AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted unanimously of those present on Monday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Sally Cluchey, D-Bowdoinham, that, as amended, would create a working group to develop a comprehensive plan to restore and enhance public access to Swan Island.
The working group would help identify barriers to public access, evaluate accessible transportation options, assess infrastructure needs such as docks and campgrounds and explore possible funding sources. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) would produce a detailed Swan Island Public Access Plan with an implementation date on or before May 1, 2026.
“Restoring regular transportation will bring schoolchildren back to the island, drive economic activity for Richmond businesses and help preserve the island’s historic buildings,” said Cluchey. “I want to thank the committee for their work on this bill to find a compromise and a path forward for access to Swan Island.”
Swan Island is a 2,000-acre wildlife management area located in the Kennebec River between Richmond and Dresden which is owned and managed by IFW. The island, which was the site of historical events during the Revolutionary War, was purchased with Pittman-Robertson Act funds. Lands purchased or managed with Pittman-Robertson funds are required to be open to the public for wildlife-related recreation, including activities like hiking and educational programs.
Ferry service to the island was discontinued in 2022 due to aging infrastructure and U.S. Coast Guard requirements that included updated vessel inspection and staffing mandates.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Cluchey is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents House District 52, which includes the communities of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond and Perkins Island Township. She serves on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Cluchey) | 305-965-2744