Denise Clavette

From Fort Kent to Kittery, Lubec to Lebanon, and all points in between and throughout Maine, the “great outdoors” is unparalleled.

What binds, bonds and connects us as a state — contributing significantly to tourism and our economic strength — are our trails, whether they’re local, regional or statewide.

The Legislature must act quickly on a proposed Maine Trails Bond (LD 1156) because it represents investments for active transportation, connectivity, and outdoor recreation. With $30 million, and the ability to leverage another $6 million plus in matching funds, this would place Maine on the map for investing in its trail systems and interconnectivity through design, development and maintenance.

What sets this bill apart from many of the other grant and funding programs is that it includes a maintenance component. Many outstanding trails and intermodal connections exist in Maine, yet challenges remain in funding much-needed repairs and maintenance.

Creating dynamic, connected communities, promoting a high quality of life, and catalyzing economic development are key and critical for our communities in Maine.

Interconnected systems of trails, streets, bike paths and sidewalks increase property values, attract business development, and are a key component for workforce development. Linking homes, work, schools, shopping and recreation destinations through trails and connectivity cost a fraction of road infrastructure investments, and promote a healthy environment, healthy people through mobility, and a healthy economy.

Most importantly, investing in trails and connectivity here in Maine would be another “feather in our cap,” another “tool in the toolbox,” a great “reason to locate here,” a “raison d’etre” (my French Canadian heritage — reason to exist).

On a personal note, the idea of a Maine Trails Bond speaks near and dear to my heart, as I have served over 30 years in municipal government, with over 20 years as a director of parks and recreation in the communities of Kennebunk, Fort Kent and Essex Junction, Vermont, as well as the city of Portland. In addition, the last 10-plus years I’ve served in economic development director roles in Brunswick, Yarmouth, Saco and now in South Berwick.

I grew up in a small community, of less than 200 people, on Daigle Pond, now known as New Canada. I took for granted how many snowmobiles rode on the pond in front of my house, and had access to the many farmlands behind my home. I jumped on my bike many summer days, rode eight miles to spend my allowance money at the “Tastee Freeze,” only to continue biking another 20 miles to do the circuit along lakes and back to my home.

I snowshoed, Nordic skied on many trails, hopped on neighbor’s snowmobiles, you name it. Fort Kent had great sidewalks, trails, rail to trail systems and more. I thought everyone had this. Certainly, everyone deserves it.

Later in my career, I helped the Fort Kent town manager write a Maine Department of Transportation grant to develop a trail system along the international border along the dike developed by the Army Corps of Engineers — to the tune of $850,000. It has been a huge boost to the community.

If anyone has been to Fort Kent and the northern Maine region lately, it is easy to note that it is home to some of the best snowmobile trails throughout the country, also hosting the famed annual Can-Am Dog Sled races. All of these and more contribute significantly to the Maine economy.

Trails are key and critical for promoting aging in place, keeping seniors moving, and giving people the ability to walk and connect to retail and businesses. My mom used to walk often with her friends on a converted rail-to-trail system in Fort Kent.

Trails, such as the Eastern Trail or other similar trail systems, are also key and critical for those raising families in Maine. My daughter and her husband purchased a home in Old Orchard Beach because it bordered the Eastern Trail. Today they use the trail every day with their two children for walking, jogging and biking.

At the end of the day, supporting the Maine Trails Bond is key and critical to advancing Maine’s trails and economic development. It represents an investment that would pay dividends for years and generations to come.

Denise Clavette is South Berwick’s economic development director. She was Auburn’s assistant city manager from 2017-18.