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LD 1762

An Act To Protect Recreational Trails By Establishing The Trails For The Future Program

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Baldacci and 8 co-sponsors

Proposed Maine recreational trail protection program died in committee after receiving "Ought Not to Pass" recommendation in May 2025, ending legislative session.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#propertyaccess #recreation #trailprotections
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Bill Summary · LD 1762

Legislative bill overview

LD 1762 proposed establishing the "Trails for the Future Program" in Maine to protect and maintain recreational trails across the state. The bill would have created a framework for trail preservation, likely involving funding mechanisms and management standards for hiking, biking, and other recreational pathways.

Why is this important

Maine's recreational trail system generates significant economic activity through tourism and supports public health by providing outdoor access. Trail maintenance is expensive and often falls to underfunded volunteer organizations, making systematic state support potentially transformative for trail quality and accessibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source uncertainty: The bill's cost and how it would be financed (general funds, dedicated fees, or public-private partnerships) were likely contested during committee deliberations
  • Management authority: Questions about whether state or local control would govern trails, and how private landowner concerns would be balanced against public access
  • Program scope: Disagreement over which trails qualify for protection and whether the program adequately serves both popular and remote trail systems statewide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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