State to provide ongoing funding for Land for Maine's Future program

MAINE PUBLIC • April 14, 2026

For the first time since its formation in 1987, state lawmakers have elected to provide continuous funding to the Land for Maine's Future program. "It's really a game changer," said Luke Frankel of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. "It's a big win for the environment, outdoor recreation and Maine's natural resource-based economy." The money will come from a portion of the interest earned on the state's Budget Stabilization Fund — also called the Rainy Day Fund. "It's estimated that this would generate $7 million to $8 million," he said. "So that's a substantial amount of money going towards the program on an annual basis."