AUGUSTA — Nearly one dozen corporate and private landowners across the state were honored as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association recognized their efforts during the annual Landowner/Land User Recognition Banquet.

The Pingree Family and Seven Islands Land Co. of Bangor joined Maritime and Northeast LLC of Richmond in receiving awards for their generosity in ensuring that public recreation on privately-owned land continues to be part of Maine’s outdoor tradition.

“Landowners and responsible land users are the keepers of Maine’s natural resources, and they make possible the outdoor opportunities which we all enjoy and make Maine unique,” said Capt. Dan Scott, Maine Warden Service. “Anyone venturing out on private land should first seek permission from the appropriate landowner and always respect the land to ensure future use for everyone.”

The MDIF&W Landowner Relations Program works closely with the Department of Conservation, the Commissioner’s Landowners and Sportsmen Relations Advisory Board (LSRAB), other state agencies, clubs from the various user groups and landowners to proactively address the topic of public access to private land.

More than 1,000 forms were distributed to various user groups and landowners, seeking award nominations this year. The nominations were reviewed by members of the LSRAB and the Maine Warden Service.

Private landowners owning more than 100 acres of land open to public use honored at the banquet were Bob Linkletter of Athens, Randy Cousineau of Strong and David Anderson of Topsham.

Organized landowner groups recognized were the Penobscot County Conservation Association of Brewer, the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association and the Aroostook ATV Club.