PISCATAQUIS OBSERVER • May 2, 2025
How many of us have been transformed by our public lands and wild places? These are the moments that define and fulfill us, in treasured places like Acadia National Park, Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail, plus nearly 60 national historic and natural landmarks in Maine. And though Mainers have a special relationship with public lands, these places belong to Americans everywhere. Congressional leaders aligned with the White House are considering selling public lands to the highest bidder to fund tax cuts for the wealthy. If public lands are sold off, the rich and powerful could sell the rights to mine and drill in places where we once hiked and camped. If these places are sold, they’re gone for good. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to stand up for the “essential democracy” of our public lands — not for the Trump administration and their billionaire buddies. ~ Jeremy Sheaffer, The Wilderness Society Maine director