2-to-1, and what a great investment it has been for Maine.

From two purchases totaling 1,700 acres at Mount Agamnenticus in York to the Bangor and Aroostook right of way through Washburn, Caribou, Stockholm and Van Buren, the Land for Maine’s Future Board, which was charged with overseeing the money, sought deals statewide. They found and purchased them from willing sellers in areas of special beauty, a total of 65,000 acres representing every Maine county. Now the public is invited to see some of the most specatular coastline in the world at Shackford Head in Eastport or visit the beach at Sebago Lake in Raymond or hike Bald Mountain in the Rangeley Lakes region.

Even as the LMF board made solid purchases with the $35 million, it learned along the way how to leverage money from other sources to complete a deal. In that way, it stretched taxpayer money even further and ended up buying more than it first thought possible. But now the original money is gone and Maine is just beginning to learn how important these public purchases can be.

The proposed infusion of cash, at $10 million, is responsible and comes with the requirement that it be matched by other sources. Approving this bond increases access for all outdoor enthusiasts and contributes to Maine’s deserved reputation for hunting and fishing, hiking, canoeing and photography — in short, for being a place where people can appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Opinion polls suggest that the public is ready to support another bond issue to purchase land. But first, legislators have to give their approval. They should do so with the confidence that comes from knowing previous money has been well and wisely spent.