Submerged Lands Leasing Program
This grant provides leases and easements for scientific, commercial, and recreational projects on Maine's public submerged lands, including research on structures, pipelines, dredging, and sunken log salvage.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (sunken log salvage special period start & end) | May 2027 (general application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Lease/easement fees vary by use, size, and type; minimum annual lease rent is $150, plus application/admin fees.
Summary: Provides leases and easements for structures or activities on Maine's publicly owned submerged lands, including sunken log salvage, balancing public trust and commercial/recreational needs.
Key Information: All dates are projected; check the program page for updates.
Description
The Submerged Lands Leasing Program, managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands, oversees the leasing and granting of easements for the use of publicly owned submerged lands in Maine. The program enables qualified individuals and organizations to construct piers or other structures, lay cables or pipelines, conduct dredging, or undertake sunken log salvage operations. Revenues generated support municipal harbor planning and public access improvements, ensuring the maintenance of public trust rights such as fishing, hunting, navigation, and recreation while accommodating commercial and residential interests.
