Vote To Protect State Lands

On Nov. 6, Connecticut voters have a unique opportunity to cast their votes to protect public lands.

Ballot question No. 2 provides for a constitutional amendment that prevents the legislature from trading away, swapping or selling state lands without public input.

Public lands are your lands. They have been entrusted to all of us by generations of dedicated individuals committed to preserving the state’s most revered properties. It is our responsibility to ensure they are protected for the enjoyment of generations to come.

By voting yes on ballot Question 2, we will establish a permanent and transparent process requiring a public hearing and a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly before state park or forest lands can be sold, swapped or given away.

In passing this constitutional amendment, Connecticut will join neighboring states New York, Massachusetts and Maine, which have already adopted similar amendments.

This is a not a partisan issue. I encourage every Connecticut voter to vote yes on Question 2 on Nov. 6. Let’s protect our treasured public lands before any more are lost forever.

Starr Sayres, East Haddam The writer is vice president of the Connecticut Forest and Park

Association.