Maine Governor Baldacci Signs Bill to Maintain Land Reserved for Hunting

April 16, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed LD 648, An Act To Maintain the Amount of State Land That Is Open for Hunting. The bill ensures that the number of total acres of land open to hunting on public reserved lands and lands owned and managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does not fall below the acreage available for hunting as of Jan. 1, 2008.

Moose hunters: Photo by timbu (CC)

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“This bill recognizes the importance of hunting in Maine and specifically the management of public lands,” Governor Baldacci said. “I think this speaks to the importance of preserving this historic use of public lands.”

Governor Baldacci talked about the work his administration has done conserving land throughout the State.

“Since 2003, the Bureau of Parks and Lands has acquired more than 860,000 acres in conservation lands and easements,” the Governor said. “One-hundred percent of these lands guarantee public access for hunting, subject only to existing state laws and rules or municipal ordinances.”

LD 648 was passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. The Governor was joined for the signing by bill sponsor, Rep. Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) and co-sponsors of the legislation.

The law will go into effect 90 days after the close of the legislative session.

Source: Maine Governor