Bill > LD1441

This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Future of Recreational Access in Maine, a 10-member body comprising representatives from various stakeholder groups, including large landowners, small woodlot owners, state agencies, outdoor recreation businesses, conservation organizations, and sporting groups. The commission will be chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is tasked with exploring strategies to provide financial incentives for private landowners to create and maintain recreational access, soliciting broad input from individuals and experts about public access traditions, developing an assessment of current and future public access to public and private property (with special focus on the unorganized territory), and recommending actions to promote and protect public access across Maine. The commission must submit a comprehensive report with findings and suggested legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by December 3, 2025, with the committee authorized to propose related legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will provide staffing support, and if needed, the commission may request a limited time extension from the Legislative Council to complete its work.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1441&snum=132