Augusta, Maine – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has released the 2025-2035 Maine Wildlife Action Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for conserving the state’s most vulnerable fish and wildlife species through voluntary, non-regulatory strategies.[1]
This plan serves as a roadmap to protect wildlife and leverage federal conservation funding, addressing critical challenges facing Maine’s natural resources. Developed over the past two years, it resulted from collaboration among MDIFW, the Maine Natural Areas Program, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and Maine Audubon. More than 100 conservation partners contributed to its creation, and the process incorporated over 323 public comments, ensuring broad input from stakeholders across the state.
“Maine’s most vulnerable wildlife are at the crossroads,” stated MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso. “We have seen significant declines in birds and other species during our lifetimes. This plan provides a blueprint to help protect Maine’s natural heritage and prevent further decline of one of Maine’s most treasured resources, our fish and wildlife, and the woods and waters they call home.”
The plan identifies 721 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), a substantial increase from the 378 species listed in the 2015 Maine Wildlife Action Plan. This expansion stems primarily from the inclusion of plants, which were not covered in prior iterations, a closer examination of inland invertebrates, and documented declines in additional bird populations. These species inhabit diverse ecosystems, including freshwater aquatic, terrestrial, and marine environments, highlighting the plan’s comprehensive scope.
Key threats outlined in the document include development and land conversion leading to habitat loss, climate change and severe weather events, invasive species, pollution, and gaps in scientific knowledge. To counter these pressures, the plan proposes targeted conservation actions designed to halt declines proactively. All measures are voluntary and non-regulatory, aiming to avoid the need for more stringent interventions, such as listings under state or federal endangered species acts, which could prove costlier in the future.
With over 90% of Maine’s land privately owned, the plan emphasizes the role of landowners, conservation organizations, and the public in implementation. “All of Maine’s citizens and our visitors understand the importance of Maine’s vast natural resources,” said Alex Fish, MDIFW’s Endangered and Threatened Species Coordinator. “Maine’s Wildlife Action Plan identifies priority conservation species and provides a menu of strategies for landowners, conservation entities, and members of the public to help stem the decline of Maine’s most vulnerable species. This is a plan for everyone.”
Beyond guiding on-the-ground efforts, the Maine Wildlife Action Plan positions MDIFW and partners to secure federal, state, and tribal grants, supplementing resources for maintaining the state’s rich biodiversity. One concrete example of its focus is the heightened attention to bird species declines, a trend observed over recent decades, alongside new protections for plant and invertebrate communities integral to ecosystem health.
Another key statistic underscoring the plan’s urgency is the jump to 721 SGCN, reflecting updated assessments that capture emerging vulnerabilities across taxa. These elements provide a statistical foundation for prioritizing actions, such as habitat restoration and invasive species management, tailored to Maine’s unique landscapes.
The release of this plan comes at a pivotal time for conservation in Maine, where proactive, collaborative approaches can preserve outdoor traditions like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing for future generations. By fostering partnerships and voluntary participation, MDIFW aims to safeguard the habitats and species that define the state’s wild character.
For more information, visit Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.