The Ownership of Maine's Territory: A Clarification
Hol' up, folks! You ain't gonna believe this about good ol' Vacationland, Maine. While Acadia, Baxter State Park, and the Bigelow Preserve are the state's famous public lands, they make up just 5% of Maine's forested area. Say whaaat? That's right, almost 95% of the pine tree state's forest is privately owned!
Time to introduce ya to Maine's wild world of land ownership. Many of those private lands, around 10 million acres in total (twice the size of NJ, yeah, you heard that right), allow public recreation. That's just so Maine! Ain't no place like it, fam.
In Maine, stepping onto private land ain't always a no-no, y'all. Implied permission for the public to enter the land is written into state law, unless the landowner posts otherwise. So, except for some marked territory, you're pretty much invited to explore!
Now, who's finaling up these lands? It's a mix-up of big investment corporations, families, and organizations like AMC, which is in the process of buying the Pleasant River Headwaters Forest. But don't worry, the local communities weren't always surrounded by big shots. A century ago, the paper industry reigned supreme in Maine.
Paper mills used to own more than half of Maine's land area! However, things changed in the 90s and early 2000s. As the paper industry faltered, many companies had to sell their land. Newer landowners like REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and TIMOs (Timber Investment Management Organizations) stepped in. But neither of those groups consider the land as a forest resource like paper mills did. They see it as an investment. Case in point? Yale University, one of Maine's largest landowners, indirectly, because of its institutional funds.
Today, REITs and TIMOs control around 30% of Maine's forest land. Paper companies still own land in the northern regions, while family owners or non-corporate entities own about the same amount as REITs and TIMOs. Now that's a wild curveball for ya!
So, what can you do on all this private land? Well, crack open some maps, bucko, 'cause it gets complicated. Some areas are like a free-for-all, while others may require more planning before you hit the trails. Y'all know that North Maine Woods and KI Jo-Mary manage recreational access in Northern Maine for various landowners. On the other hand, in different areas, those lines aren't as clear for visitors. Still, remember, it's permitted unless posted otherwise!
Now, what about conservation, you ask? With the paper industry's decline, organizations like AMC have grabbed the opportunity to swoop in and purchase land. In 2003, AMC launched its Maine Woods Initiative with land it purchased from International Paper. They've conserved over 114,000 acres so far and are looking to expand with the purchase of the 29,000-acre Barnard Forest. Statewide, around four million acres of land are conserved and protected from development.
So there you have it, a crash course in Maine's twisted tale of land ownership! Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just curious, there's always a story waiting to be discovered in Maine's wilderness. Happy exploring!
Psst...Fancy supporting AMC's conservation efforts in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness? Don't hesitate to lend a hand! Your support can make a difference.
In Maine, you might find unfamiliar terrain for recreational activities, as many private lands, totaling around 10 million acres, grant public access in accordance with state law. The acceptance of scientific principles has played a crucial role in this, as organizations like AMC have used environmental science to acquire land for conservation purposes, such as the Pleasant River Headwaters Forest. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can enjoy the diverse landscape, with organized trail systems available in areas like North Maine Woods and KI Jo-Mary.
