New Senate Bill Could Transform Maine’s Border Lands for Outdoor Enthusiasts

A new piece of legislation, known informally as the “Big Brother Bill,” has been introduced to the U.S. Senate, potentially impacting how Mainers enjoy their public lands. Officially titled Senate Bill 2967 and introduced by Sen. Mike Lee of Utah on October 2, 2023, the bill aims to enhance border security along the U.S. northern and southern borders. This could have significant implications for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.

The proposed legislation grants the Department of Homeland Security and federal land management agencies the authority to build infrastructure, including roads, barriers, and surveillance equipment, on federal lands that directly border Canada or Mexico. It also permits the use of vehicles and aircraft for enforcement purposes in these areas. Furthermore, the bill mandates federal agencies to conduct inventories of roads and trails and report their findings to Congress on both environmental and visitor impacts.

While Maine shares a border with Canada, only federal lands that physically touch this international boundary would be affected by the bill. This primarily includes parts of the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, which directly abuts the border. Popular recreational areas such as Acadia National Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument do not fall under the bill’s jurisdiction, as they do not share a border with Canada.

Despite the concerns raised, the bill does not explicitly restrict hunting, fishing, or other recreational activities on these lands. However, outdoor enthusiasts may notice increased traffic, surveillance measures, and potentially restricted areas, which could affect their experiences in nature.

The American Hunters & Anglers Action Network (AHA) has publicly criticized the bill, claiming it would “weaponize” all federal lands within a 100-mile radius of the border, suggesting that it would allow for covert monitoring of law-abiding citizens engaged in outdoor activities. While the AHA’s statement reflects their interpretation of the bill’s potential impact, the legislation specifically applies only to lands directly adjoining the border.

As of now, Senate Bill 2967 has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and has yet to be scheduled for hearings or a vote. Eight Republican senators are currently listed as cosponsors of the bill. There are no immediate changes expected for Maine’s public lands, and any further actions regarding the bill could take months or longer.

For outdoor enthusiasts in Maine, the implications of this legislation could mean increased infrastructure and monitoring on border-adjacent lands such as Moosehorn. Although access to these areas remains legal, keeping track of the bill’s progress is essential for those who value their wilderness experiences.