I was over at Yerxa's in South Portland the other day getting my chainsaw repaired, and in the course of conversation with the guys there, learned that Portland Trails had recently had their very expensive and very precious brushcutter stolen.

Let's you and me help Portland Trails replace their stolen brushcutter, similar to the one pictured above. See end of this blog post for more info on how to make a donation to Portland Trails.
Photo courtesy Billy Goat Industries

Sadly, I confirmed this information today with Nan Cumming, Executive Director of Portland Trails.

The brushcutter "is (was) easily our most used piece of equipment for maintaining trails year round as well as for cutting new trails. It was stolen as we were cutting new trails," said Cumming.

Unbelievable. Unacceptable. Outrageous.

This is exactly why you should never say you've seen or heard it all. Because there will always be another cretin(s) to come along and take things to a new low.

And this is sooooooo low.

That's where this story will bottom out, however. Because I have a plan:

With the exception of the nasty SOBs that did the stealing in this case, just about everybody knows how much good Portland Trails has done for trails in Greater Portland.

Their board members, trustees, staff and volunteers have done an amazing job over the course of some 16 years to bring miles of multi-use trails to thousands of people for walking, hiking, bicycling, running, socializing and much more.

Portland Trails has become a model for other cities and towns acorss the country! We the community of people in Maine who use and enjoy the Portland Trails system are indebted to you all. And that's exactly why I believe you will have a new brushcutter before long.

Because we're having a fundraiser starting right now, here, today. Running until we get you the $2000 needed to replace what you have lost. And I'm betting it won't take long.

I'm writing out a check for $25 to Portland Trails right now. And I'm hoping all my Trail Head friends will do the same. Whatever you can afford: $5, $10, $50, $100. Together we'll get it done.

So please say no to petty thieves and yes to Portland Trails. Send your donations to:

Portland Trails
"New Brushcutter"
305 Commercial Street
Portland, Maine 04101

Thank you!