PFAS Fund: Land Acquisition and Stewardship

The PFAS Fund will purchase eligible properties at the fair market value as if there were no PFAS contamination. To be eligible, a property must be a commercial farm that has partnered with DACF to investigate the extent of PFAS contamination, and the current landowner(s) must have owned the real estate prior to the discovery of PFAS (with two narrow exceptions). Once acquired by the State, these properties will be managed with a long-term goal of returning the land to agricultural production whenever possible.

Use this form if you are interested in having DACF purchase PFAS-contaminated farmland (PDF).

Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Panel

The Commissioner of DACF established a Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Panel to help prioritize properties to purchase and recommend management strategies for DACF-acquired properties.

As of September 2024, the members of the panel are:

  • Mariam Taleb, appointed as DACF representative by DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal
  • Christopher Redmond, appointed as DEP representative by DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim
  • Keel Kemper, appointed as MEIFW representative by MEIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso
  • Meredith Eilers, appointed by DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal as a member of the public representing expertise in land use transactions
  • Mary Ann Hayes, appointed by DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal as a member of the public representing expertise in land use planning
  • Brett Sykes, Maine Farmland Trust, appointed by DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal as a member of the public representing the agricultural sector
  • Jim Buckle, The Buckle Farm, appointed by DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal as a member of the public representing the agricultural sector