Highlands reserve good idea

It is now, in the summertime, when so many outsiders are discovering anew the natural wonders of Maine, that those of us who live here year round should be particularly conscious of the need to protect our own access to these wonders.

Take, for example, the Kennebec Highlands, a 6,100-acre sprawl of undeveloped woodland in the Belgrade Lakes region, within a short drive of the Augusta-Waterville area, containing numerous ponds, wildlife, waterfowl and other natural treasures in abundance.

A good start has already been made on setting this land aside for the people of Maine — to preserve it for future generations against encroaching commercial development and keeping it open to public access.

Earlier this year the Land for Maine's Future Board put up $200,000 to begin acquisition of the first 1,047-acre parcel of the project, including 1,300-foot-high McGaffey Mount, the tallest point in Kennebec County.

The Legislature boosted prospects for the remaining parts of the project when it ratified a $50 million bond issue for public lands acquisition. Some of that money, if approved by the voters in November, will supplement an extensive private fund-raising effort to secure Kennebec Highlands for the future benefit and pleasure of Maine people.

This is a grand project. That it involves a combined effort of the government, conservation groups, landowners and ordinary voters makes it all the more worthwhile.