John,
The fundamental right of every community to enjoy the outdoors is at the heart of our mission. That’s why I’m writing to remind you of a very exciting project, why it’s so important, and why your support is so necessary.
But first, I also want to remind you that an anonymous patron has offered to match every gift we receive by June 15, dollar for dollar. In other words, the donation you make today will be doubled as soon as it arrives.
You may remember that The Trust for Public Land is working to protect 215 acres of pristine woodland outside of Kingfield, Maine. And when I say pristine, I mean it — some parts of the woods, such as around the perimeter of Shiloh Pond, have never been logged or cleared, and some of the trees are close to 200 years old.
Our plan is to turn the land over to the town of Kingfield for use as a community forest. Residents have been engaged in planning the future use of the land and local support for this project is very high.
There’s just one snag. We expect to close on the property in the coming weeks and we haven't reached our fundraising goal yet. We are working to raise the last chunk of funding to be able to purchase the land for the town. If we can't come up with the balance soon, we'll have to let the property go — then the land will be sold and public access may be cut off forever.
Community forests date back to Colonial times in New England — a section of woodland is set aside and managed for the common good. Sustainable timber harvesting was and still is allowed — today, the profits are used to fund conservation efforts and support recreation activities such as hiking, boating, and biking. Any money left over goes to the town.
Community forests preserve open space and strengthen local economies. They also motivate community engagement and collaboration as people work together to identify the conservation goals they share, and then work to achieve them. Since 2001, The Trust for Public Land has established or expanded thirty community forests in New England totaling over 30,000 acres. These forests are community assets, enjoyed now and preserved for the benefit of future generations.
If the Kingfield Community Forest project succeeds, it will bring social, economic, health, and climate-change benefits to the people of Kingfield. If it doesn’t, they will have to watch paved roads and housing developments replace their beloved woods and block their access to Shiloh Pond.
John, I need your help. You’ve done so much to help preserve public land, and we’re very grateful for that. Now I need you to step up once more and make a special contribution to our work preserving land and building parks. And remember, your contribution is tax-deductible, and it will be doubled as soon as you make it.
Please act now. The closing date — as well and the deadline on the matching-gift offer — are fast approaching.
Sincerely,
Kim Elliot
Director of Membership
P.S. During these tumultuous times, The Trust for Public Land is redoubling our commitment to creating inclusive parks and open spaces, and creating more equitable communities in our work. Your generous support makes that work possible. Thank you.
|
