Believe it or not, the Katahdin Lake land acquisition project is close to becoming a reality.

Since the start of the campaign nearly a year ago the Trust for Public Lands has raised an impressive $11.2 million.

But that's still $1.8 mil short of the total $14 million needed to seal the deal, however. (A private foundation has pledged to match the final million raised).

Let's recap the tremendous importance of this project for all of us who cherish the Maine outdoors, all petty bickering over politics and traditional uses and so forth aside:

When (not if) this thing gets inked, 4,000 acres of land surrounding pristine Katahdin Lake will be added to Baxter State Park, fulfilling Percival Baxter's long-held dream. Another adjoining 2,000 acres will be owned and managed by the Maine Bureau of Public Lands.

It's hard to argue with this one. So let's not. Especially with a December 15th deadline looming.

It could very well be up to you and me (lots of you's and me's actually) to make the difference heading into the home stretch.

So empty out your change jars. Shuffle through pockets for spare bills. Take out your checkbook and write a check. Shake down friends and family and co-workers.

The Trust for Public Lands can and will gladly accept any and all donations, regardless of size, right online even.

Do what you can, then we can each proudly claim a stake in the ownership of Katahdin Lake.