Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund Grant

The Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund Grant supports projects that enhance public access to Maine's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. By acquiring small parcels of land, the fund aims to create access points for various water activities, including fishing and boating. Applications require sponsorship from a state agency and consent from landowners. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes outdoor recreation, benefiting local economies and preserving natural resources.

NOTE: Application for water access projects may submitted at any time so long as funding is available.
Welcome to the Maine DACF
Welcome to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the State of Maine's support center for our many land-based, natural resource interests. The Department balances for and develops the state's various land-based, natural-resources including Maine agriculture, forests, outdoor recreation and public-access.
The DACF helps guide Maine's 21st-century natural resource economy by supporting the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries and streamlining regulations. Our professionals work each day to strengthen the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making.
Our agency has a wide range of duties from protecting the food we eat, stopping forest fires, mapping the ocean floor; keeping our parks and public lands pristine and accessible, planning wise land utilization, and helping beginning farmers.
We take a collective pride in providing excellent customer service through our hundreds of activities and programs.
Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund
The Public Access to Maine Waters Fund is designed to 'get people to the water.' The board will accomplish this by acquiring fee simple of public access rights on small parcels of land to create or enhance access points to lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal waters. Land for access could support a facility for trailered boats, or small, hand-launched craft (canoes, kayaks) and provide bank fishing, swimming, clamming, worming, or other water contact opportunities. Access is primarily intended for general public use.
An application to LMF requires sponsorship from a suitable state agency. An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for LMF funding.
Funds often assist land trusts, municipal conservation commissions, local governments, private nonprofit charitable organizations, state agencies, and private foundations.