PORTLAND, Maine (January 27, 2021) – President Biden signed an Executive Order today establishing a national goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our nation’s lands and waters by the year 2030. This action comes less than two months after the Maine Climate Council set a goal of conserving 30 percent of Maine’s land by 2030 as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change.
The following statement is from Maine Outdoor Brands Executive Director Jenny Kordick, who recently joined leaders from the Outdoor Industry Association in a meeting with New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland, the nominee to lead the Interior Department, to discuss proposals like 30×30 to increase outdoor access for all Americans:
“Maine’s economy and outdoor businesses are dependent on the health and well-being of natural areas – which give us clean air, fresh drinking water, and safe places to get outside. Access to the outdoors has become more important than ever during the pandemic. Increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation can play a significant role in helping Maine’s economy and our communities recover and rebound, which is why putting a 30×30 plan in place at the national and state levels to protect more natural areas and ensure equitable access to the outdoors is so important.”
Some of the largest outdoor companies in the country, including Maine’s L.L.Bean, sent a letter to the Biden Administration asserting their support for this 30×30 initiative, noting that success will only result if all voices — including tribal nations, private landowners, outdoor recreation interests, historically underserved communities, and scientists, work together. You can read the full letter here.
The 30×30 order comes at a time when we are losing nature and access to the outdoors in the United States at an alarming rate. Every thirty seconds, a football field worth of America’s natural areas disappears to development, posing a threat to our health, well-being, and the economic future of the outdoor industry.
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About Maine Outdoor Brands
Formed in 2017, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) works to unite and provide a voice for Maine’s outdoor industry in order to strengthen Maine’s outdoor recreation brand and economy. MOB is committed to seeing Maine-based outdoor product, service, and retail brands thrive. To learn more and see brands involved visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.