The Maine Forest Service has issued a blanket invitation to the public for help during “Landowner Appreciation Day” Oct. 15.
Having identified more than 100 illegal dumping sites around the state, all on private property, the Forest Service, working with the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, has organized this opportunity for volunteers to pick up the mess.
We think it’s a great idea and we encourage participation in this event.
It’s no secret why Maine is called Vacationland. Mainers enjoy a veritable year-round bonanza of outdoor recreational opportunities ranging from the traditional hunting and fishing to hiking, biking, birding and more.
Many of these opportunities exist thanks to access provided by private landowners. While there is a great deal of wonderful public land available in the state, some of the best spots to be found are privately held.
Landowners have a right to restrict access to their property. It is after all their property, and by and large they can do what they please with it. We support that right and respect those decisions.
At the same time, we support and applaud any private landowner’s decision to allow public access to their property.
In our experience, any outdoorsman or woman worth his or her salt respects the land they use. They are not the problem. Neither are recreational users who leave nothing but footprints behind them.
It seems to us that stepping out and picking up a little litter for the few who threaten access for the many is a small and relatively painless way to say a very big thank you.
