Land Purchases and Stewardship

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Farmers can sell contaminated properties to DACF and be compensated full fair market value, appraised as if there were no PFAS. Where possible, DACF returns agricultural land to production.

Property Eligibility

To be eligible for purchase by DACF, a property must meet these requirements:

  • PFAS are elevated in the soil or water, as confirmed by DACF;
  • It is owned by a commercial farm that has partnered with DACF to investigate the PFAS contamination; and
  • The current owner bought the property before PFAS was known to be elevated.

How to Submit an Inquiry

Commercial farms interested in selling PFAS-impacted farmland property to the State of Maine can submit an Inquiry & Information Form (PDF). The form requests information about the property, ownership, and PFAS investigation history.

After submission:

  1. DACF reviews the materials for completeness and eligibility.
  2. The Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Panel reviews potential acquisitions and provides recommendations.
  3. The DACF Commissioner determines whether the State will pursue acquisition of the property.

Download Fillable Form: Inquiry & Information Form (PDF).

For questions about property eligibility or the land acquisition process, please email PFASFund.DACF@Maine.gov.

Stewardship of Acquired Farm Properties

The PFAS Fund’s stewardship objectives include:

  • Advancing scientific understanding of PFAS in farm settings,
  • Prioritizing the safe return of land to agricultural production where feasible,
  • Demonstrating viable PFAS-managed farming practices, and
  • Maintaining and respecting ecological integrity and resilient landscape function.

In the short term, DACF explores whether these impacted farmland sites are suitable for research. Considerations include the level of contamination, the presence or absence of infrastructure, and the level of oversight needed. Some sites may be utilized to demonstrate PFAS-managed farming practices.

Properties are managed in consultation with experts in ecological, recreational, and other fields to maximize consistency with local and state land use plans.

Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Panel

A Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Panel assists DACF by reviewing and prioritizing potential property acquisitions and recommending management strategies.

As of June 2026, panel members include:

  • Mariam Taleb – DACF representative
  • Christopher Redmond – DEP representative
  • Kendall Marden – IF&W representative
  • Meredith Eilers – Public member with expertise in land use transactions
  • Mary Ann Hayes – Public member with expertise in land use planning
  • Brett Sykes – Public member representing the agricultural sector
  • [Vacant] – Commercial farmer representing the agricultural sector