In a few instances, as shown on the chart, units are managed in cooperation with neighboring landowners and fees are collected. Unpaved private roads provide access to many of these backcountry recreation areas. General Rules apply to most public land units, but please note exceptions on individual unit pages. A sampling of Maine's rich historical heritage has been preserved and interpreted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands at numerous historic sites. Visitors can explore old forts, which protected America's waterways during the American Revolution and the Civil War, visit a blast furnace and charcoal kiln deep in Maine's colorful wildlands, or spend an afternoon at a 17th century archaeological site.
Many areas also offer picnic facilities.
Generally, the Rules are the same for Historic Sites as for State Parks. Return to top of document Coastal Islands Coastal Islands are managed for low impact, remote recreation. The islands available for recreation, which include several dozen small wild coastal islands, vary from year to year to avoid conflicts with nesting sea birds. A brochure listing the current islands available for recreation is updated every year. Return to top of document Boating Maine's 2,500 lakes and ponds and 3,500 mile long coastline offer varied and outstanding recreational opportunities to owners of trailered or car-top watercraft.