Dodge Point Public Reserved Land is a 520-acre property located on the Damariscotta River in Newcastle, just a few miles south on the River Road from downtown Damariscotta. Previously an award-winning tree farm, the property was purchased by the State in 1989, with funds from Land for Maine’s Future bonds, and the Damariscotta River Association Read More
Maine Public Lands
Maine has approximately 600,000 acres of Public Reserved Lands in 37 separate parcels located across the state. These lands are enjoyed for their outstanding hiking, camping, birding, fishing, and hunting opportunities. They include the Bigelow Preserve, Kennebec Highlands, Tumbledown, Cutler’s Bold Coast, Donnell Pond, Debouillie, Mount Abraham, and other Maine gems.
Maine’s Public Reserved Lands are a unique state resource. Their origin dates back to the separation of Maine from Massachusetts in 1820. In 1820, the state set aside lots in each unincorporated township from private sale in order for this land to provide various public benefits. In the 1970s, these dispersed public lots were consolidated into the spectacular Public Reserved Land System that we have today. These consolidated lots provide timber, protect wildlife habitat, and offer a wide variety of public recreational opportunities. These lands are held in public trust and managed for public use and enjoyment.
Maine also has 48 State Parks and Historic Sites, protecting more than 100,000 acres of land and offering diverse recreational opportunities throughout the state.
Public Lands About Much More Than Cutting Trees
By Jenn Burns Gray, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Over the past few months, the revenue generated from the timber harvest on Maine’s public lands has been in the spotlight. The Bangor Daily News published an editorial Sept. 25 that highlights the numerous problems with Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to increase timber Read More
Photo Contest Puts Focus on “Our Maine Lands”
“I Love Our Maine Lands” contest seeks photos of Tumbledown, Kennebec Highlands, Bold Coast, and other beloved Public Reserved Lands NRCM News Release Augusta, ME—Now through Monday, October 26, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is inviting everyone to participate in the “I Love Our Maine Lands” photo contest. “Participation is fun and simple,” Read More
“I Love Our Maine Lands” Photo Contest
Now through Monday, October 26, we invite you to explore and photograph your favorite Public Reserved Lands—and to enter your photos in our “I Love Our Maine Lands” photo contest.
Exploring the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Lands: Grafton Notch, Baldpate, and More
The Appalachian Trail (AT) in Maine passes through four Public Reserved Land units as it winds its way from the New Hampshire border to Katahdin, but very few hikers know this, even though the first step into the state by a thru-hiker is in the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land Unit. The land around Grafton Notch Read More
LePage Violating State Responsibility with Public Reserved Lands Harvest Plan
By Catherine B. Johnson, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Gov. Paul LePage threatens to increase logging on Maine’s Public Reserved Lands beyond sustainable levels and divert the revenues to unrelated purposes. But his plans run contrary to the origins, unique characteristics and purpose of these Lands. Maine has about 600,000 acres of Read More
LePage Plan Could Make Forestry Top Priority in Managing Public Lands
by Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — Conservationists are skeptical about Gov. Paul LePage’s budget for the natural resource departments, fearful that it would open the gates for expanded commercial harvesting of state-owned property. LePage wants to do away with the state’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, which is Read More
Opposition to LD 1468, An Act to Establish the High-efficiency Biomass Pellet Boiler Rebate Program and the Home Heating Conversion Fund
Senator John Cleveland, Chair Representative Barry Hobbins, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology Senator Cleveland and Representative Hobbins, While NRCM supports the use of wood pellets as a heating source to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, overriding concerns about the bill cause us to oppose it. As stated in the attached Read More
