COURTESY OF FOREST SOCIETY OF MAINE

Think back to the paddle you took across an open lake, sunshine on your face as the water sways your boat. Or maybe it was a hike on a remote trail, the climb smelling of Maine pine trees and the view at the top breathtaking. Perhaps a fishing trip with family and friends, waiting for the next bite. While enjoying these adventures you may not realize that in many parts of Maine, you have been on privately owned lands. 

Maine has a long and unique history of public access to private lands. With approximately 94% of the land in Maine being privately owned, there’s a good chance that the areas where we choose to enjoy these activities are on such land. Outdoor recreation in Maine accounts for more than 4% of Maine’s economy, supporting more than 30,000 jobs, and it would not be possible without landowners allowing public access to their land for recreational use.  

However, as private land in Maine continues to be converted to non-forest uses, the future of these extraordinary places, and the adventures that take place there, are uncertain. 

Forest Society of Maine (FSM) works with willing landowners across Maine to permanently conserve Maine’s forest, ensuring that the recreational opportunities we enjoy now will remain available for future generations. Having completed more than 50 conservation easements,  FSM has in the past, and will in the future, ensure that public access on these great lands remains, as well as sustaining the ecological, economic, and cultural values of Maine’s forests. FSM projects differ slightly from one another as we work with different landowners and partners to accomplish these goals, whether it’s ensuring sustainable management to support Maine loggers and mills into the future, requiring special protections for important habitats, or supporting land return and access for Wabanaki tribal communities.  

With more than one million acres conserved, Forest Society of Maine’s work has become a vital part of ensuring access to lands well known in Maine for their trails, waters, hunting, and fishing. 

FSM recognizes that public access to Maine’s private forestlands, while long standing, is maintained through the goodwill of the landowners, and asks that all who visit treat the land with respect. Enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful views, and the privilege of access to these lands, knowing that conservation helps make it possible.