ME LD1308

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry must convene a 12-member working group to examine public access to privately owned land and opportunities to expand such access

Working group membership includes representatives from commercial forest landowners, small woodland owners, North Maine Woods, conservation organizations, agricultural organizations, Maine guides, tourism/outdoor recreation industry, hunters and anglers, recreational vehicle users, and three state departments

Working group duties include exploring financial incentives for landowners to maintain recreational access, assessing current and future status of public access, and evaluating enforcement of existing laws on state trail systems

Report with findings and recommendations due to Joint Standing Committees on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by February 15, 2026

Enacted as emergency legislation, taking effect immediately upon approval by the Governor on June 17, 2025