Bill > LD1308

This bill establishes a comprehensive working group to examine and address public access to privately owned lands in Maine. The working group will consist of 12 diverse members representing various stakeholders, including commercial forest landowners, small woodland owners, conservation organizations, agricultural groups, hunters, anglers, recreational vehicle users, tourism industries, and state agency representatives. The group's primary duties include exploring financial incentives for landowners to maintain recreational access, soliciting broad public input about access traditions and challenges, developing an assessment of current and future public access status, and recommending policies to support public access to both public and private properties. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will jointly convene and staff the working group, using existing resources and potentially seeking additional support from other agencies or private entities. By February 15, 2026, the departments must report their findings and recommendations to the relevant legislative committees, who may then introduce legislation based on the report. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon approval, highlighting the urgent nature of addressing public land access issues in Maine.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1308&snum=132