Bill > LD1762

This bill establishes the Trails for the Future Program and Fund to protect public access to recreational trails, specifically snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, through property acquisition and easements. The bill creates a new fund administered by the Land for Maine's Future Board, which can provide grants to state agencies and cooperating entities to acquire properties that maintain existing trail access. A key requirement is that any acquired property must preserve the current recreational trail use, meaning snowmobile or ATV trails cannot be altered or developed in a way that prevents their existing use. The bill requires grant recipients to provide matching funds and establishes a review panel to evaluate potential trail properties based on criteria such as the property owner's interest in making the trail publicly available, the threat of trail conversion, and community support. Any proposed changes to a protected trail must be approved by the maintaining club or group, or by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry if no maintenance group exists. Additionally, the commissioner retains a right of first refusal on any acquired trail properties and can terminate grant agreements if the public purposes are no longer served, with recovered funds being returned to the Trails for the Future Fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1762&snum=132