Governor signs Sen. Hickman bill giving Indigenous peoples free access to Maine State parks

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 15, the Governor signed into law LD 14, “An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop.

“I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law,” said Sen. Hickman. “Indigenous peoples have lived here for generations. Their ancestors were the stewards of this land long before the first immigrants arrived, and they deserve to enjoy the unceded land that belongs to them without cost.”

LD 14 provides that a member of a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in Maine is not required to pay a fee for admission to any state-owned park, historic site, camping area or beach managed by the State. The bill also specifies that, to qualify for free admission, a person is required to present a qualifying tribal identification to the park attendant or other designee of the Director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

As non-emergency legislation, the law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.

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