Maine Natural Areas Program

The Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP), within the Maine Department of Conservation, serves Maine's citizens as the most comprehensive source on the State's important natural features. With landowner permission, the Program inventories lands that support rare and endangered plants, rare natural communities and ecosystems, and outstanding examples of more common natural communities and ecosystems. MNAP also provides objective and comprehensive information to equip decision-makers with the necessary tools to make informed and responsible decisions.

MNAP continues a strong commitment to conserving natural areas. The Program maintains a cross-referenced data management system containing current and historical information about natural features from across Maine. This information is shared with other state agencies, town planners, land trusts, and other groups interested in natural resource and conservation planning.

MNAP is part of an international network of natural heritage programs overseen by NatureServe. This network contributes important information on Maine's native plant and animal species and natural communities and ecosystems with ranges that extend beyond Maine's borders. In addition, MNAP works closely with the Maine Field Office of The Nature Conservancy and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on conservation efforts.