Outdoor Heritage

Our access to the outdoors defines who we are and drives our local economy. As a Registered Maine Guide, I see firsthand why protecting open access to our woods, waters, and trails matters. Through sensible planning, sustained funding, and proactive stewardship, I will work to ensure our outdoor traditions remain strong and open to all generations of Mainers.

How I will advocate for outdoor recreation:

Safeguarding Public Access for Traditional Uses

  • Defend Open Land Access: The only way to ensure access is through dedicated funding. I will advocate to fully fund state conservation programs, including the Land for Maine's Future Program, to permanently protect working forests, waters, and shorelines for hunting, fishing, and traditional outdoor recreation.

  • Support Landowner Relations: Approximately 95% of the total land in Maine is privately owned. Without large public land tracts we need to strengthen state programs that foster cooperation between private landowners and the public, maintaining Maine’s open-access heritage while protecting landowner rights.

  • Clean Water & Watershed Protection: I have a firm belief that healthy rivers equal healthy communities. As a state we need to safeguard local rivers, ponds, and lakes from pollution and runoff, ensuring clean water for anglers, paddlers, and wildlife habitats. If we take care of our waterways, they will take care of us.

Modernizing & Investing in Multi-Use Trail Networks

  • Secure State Trail Grants: Trails and parks are not luxuries - they are vital community infrastructure that drives local commerce and enhances our quality of life. In the State House, I will work to secure competitive state grants to help our towns and volunteer trail clubs design, connect, and maintain durable multi-use trails. When we invest in high-quality outdoor recreation networks, we build stronger, more connected communities for everyone.

Balancing Community Growth with Land Stewardship

  • Smart-Growth Land Planning: Growing our local economy and expanding housing shouldn't come at the cost of our wooded landscapes and open spaces. In the State House, I will champion smart-growth initiatives that focus development in existing commercial cores and village centers. By revitalizing underused properties, we take development pressure off rural areas, protect contiguous forest corridors, and preserve public recreation access for the future.

  • Strengthen the Outdoor Economy: A thriving outdoor recreation sector drives real local commerce. As a Registered Maine Guide, I see how our woods, waters, and trail networks directly support local businesses, outfitters, and hospitality. in 2024 Maine’s outdoor recreation sector generated $3.9 billion in value added to our economy and made up 4% of the state’s GDP - a steady increase over the last decade. In the State House, I will work to build strong partnerships between state tourism initiatives and local recreation businesses, ensuring that outdoor heritage fuels sustainable economic growth and creates good-paying jobs right here in our community.