Last Spring, the Leglislature approved LD 1308, a Resolve to direct the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to examine issues related to public access to privately owned lands.

The order directed Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to establish a working group consisting of landowner and land user interests to explore ways to maintain and expand public access to privately owned lands in Maine.

The departments were directed to report any findings and recommendations of the working group to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by February 15, 2026. Each committee is authorized to report out a bill based on the report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.

Now, IF&W is asking for public comments on a draft report. (View the Draft Report Back online (PDF) The deadline for comments is January 15. 

"Maine’s tradition of public access to private lands is both culturally and economically significant," IF&W said, in a news release.

"With the State’s landscape comprised of approximately 92 percent private ownership, access to private land supports hunting, angling, snowmobiling, ATV riding, hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, trapping, and a wide spectrum of year‑round and seasonal recreation.

"This access tradition has shaped Maine’s identity and serves as the backbone of rural economies, guiding services, and the outdoor recreation sector.

"However, this tradition faces increasing pressures, including expanding user groups, unprecedented levels of visitation, rising infrastructure costs, and new landowner concerns about liability, environmental damage, and inconsistent user behavior.

"Without proactive, coordinated strategies, Maine risks the gradual erosion of an access system that has long benefited the public while respecting landowners.

MDIFW and DACF are now seeking public comment on the draft report back through January 15, 2026. Comments will be considered and where appropriate incorporated in the final report.  The public was also invited to the working group meetings in fall 2025. 

Share your feedback with us:

Step One: View the Draft Report Back online (PDF)

Step Two: Submit feedback using this online form by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, January 15.