FEWthings are as alluring—or as tempting to explore—as a remote island floating on the horizon. Yet in Maine, there is a good chance that that island is private, and landing is not allowed. The same is true along the thousands of miles of Maine’s mainland coast. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING This guide details the points along both island and mainland shores where the general public is permitted to launch or land. It will urge you to visit these treasures not just for a warm beach or a good camping site, but to become familiar with the fragile sense of each place, each unique, and how you, the visitor, fit into it. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING Of equal importance, this guide outlines where not to land, because the land is private or ecologically sensitive. You can still explore many of these places by water, where the only trace you will leave is a ripple. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU HAVE VIOLATED More than 3,000 islands dot the coast of Maine, and almost half again as many ledges and rocks. About half of these are owned by public agencies, but most are very small. Of the islands larger than one acre in size, about 860 are in private hands. Of those, 600 are owned by individuals. About 170 islands are inhabited, and 14 support year-round communities. INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW. In terms of acreage, 95% of the Maine islands are private, one of the highest concentrations of private ownership in the country. While at first glance this figure seems to smack of exclusivity, boaters along the coast should always remember that it has been the careful stewardship by these island owners that has protected most of these islands from the pressures of development and preserved their rugged beauty. Ninety percent of the private islands are undeveloped, and this has done much to keep Maine as beautiful as it is. We owe a great debt to their owners, and we can show it by respecting their privacy. Often, island owners are incredibly generous in sharing their offshore treasures. Many have quietly allowed several generations of the general public to explore their islands, though such unbounded generosity has become rarer with increased use. PLEASE RESPECT AND SUPPORT THE WORK THAT HAS Do not land on private islands or land without permission to do so. This guide in no way constitutes that permission.For island owner's policies on visiting and for their concerns, or for asking your own questions, visit our "Islands" forum.BR
BOUGHT YOU THIS INFORMATION. BUY THE GUIDE! In addition to private landowners, many conservation organizations have worked to ensure protection of Maine’s islands and coastline. Please support them if you can.
People are not the only creatues using islands and coastal sites. Sea birds need undisturbed nesting grounds and seals need haulouts for pupping and resting that are not subject to the stresses of close encounters with sea kayaks and other boats. Please familiarize yourself with these concerns via the these links: sea birds, sea mammals. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING For extended exploration or camping, we highly recommend joining the Maine Island Trail Association, which works in a unique partnership with island owners to exchange user-stewardship with access to certain privately owned islands. We also recommending adopting the "Leave No Trace" guidelines to enjoying the outdoors. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING Of the Maine islands that are public, many can be reached by public transportation. Another 30 can be explored by small boat. The remaining rocks and ledges and nesting islands should be left to the birds and the seals.Public and private island guidelines for cruising boaters.