Dear John,
I’m writing today because during these uncertain times, when so many of us are physically isolated, I believe it’s more important than ever that we stay connected. I want you to know that all of us at The Trust of Public Land are fully focused on the vital work that you and I both care about so much.
And I have an important update. The funding deadline for the Kingfield Community Forest project is looming ever nearer. And we need to act now.
Here’s a quick recap of our opportunity:
- Shiloh Pond and the 215 acres of Maine woodland that surround it have provided the town of Kingfield with recreation opportunities, as well as community and social cohesion, for generations.
- Last year, the family that has owned the property for 200 years decided to sell, and they listed it with an agent.
- We are negotiating an agreement with the owners to purchase the land with the goal of turning it over to the town … but we need to raise an additional $200,000 before the closing, which is in less than 90 days.
- If we succeed, the people of Kingfield will have preserved a local treasure. The success of this project will expand and diversify local recreational opportunities, protect critical brook trout habitat, and empower the community through local ownership and management of the land.
- If we fail, the land will surely be sold to a developer and broken up into small lots to be used for vacation home development. Paved roads and houses will be built, and the only people who will have access to the pond will be the lucky few who bought lots on its shore.
John, we are making an all-out effort to raise that money, and we’re starting with our most committed and dependable supporters. We need 100 of you to step up and contribute $35 each, or whatever you can afford. If we can get $6,000 by the end of this month, we’ll be well on our way to closing the funding gap.
The Trust for Public land is a non-profit organization. Even in the best of times, the resources we need in order to operate — as well as our very survival — are completely dependent on the generosity of people like you. That is even more true now as we try to weather the current crisis. Please help us continue our vital work, and make Kingfield Community Forest happen, with your $35 contribution or whatever you can afford right now.
Thank you for your support.
Stay safe,
Kim Elliot
Director of Membership
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