Integrated Resource Policy

The Bureau of Parks and Lands is updating the Integrated Resource Policy (IRP).  This policy, adopted in 2000, directs the management of more than 700,000 acres of Public Lands and State Park properties. As the Bureau’s primary guiding document, the IRP directs the development of management plans and provides numerous policies for managing natural, cultural, wildlife, recreation, and timber resources.

Numerous Bureau staff have contributed to the Draft Revised IRP, available below, as have certain staff from the Maine Natural Areas Program and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Several state agencies have reviewed the draft and provided comments, including Maine Forest Service, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the Office of Outdoor Recreation, and additional staff from Maine Natural Areas Program and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

During November and December 2026, the Bureau will conduct public outreach to provide stakeholders groups and the general public the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Revised IRP. Public meetings held via videoconference will be scheduled to:

• explain the purpose and content of the IRP,
• summarize the revisions made to existing policies and new policies, and
• provide instructions on how to submit comments.

Public Meetings

Date and Time	Headline	Location	Additional Information
November 18, 2026 6:00 PM	Maine Parks and Public Lands: Public Information Meeting on Proposed Policy Updates	Microsoft Teams	Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Planning and Acquisitions Office is seeking public input on a draft update to its Integrated Resource Policy (IRP), the primary guidance document for managing Public Reserved Lands, Nonreserved Lands, State Parks, and Historic Sites. Both meetings (November 17 and November 18) will cover the same material, including: An overview of the IRP and the purpose of the update A summary of the most significant proposed policy revisions and additions Information on how to review the draft and submit comments The draft revised IRP will be available on the Bureau's Planning and Acquisition website shortly before the meetings. The public comment period will remain open through December 31, 2026.
November 17, 2026 2:00 PM	Maine Parks and Public Lands: Public Information Meeting on Proposed Policy Updates	Microsoft Teams	Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Planning and Acquisitions Office is seeking public input on a draft update to its Integrated Resource Policy (IRP), the primary guidance document for managing Public Reserved Lands, Nonreserved Lands, State Parks, and Historic Sites. Both meetings (November 17 and November 18) will cover the same material, including: An overview of the IRP and the purpose of the update A summary of the most significant proposed policy revisions and additions Information on how to review the draft and submit comments The draft revised IRP will be available on the Bureau's Planning and Acquisition website shortly before the meetings. The public comment period will remain open through December 31, 2026.

 

Comments will be accepted during the 30 days after the last public meeting. Comments may be sent to the email address below or mailed to the address at the bottom of the page.

Send comments on the Draft Revised IRP via email to IRPupdate.DACF@maine.gov.

Draft Revised IRP for Review

Draft Revised IRP – Available before meeting.

For more information

Jim Vogel
Senior Planner
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0022
(207) 287-2163