Saddleback Mountain Ski Area’s offer of 660 acres for the Appalachian Trail flunks the straight-face test. This proposed “gift” is like the “free gift” from your bank. There are strings attached. In this case, the ski area would get a tax write-off, while retaining development rights on the “donated” land.

The company whines about being held hostage by the National Park Service, which is seeking to protect the unique and scenic Appalachian Trail. But it turns out Saddleback Ski Area has had permission to expand for 10 years, and hasn’t done so. Instead, it has blocked protection of the Appalachian Trail for the past 14 years, and now the ski area is for sale.

Ski areas use vast amounts of energy to provide skiing for those rich enough to enjoy it. But there is no charge for people hiking the trail. In this case, the public, and preserving a glorious mountain, should come first.

To paraphrase Gov. Percival Baxter, who saved Mount Katahdin: Ski areas may come and go, but Saddleback Mountain and the trail corridor should remain forever wild, for all the people of Maine. Steve Cartwright Waldoboro