Maine’s outdoor recreation industry is a vital driver of our state’s economy, quality of life, and connection to the outdoors. As policymakers consider legislation that impacts access, infrastructure, and investment in our outdoor sector, Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) is actively engaged in advocating for policies that support the long-term sustainability and growth of our $3 billion outdoor recreation economy.
This legislative session, MOB has been meeting with lawmakers, testifying in support of key bills, and ensuring that outdoor recreation remains a priority. Below is a summary of the legislation MOB has supported in the 132nd Legislature:
This bill establishes the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program to provide immersive outdoor education to serve students enrolled in grade 4 to grade 8 in the State. It also establishes the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program Fund within the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service.
LD 593: An Act to Extend Funding for the Land for Maine’s Future Program
This bill provides ongoing funding for eligible expenditures and other authorized purposes under the Land for Maine’s Future Trust Fund.
This resolve directs the Department of Transportation, subject to available funding resources, permitting and municipal agreements, to remove state-owned inactive existing railroad track along the section known as the Lower Road between the Town of Brunswick and the City of Gardiner to the existing Kennebec River Rail Trail, and a portion of the rail line in the City of Hallowell, and to replace the track with an interim bicycle and pedestrian trail surfaced with pavement or stone dust on the existing rail bed.
This resolve directs the Department of Transportation, subject to available funding resources, permitting and municipal agreements, to remove state-owned inactive existing railroad track along the section known as the Berlin Subdivision between the City of Portland and the City of Auburn and to replace the track with an interim bicycle and pedestrian trail surfaced with pavement or gravel or stone dust on the existing rail bed.
This bill providing funding to the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and other critical programs within the Department of Economic and Community Development that the outdoor industry has benefit from, including the Domestic Trade Program.
Updated on March 13, 2025