ME LD976

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife must convene a working group to develop a comprehensive public access plan for Swan Island in Perkins Township, Sagadahoc County

Working group membership includes commissioners or designees from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Economic and Community Development, Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, plus the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future director, a Town of Richmond official, and a local nonprofit representative

Working group tasks include identifying access barriers, evaluating ferry or alternative transportation options, assessing infrastructure needs (docks, campgrounds, educational facilities, historic sites), and exploring funding sources such as tax increment financing and land and water conservation funds

Final Swan Island public access plan with implementation timeline and cost estimates must be completed by May 1, 2026

Report with the finalized plan and any recommended legislation due to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by January 1, 2026