It is obvious Gov. Baldacci’s desire to increase the amount of land controlled by the Land for Maine’s Future is genuine, and I applaud him for that. Unfortunately, due to money problems, he has scaled back his proposed budget for that program from $100 million to $60 million and we will only be able to save about half the land we could have.

Many of us in Searsport would like to see Sears Island protected under that program. This can still be accomplished in spite of the reduction in proposed funding. The governor can transfer the state owned island to LFMF. There would be no expenditure of funds since we, the taxpayers, have already paid for it and it belongs to us.

Sears Island meets all the requirements for inclusion in the program. It is undeveloped. It is seriously threatened by development right now (unlike much of the land currently protected by the LFMF). It is unique. There is no place like it anywhere on the East Coast. It has the potential to provide thousands with an outdoor experience available nowhere else.

With creative planning, it could provide the local economy a much-needed boost that does not involve destruction of the natural habitat of the countless creatures that live and visit there. Surely it deserves protection.

We ask the governor to please have a Gov. Baxter-type vision and do something for the state that will last forever.

Harlan McLaughlin

Searsport