Who owns Maine’s intertidal lands?
Analyzing ancient law, English common law, rights arising by virtue of Maine’s statehood, the “equal footing” doctrine, and numerous Maine and U.S. Supreme Court cases, it is difficult to conclude that ownership of Maine’s intertidal lands rests anywhere other than with the the State of Maine. Orlando Delogu’s book, Maine Beaches are Public Property, and the articles contained herein make the case that title to Maine’s intertidal lands is not held by adjacent upland owners, but is held by the state in trust for the people.
Orlando Delogu joined the University of Maine School of Law in 1966 and served as a full-time member of the faculty for 40 years and as emeritus professor of law for 11 years. He helped found the Maine Civil Liberties Union and seved on the Board of Environmental Protection, the Portland City Council, and the Portland Planning Board.
