Dear Editor:

The Boothbay Region Land Trust is a jewel of the Boothbay peninsula. Its 30-plus miles of hiking trails and 1700-plus acres of preserves provide irreplaceable opportunities for exercise, wildlife viewing, environmental education, and simply enjoying the peace and beauty of God’s creation.

The disbursement of BRLT’s 22 preserves throughout the peninsula insures that all residents and visitors are no more than a few minutes walk or drive to a trail head that will transport them to an undeveloped wilderness of forests, meadows, lakes, wetlands, shorefront and ocean vistas.

Likewise, the varied topography of BRLT’s trails allows all persons, young or old, able or disabled, access to a trail regardless of physical ability.

And the cost of admission to these slices of paradise? Absolutely free! Even the state and federal parks you purchased with your tax dollars impose a fee for you to access land that as a citizen you already own.

But just as there is no real “free lunch," operating BRLT’s preserves does cost money, and more than you might imagine is required simply to preserve wilderness.

Supporting BRLT’s endowment fund allows your contribution to remain intact, while the income it produces will permit BRLT to continue its mission on our beloved peninsula in perpetuity.

Few institutions contribute more than BRLT to the preservation of our rich local history, our vibrant sense of community and our matchless natural surroundings.

Also, BRLT’s existence here increases all residents’ quality of life and the tourism that is the lifeblood of locally owned businesses.

We urge everyone to please thoughtfully consider contributing to BRLT’s Stewardship Campaign to the fullest extent you comfortably can. The community enriched by your gift is your own.

Hal and Debbie Moorefield
Boothbay