Maine is a beautiful state blessed with magnificent forests, coastline, lakes and rivers. With more than 600,000 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands and 3,000 miles of shorefront, it is easy to understand why millions of people from all over the world choose to visit and vacation here each year. Our title of “Vacationland,” however, is not something we can take for granted. Though we are blessed by some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful strokes, we must actively participate in preserving the natural splendors we have inherited.

Recently, we have not kept our end of the bargain. Years of neglect and budget woes have taken their toll on the infrastructure of our parks. The explosion of visitors over the years has outstripped our ability to maintain basic park services. Because the parks are so vital to our state, the Maine Legislature is considering a number of bonding proposals designed to address the state’s long-term resource needs. One proposal that is especially worthy of support and attention is the $20 million bond proposal designed to fix and improve our parks, provide access to our waterways and grant loans to municipalities to assist with local parks projects.

With a maintenance budget of only $600,000 our parks employees cannot even hope to keep up with mounting maintenance demands. Aging buildings and inadequate parking greet visitors to our great state parks. A delicate balance between preservation and accessibility must be maintained in order to satisfy the demands of current users and protect the experience of future generations. Simple things like restrooms and parking are at the core of that balance and must continue to receive our attention. It is at these points of intersection between human activity and untouched wilderness or historic artifact that we have the most responsibility to provide quality services.

This legislation also provides for greater access to our waterways. Many years ago our state conservation and inland fisheries and wildlife departments worked on a plan to provide better water access – but it has never been properly funded. At the time the plan’s drafters noted that, “State boating and fishing access programs cannot keep pace with the loss of traditional public access sites and the need for additional public sites. … This condition is unlikely to change unless funding for Maine’s boating and fishing access programs is expanded.”

If we wish to fuel the economic engine of our outdoor recreation industry, we need to provide water access for boaters and anglers. Outdoor recreation is a billion-dollar industry in Maine – and one in which the vast majority of participants are true stewards of the outdoors.

In a state that depends so heavily on the tourism industry, we cannot afford to desert our natural resources. Members of the tourism industry will tell you that for every dollar they spend in marketing or improving tourism opportunities, we receive a seven-dollar return. Furthermore, as jobs from traditional manufacturing sectors continue to disappear, the business of tourism and outdoor recreation is one area of our economy that continues to thrive. In these trying economic times, it is critical that we not only assist those that are struggling, but also embrace those that are successful. Economic development does not begin with creating new businesses and attracting investment from outside of Maine – though these are essential components that are part of our larger strategy. Resuscitating Maine’s economy begins with protecting and buttressing the things we do well already.

The simple fact is this: If we wish to improve vacation and cultural opportunities – and therefore positively impact our economy – we must maintain our parks. A small investment now will ensure both a healthier economy and better future for our state. I urge you to speak up and be heard. Let our leaders know how much Mainers value our outdoor heritage and open spaces by voting for the parks bond package.

Beverly C. Daggett is president of the Maine Senate.