Welcome to the Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands

If you want to explore Maine's great outdoors, you've come to the right place! Maine is legendary for its rock bound coast, the north woods, mountains, lakes, and rivers. All of these areas are represented in the one million acres managed by the Bureau of Parks & Lands.

Current Trail Conditions and Ski Report are now available for Aroostook State Park!

Children's Ice Fishing Derby at Lake St. George State Park
Sunday, January 18, 2009
8:00am - 3:00pm

Lake St. George State Park will host the first Take It Outside event of 2009; a Children's Ice Fishing Derby. Whether you have never been fishing or are an experienced fisherman, this is a great opportunity to share a fun-filled day outside with a child. We will provide everything you need to experience this exciting winter activity including instruction, traps and bait. We'll even cut the hole in the ice for you. In addition to ice fishing and to fill the time between flags, other winter activities will be offered for your enjoyment. A warming hut, coffee and hot cocoa will be available all day. Lunch is provided. Prizes will be awarded for first fish, greatest length, total weight and more. Remember to dress for the weather. A special thanks to the following sponsors for making this event possible: Mt. Valley Sports, Liberty Sports, Hannaford Bros., and Wicked Joe Coffee.

To pre-register and for more information, please call Lake St. George State Park 207 589-4255

Save the Dates for other upcoming Take It Outside Events:

February 7 Winter Family Fun Day at Mount Blue State Park

February 21 Winter Family Fun Day at Aroostook State Park

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Your Maine Lands
Reflections of a Maine Guide

Your Maine Lands Book Cover

The Department of Conservation has published a series of essays, written by Tom Hanrahan, Master Maine Guide, writer and columnist – currently in The Northwoods Sporting Journal, that highlights the recreational opportunities available on state-managed lands. These essays run the gamut from grouse and bobcat hunting to camping and hiking to preparedness in the wilderness. The essays are accompanied by original artwork.

For more information or to purchase your copy today, please click here.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

The Take It Outside website is Live! Take it Outside is an initiative led by Governor John E. Baldacci to encourage Maine's children and families to reconnect with nature. Take it Outside! is your one-stop shopping information source for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine. Here you will find everything you need to Take it Outside! and have fun in the great Maine outdoors.

Recently Published Reports

Management Plans

Kennebec Highlands Public Lands (Plan in development - includes draft documents, meeting notices, meeting minutes, and related materials)
Eastern Interior Management Plan (Plan in development - includes draft documents, meeting notices, meeting minutes, and related materials)
Aroostook Hills Region Management Plan (Plan in development - includes draft documents, meeting notices, meeting minutes, and related materials)

Complete list of Management Plans and Policies available online

Standing and Special Committees

FIREWOOD PROGRAM

Anyone interested in cutting firewood under this program should contact a Public Lands Regional Office. In order to provide good service because Regional Staff are often in the field, please leave a message with your name address and phone number, requests will be answered in the order received.

Regional Office Phone Numbers:
Ashland- 435-7963
Farmington -778-8231
Old Town - 827-1818

On sale now is the Allagash Wilderness Waterway DVD Northrunner. Come discover the history of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (from its creation in 1966 to the present) with those who live and work there. Northrunner explores the history of this gem of a park in the middle of a working forest. Learn why this place is so revered – and engenders so much passion.