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MaineLD 1308132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

Resolve, Directing 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

Sponsored By: Joseph M. Baldacci (Democratic)

Became Law

RECREATIONRECREATION - PROPERTY ACCESS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New group to expand outdoor land access

The law creates a joint working group to improve public access to privately owned land in Maine. The group gathers ideas from the public and experts, studies current and future access, and looks at how trail rules are enforced. It also explores financial incentives to help landowners keep or open access to key routes and sites. The departments must send findings and recommendations to two legislative committees by February 15, 2026. Because of the emergency clause, the law takes effect when approved, so the work starts right away.

Who serves on land access group

The group has at least 12 members and must represent the whole state. Members include commercial forest owners, small woodland owners, North Maine Woods access managers, conservation and farm groups, Maine guides, tourism and outdoor recreation, hunters and anglers, recreational vehicle users, and three state agencies. The commissioners of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (or their designees) cochair, appoint members, and do not vote. The two departments provide staff using existing resources and may seek help and funding from other agencies and private groups. The law does not add new funding.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joseph M. Baldacci

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

  • William Bridgeo

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. RESLV Chapter 82

    5/1/2026

  2. FINALLY PASSED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    6/11/2025Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.FINALLY PASSED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/10/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Resolve was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-314).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-314) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-314).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  6. The Resolve was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/27/2025House

  7. Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

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