Maine Superior Court rules against attorney general and advocates for public beach access

MAINE PUBLIC • February 12, 2024

A Superior Court justice has ruled against Maine's attorney general and others in a case seeking to establish public access rights to the intertidal zone on Maine beaches. Beachfront property owners' rights extend to the low tide line. State Attorney General Aaron Frey asked the court to grant the public unfettered rights to walk along the intertidal zone on Maine beaches. Another motion from the public asked the court to modernize allowable uses of the intertidal zone, which current law lists as "fishing, fowling, and navigation." Maine and Massachusetts are the only two states in which the intertidal zone is not considered public land.