12 M.R.S. § 4652 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4652
12 §4652. Commissioners; vacancies; term; removal
Status: in_force

In pursuance of Article III of the compact there are 3 members, in this subchapter called "commissioners," of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, in this subchapter called "commission," from the State of Maine. The first commissioner from the State of Maine must be the Commissioner of Marine Resources of the State of Maine ex officio, and the term of any such ex officio commissioner must terminate at the time that commissioner ceases to hold the office of Commissioner of Marine Resources and that commissioner's successor as commissioner must be that commissioner's successor as Commissioner of Marine Resources. The 2nd commissioner from the State of Maine must be a Legislator appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislator appointed as the 2nd commissioner serves until the end of the term of the Legislature in which that person was appointed or until replaced by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Governor shall appoint a citizen as a 3rd commissioner who must have a knowledge of and interest in the marine fisheries problem. The term of that commissioner is 3 years and that commissioner holds office until a successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring in the office of that commissioner for any reason or cause must be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term. The Commissioner of Marine Resources as ex officio commissioner may delegate, from time to time, to any deputy or other subordinate in that commissioner's department or office the power to be present and participate, including voting as that commissioner's representative or substitute at any meeting of or hearing by or other proceeding of the commission. The terms of each of the initial 3 members begin at the date of the appointment of the appointive commissioner, provided the compact must then have gone into effect in accordance with Article II of the compact; otherwise the terms begin upon the date upon which the compact becomes effective in accordance with Article II . [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. EE, §1 (AMD).]

Any commissioner may be removed from office by the Governor upon charges and after a hearing.
12 M.R.S. § 9342 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9342
12 §9342. Seasonal use only
Status: in_force

No person may place any trailer, camper, shelter or tent from May 1st to November 30th at any public campsite maintained or authorized pursuant to section 1825, subsection 4 and keep that trailer, camper, shelter or tent so located, vacant or occupied, for more than 14 days in any 30-day period. Persons already having placed a trailer, camper, shelter or tent at such a campsite for more than 14 days shall remove any such item and leave at the request of the commissioner, the commissioner's designee or any fish and wildlife warden. [PL 1997, c. 678, §17 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6313 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6313
12 §6313. For-hire charter boat operator's license (WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/01/26)
Status: in_force

(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/01/26)

1. License required. A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current for-hire charter boat operator's license. [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

2. Licensed activity. The holder of a for-hire charter boat operator's license may take paying passengers recreationally fishing for fish in the coastal waters of the State on the vessel identified on that for-hire charter boat operator's license. The license does not authorize the holder or the holder's passengers to sell any fish taken under this license. [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

3. Agent fees. A fee may not be charged for a for-hire charter boat operator's license under this section. A person seeking a license through an agent may be charged an agent fee of $2. A person seeking a license through a publicly accessible online electronic system for licensing may be charged an agent fee of $1. A person seeking a license at an office of the department from a department employee may be charged an agent fee of $1. [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

4. Eligibility. A for-hire charter boat operator's license may be issued only to an individual. A for-hire charter boat operator's license may be issued to an individual only if the individual: A. Possesses a valid United States merchant marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard for an operator of uninspected passenger vessel or master or mate captain's license; or [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).] B. Holds a current guide license for tidewater fishing as provided by rule pursuant to section 12853 . [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).] [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

5. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 4807-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 6 / Chapter 423-A / Section 4807-C
12 §4807-C. Approval of lesser frontage
Status: in_force

A lot of less than the frontage required in section 4807-A may be used for subsurface waste disposal if approved in writing by the Department of Human Services. Approval must be granted if the applicant for approval demonstrates to the Department of Human Services that such frontage will not cause such lot to be of such configuration as to prevent compliance with the standards in section 4807-B , or not otherwise present any harm to public health, safety or general welfare. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §20 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6473 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6473
12 §6473. Fishing in other waters
Status: in_force

1. Limitations. A person registered for Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area trap tags under section 6474 may not fish for or take lobsters: A. In the State's 3-mile territorial sea at any time, except in that portion of the coastal waters designated under section 6471 as the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area during the open season established for the area under section 6472 ; and [PL 1997, c. 574, §4 (NEW).] B. In federal waters during the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area closed season. [PL 1997, c. 574, §4 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 574, §4 (NEW).]

2. Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to a person registered for Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area trap tags under section 6474 . A. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a person registered for Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area trap tags may serve as a crew member to assist in the licensed activities under the direct supervision of a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license holder outside the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area. [PL 2011, c. 486, §6 (NEW).] B. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a person registered for Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area trap tags who holds a federal lobster permit with a Lobster Management Area 3 designation may fish for or take lobsters from Lobster Management Area 3, as identified in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. [PL 2011, c. 486, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 486, §6 (RPR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6448 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6448
12 §6448. Limited-entry zones
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Declared lobster zone" means the zone identified on a lobster and crab fishing license pursuant to section 6446, subsection 1‑A . [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).] B. "Limited-entry zone" means a lobster management zone established pursuant to section 6446 for which rules establishing limits on new zone entrants have been adopted pursuant to subsection 2 . [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).] C. "New zone entrant" means a person who declares a limited-entry zone as that person's declared lobster zone but who did not hold in the previous licensing year a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license that identified that zone as the person's declared lobster zone. [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).]

2. Rules for limited-entry zones. The commissioner may adopt rules establishing limits on new zone entrants to a lobster management zone. These rules must be adopted in accordance with this subsection. A. After conducting a written survey in the zone, a lobster management policy council may propose to the commissioner an exit ratio to limit new zone entrants to the zone. The lobster management policy council is not required to submit the proposal to referendum and the proposed exit ratio does not need to receive approval through the survey in order to be forwarded to the commissioner. [PL 2005, c. 239, §4 (AMD).] A-1. A lobster management policy council may recommend to the commissioner whether the exit ratio adopted for a lobster management zone should be applied to the number of licenses that are not renewed or to the number of trap tags associated with the licenses that are not renewed. A lobster management policy council may recommend that an exit ratio applied to the number of trap tags associated with licenses that are not renewed that meets the requirements of paragraph C be applied retroactively to a licensing year in which the exit ratio in that zone was based upon the number of trap tags retired. The lobster management policy council is not required to submit the recommendation to referendum. [PL 2015, c. 428, §4 (AMD).] B. The commissioner may initiate rulemaking under this subsection only upon receipt of a proposal under paragraph A or a recommendation under paragraph A‑1 . The commissioner shall hold a public hearing on the proposed rules pursuant to Title 5, section 8052 . The public hearing must be held in the zone in which the rules would apply and the results of the written survey regarding the exit ratio must be entered into the record. [PL 2013, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] C. In accordance with subsection 7‑A , the commissioner shall adopt rules that establish an exit ratio between either: (1) The number of trap tags retired by individuals who declared that zone as their declared lobster zone in the year prior to the previous calendar year, but who did not declare that zone as their declared lobster zone in the previous calendar year, and the number of trap tags issued to new zone entrants authorized under subsection 7‑A ; or (2) The number of individuals who declared that zone as their declared lobster zone in the year prior to the previous calendar year, but who did not declare that zone as their declared lobster zone in the previous calendar year, and the number of new zone entrants authorized under subsection 7‑A . The number of trap tags retired under subparagraph (1) must be considered to be the total of the greatest number of trap tags purchased in any prior year under each license that is not renewed, up to the current zone maximum. An exit ratio established by rule under this subsection is not required to be the same as the exit ratio proposed by the lobster management policy council. [PL 2015, c. 428, §5 (AMD).] D. Upon written notification from the lobster management policy council that a majority of the council has voted to conduct a survey in a zone regarding a proposal for an exit ratio to limit new zone entrants to the zone, the commissioner shall close the zone to new zone entrants until the commissioner either adopts rules under this subsection or declares that the commissioner will not initiate rulemaking under this subsection. In no event may the zone remain closed for longer than one year unless the commissioner has adopted rules establishing limits on new zone entrants to the zone. [PL 2013, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] E. When a lobster management policy council proposes to the commissioner a change in the exit ratio established under paragraph C and a new exit ratio is adopted by rule under this subsection, the commissioner shall allow individuals who meet the following conditions to enter the zone in accordance with the previously existing exit ratio: (1) The individual has completed the requirements of the apprenticeship program established under section 6422 by the date the commissioner receives written notification from the lobster management policy council that a majority of the council has voted to conduct a survey pursuant to paragraph D ; and (2) The individual's name is listed on the waiting list maintained under subsection 6 by the date the commissioner receives written notification from the lobster management policy council that a majority of the council has voted to conduct a survey pursuant to paragraph D . This paragraph does not apply when the methodology by which new entrants are calculated is changed from trap tags to licenses or when an exit ratio based on the number of trap tags retired is adopted, in accordance with paragraph C , for the first time in a lobster management zone. [PL 2013, c. 239, §2 (AMD).] F. When a lobster management policy council proposes to the commissioner to establish an exit ratio for the first time to limit new zone entrants under paragraph A , it may also propose to the commissioner a provision to exempt from the exit ratio, upon completion of the apprentice program, an individual who has completed at least 92% of the hours required and at least 92% of the days required by the apprentice program established under section 6422 by the date the commissioner receives written notification from the lobster management policy council pursuant to paragraph D . [PL 2005, c. 239, §4 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 239, §11 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 428, §§4, 5 (AMD).]

3. Fishing in limited-entry zones. A person who holds a Class I, Class II, Class III or student lobster and crab fishing license may not fish a majority of that person's lobster traps in a limited-entry zone unless that person's license identifies that zone as the declared lobster zone. [PL 2015, c. 68, §7 (AMD).]

4. Limited-entry zone as declared lobster zone. A person may not be issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license that identifies a limited-entry zone as the declared lobster zone unless that person: A. Held in the previous licensing year a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license that identified that zone as the person's declared lobster zone; or [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).] B. Is authorized as a new zone entrant by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 7‑A to declare that zone as the person's declared lobster zone. [PL 2013, c. 239, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 239, §3 (AMD).]

5. Application for limited-entry zone. A person who wishes to be a new zone entrant shall indicate to the commissioner in writing a request to declare a limited-entry zone as the person's declared lobster zone, in accordance with this subsection. A person may indicate up to 2 limited-entry zones that the person requests to declare as the person's declared lobster zone. The commissioner shall stamp each request with the time and date of submission. A person may not be authorized as a new zone entrant unless that person made a request under this subsection no later than December 15th of the previous calendar year. A. A person who held a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license in the previous licensing year and wishes to be a new zone entrant shall indicate to the commissioner in writing a request to declare a limited-entry zone as the person's declared lobster zone. The person must be put on a waiting list maintained under subsection 6 according to the time and date the commissioner receives the request. [PL 1999, c. 693, §2 (NEW).] B. A person who did not hold a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license in the previous licensing year and wishes to be a new zone entrant shall indicate to the commissioner in writing which zone the person requests to declare as the person's declared lobster zone. The person must be put on a waiting list maintained under subsection 6 according to the date the commissioner determines that the person is eligible for a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license pursuant to section 6421, subsection 5 , except that if the person does not indicate to the commissioner in writing which zone the person requests to declare as the person's declared lobster zone within 30 days of the date the commissioner determines that the person is eligible, the person must be put on the waiting list according to the time and date the commissioner receives such a written request. [PL 1999, c. 693, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 693, §2 (AMD).]

6. Waiting lists. The commissioner shall maintain and make available waiting lists as follows: A. A waiting list of persons who did not hold a lobster and crab fishing license in the previous licensing year who have requested to declare a limited-entry zone as their declared lobster zone. The list must be arranged in chronological order in accordance with subsection 5 ; and [PL 2015, c. 428, §6 (NEW).] B. A waiting list of persons who held a lobster and crab fishing license in the previous licensing year who have requested to declare a limited-entry zone as their declared lobster zone. The commissioner shall adopt rules to administer entry of persons on the list established under this paragraph into limited-entry zones. [PL 2015, c. 428, §6 (NEW).] The commissioner shall create a waiting list for a zone at the time the commissioner closes the zone pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph D . [PL 2015, c. 428, §6 (RPR).]

6-A. Periodic verification of waiting list. The commissioner shall verify at least once every 3 years that each person who is listed on a waiting list established under subsection 6 wishes to remain on the waiting list. To verify that a person wishes to remain on a waiting list, the commissioner must attempt to contact the person by regular mail, telephone or e-mail. If a person does not respond within 60 days of the initial attempt to contact, a notice must be sent by certified mail informing the person that a response is required within 30 days from the date of mailing. The commissioner shall remove a person from a waiting list who does not respond to the notice sent by certified mail within 30 days after the date of mailing. The commissioner may place a person who has been removed from a waiting list pursuant to this subsection back on a waiting list in the position where the person would otherwise have been when the person shows that the reason for not responding was that the person was on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard. [PL 2015, c. 428, §7 (NEW).]

7. Authorization of new zone entrants. [PL 2013, c. 239, §4 (RP).]

7-A. Authorization of new zone entrants. The commissioner shall determine by April 1st of each licensing year the number of new zone entrants that may be authorized for each limited-entry zone. The number of new zone entrants authorized in a licensing year must be in accordance with the exit ratio established under subsection 2 for that zone. The commissioner may adopt rules consistent with subsection 2, paragraph B to implement this subsection. Upon adoption of rules, the exit ratio must be used to establish the number of new zone entrants in accordance with subsection 2, paragraph C by: A. Dividing the number of trap tags that may be issued to new zone entrants by the zone trap limit under section 6431‑A . The number of new zone entrants must be rounded down to the nearest whole number and the remaining trap tags carried over to the following year's allocation; or [PL 2013, c. 239, §5 (NEW).] B. Applying the exit ratio to the number of individuals who declared that zone as their declared lobster zone in the year prior to the previous calendar year, but who did not declare that zone as their declared lobster zone in the previous calendar year. [PL 2013, c. 239, §5 (NEW).] The commissioner shall authorize new zone entrants in chronological order of requests received under subsection 5 . The commissioner shall notify the authorized new zone entrants by certified mail. If a person does not declare a zone within 30 days after receiving the notification by certified mail, that person must be taken off the waiting list and the next person on the list must be authorized as a new zone entrant. If a person has indicated a request for more than one zone pursuant to subsection 5 , that person must be taken off the waiting list for the 2nd zone when the person declares one of the zones as that person's declared lobster zone after being authorized to do so. If a person who holds a current Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license is authorized as a new zone entrant and declares the zone as that person's declared lobster zone, the commissioner shall change the zone identified on that person's license to the limited-entry zone for which the person is authorized. [PL 2015, c. 428, §8 (AMD).]

8. Exceptions. Notwithstanding subsection 4 , the following persons may be issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license that identifies a limited-entry zone as the declared lobster zone without meeting the requirements in subsection 4 . A. A person who is under 18 years of age who successfully completed the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422 and who submitted documentation of completion of the apprentice program to the department before attaining 18 years of age may declare any zone as that person's declared lobster zone as long as the individual has met all apprentice program rules that may have been adopted in that zone. [PL 2011, c. 486, §3 (AMD).] A-1. [PL 2007, c. 615, §11 (RP).] A-2. A person under 20 years of age may declare any zone as that person's declared lobster zone if the person: (1) Successfully completed the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422 ; (2) Submitted documentation of completion of the apprentice program to the department before attaining 20 years of age; (3) Received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma; and (4) Has met all apprentice program rules that may have been adopted in that zone. [PL 2015, c. 428, §9 (NEW).] A-3. A person under 23 years of age may declare any zone as that person's declared lobster zone if the person: (1) Has logged time fishing in the apprentice program in accordance with section 6422 before attaining 18 years of age; (2) Successfully completed the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422 ; (3) Submitted documentation of completion of the apprentice program to the department before attaining 23 years of age; (4) Is enrolled in and meeting the requirements of a half-time course of study as defined in section 6421, subsection 5‑A at a postsecondary institution accredited by a state-recognized accrediting agency or body; (5) Has met all apprentice program rules that may have been adopted in that zone; and (6) Has been eligible for a student lobster and crab fishing license since before that person attained 18 years of age and has been eligible for that license in each licensing year thereafter. [PL 2015, c. 428, §9 (NEW).] B. A person who is issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license on appeal pursuant to section 6310, subsection 2, paragraph A , subparagraph (1) or (2) may declare as that person's declared lobster zone the zone in which the person was authorized to fish a majority of that person's lobster traps in the most recent year in which the person held a license. [PL 1999, c. 643, §7 (NEW).] C. A person who is issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license pursuant to section 6421, subsection 5, paragraph D may declare as that person's declared lobster zone the zone in which the person was authorized to fish a majority of that person's lobster traps in the most recent year in which the person held a license. [PL 1999, c. 643, §7 (NEW).] D. A person who is issued a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license and is 70 years of age or older may declare any zone as that person’s declared lobster zone. [PL 2007, c. 204, §8 (NEW).] E. A person who has either successfully completed the requirements of the apprentice program under section 6422 or held a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster and crab fishing license in the previous calendar year and who has registered to enter an established island limited-entry program as described under section 6449 may declare as that person's declared lobster zone the zone in which that island limited-entry program is located when the person becomes eligible to enter the island limited-entry program. [PL 2011, c. 486, §4 (AMD).] The trap tags or license issued to a person who declares a limited-entry zone as that person's declared lobster zone pursuant to this subsection may not be counted for the purposes of the exit ratio or the number of new zone entrants that may be authorized for that zone. [PL 2015, c. 428, §9 (AMD).]

9. Rules. The commissioner may establish by rule procedures to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 508, §3 (NEW).]

10. Survey required. [PL 2013, c. 239, §7 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 685-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 206-A / Section 685-C
12 §685-C. Miscellaneous provisions
Status: in_force

1. Comprehensive land use plan. The commission shall prepare an official comprehensive land use plan, referred to in this subsection as "the plan," for the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State. The commission must use the plan as a guide in developing specific land use standards and delineating district boundaries and guiding development and generally fulfilling the purposes of this chapter. The plan may consist of maps, data and statements of present and prospective resource uses that generally delineate the proper use of resources, and recommendations for its implementation. The commission shall hold public hearings to collect information to be used in establishing the plan. The public hearings must be conducted according to commission rules adopted in accordance with procedures for the establishment of rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 . The commission may, on its own motion or petition of any state agency or regional planning commission, hold such other hearings as the commission considers necessary from time to time for the purpose of obtaining information helpful in the determination of its policies, the carrying out of its duties or the formulation of its land use standards or rules. A. The commission may not finalize a plan or portion of a plan without: (1) Submitting a draft copy of the plan to each regional planning commission and other appropriate planning or state resource agencies, which shall forward their comments and recommendations, if any, to the commission within 30 days; (2) Submitting a draft copy of the plan to the Director of the Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, as described in Title 7‑A, section 206, subsection 4 , or the director's successor, who shall forward the director's comments and recommendations, if any, to the commission within 30 days; and (3) Considering all comments and recommendations submitted under subparagraphs (1) and (2). [PL 2025, c. 481, §1 (AMD).] B. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. B, §1 (RP).] B-1. After the commission has provisionally adopted a plan or portion of a plan, but prior to final adoption, the commission shall provide a copy to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, who shall submit the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan to the Governor for comments. The commissioner shall submit the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan, including the Governor's comments, to the Legislature for approval during the next regular legislative session. The Legislature shall, by act or resolve, approve, disapprove or require changes to the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan prior to adjournment. If the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan is approved or the Legislature fails to act on the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan before adjournment, the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan may be finally adopted by the commission. If the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan is disapproved or revisions are required, the provisionally adopted plan or portion of the plan must be revised by the commission and resubmitted to the Legislature for approval by act or resolve. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over conservation matters may submit legislation to implement the provisions of this paragraph. [PL 2025, c. 481, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. B, §3 (RP).] D. [PL 2011, c. 682, §21 (RP).] This subsection also applies to any material alteration in the plan. [PL 2025, c. 481, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Regional comprehensive land use plans. A county, separately or in partnership with another county or counties, may request the commission to develop and implement a regional comprehensive land use plan and associated zoning for all or a portion of the territory within the jurisdiction of the commission in the county or counties making the request. If the commission provides assistance under this subsection, it shall: A. Consult with regional economic development organizations and regional planning and development districts described in Title 30‑A, chapter 119 ; [PL 2011, c. 682, §22 (NEW).] B. Seek input from representatives of service center communities as defined in Title 30‑A, section 4301, subsection 14‑A and neighboring municipalities in the area for which assistance is requested; and [PL 2011, c. 682, §22 (NEW).] C. Provide for involvement by members of the public, landowners in the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State and residents of the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State. [PL 2011, c. 682, §22 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 682, §22 (NEW).]

2. Land use guidance and planning manual. The commission shall prepare, maintain and distribute from time to time a land use guidance and planning manual setting forth: A. A copy of this chapter, together with all amendments thereof and other applicable legislation; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] B. Examples of land use planning policies, standards, maps and documents prepared in conformance with the purposes of this chapter; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] C. An explanation and illustrative examples of the land use standards and procedures authorized in this chapter; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] D. Other explanatory material and data which will aid landowners in the preparation of their plans in conformance with the procedures, rules and standards authorized in this chapter. [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] The commission shall, from time to time, confer with interested parties with a view toward insuring the maintenance of such manual in the form most useful to those making use of it. Sections of this manual may be cited in any plan or standard in the same manner as citations of this chapter, and may be incorporated by reference in any plan, standard, rule or regulation. [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).]

3. Schedule of fees. The commission shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2 to establish a schedule of reasonable fees for the administration of this chapter. Amendments to those rules adopted after October 1, 2005 are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . No approval, certificate, special exception or variance may be issued unless or until such fees established by the commission have been paid in full, nor may any action be taken on proceedings before the commission unless or until preliminary fees have been paid in full. [PL 2005, c. 386, Pt. I, §1 (AMD).]

4. Conservation easements. [PL 1975, c. 508, §4 (RP).]

5. Additional powers and duties. In order to implement this chapter, the commission may, in addition to its powers and duties previously authorized in this chapter: A. Adopt rules to interpret and carry out this chapter in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II , unless otherwise provided by this chapter; [PL 1977, c. 694, §235 (AMD).] B. Have the power to compel attendance of witnesses, and require production of evidence; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] C. Designate or establish such regional offices as it deems necessary; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] D. Designate or request other appropriate agencies to receive application, provide assistance, investigations and make recommendations; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] E. By rule allow joint hearings to be conducted with other appropriate agencies; [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] F. Execute contracts and other agreements to carry out its purposes. [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).] [PL 1977, c. 694, §235 (AMD).]

6. Adjustments of assessing practices. Upon adoption of district boundaries and land use standards, a certified copy of each official land use guidance map, delineating district boundaries, and associated land use standards shall be filed with the State Tax Assessor. [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).]

7. Time periods. In computing the period of time to perform any act under these rules, the first day on which an act may be performed shall not be included but the last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday in which event the period shall be extended until the next business day. A holiday is any day appointed as such by the President or Congress of the United States, or the Governor or Legislature of the State of Maine. [PL 1971, c. 457, §5 (NEW).]

8. Enforcement, inspection and penalties for violations. Standards, rules and orders issued by the commission pursuant to this chapter have the force and effect of law. No development may be undertaken, except in conformance with this chapter, the standards, rules and orders enacted or issued pursuant to this chapter, and any real estate or personal property existing in violation of such is a nuisance. For the purposes of inspection and to ensure compliance with standards, orders and permits issued or adopted by the commission, authorized commission staff, forest rangers and the state supervisor or consultant personnel may conduct investigations, examinations, tests and site evaluations necessary to verify information presented to it and may obtain access to any lands and structures regulated pursuant to this chapter. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or the terms or conditions of any standards, rules, permits or orders adopted or issued pursuant to this chapter, is subject to a civil penalty, payable to the State, of not more than $10,000 for each day of the violation. In addition to the other penalties provided, the commission may, in the name of the State of Maine, institute any appropriate action, injunction or other proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct or abate any violation hereof or of the orders or standards or rules promulgated hereunder. This action may include, but is not limited to, proceedings to revoke or suspend any commission permit or approval, taken either before the commission itself in accordance with Title 5, section 10004 , before the District Court in accordance with Title 4, chapter 5 or, notwithstanding the provisions of Title 4, section 152, subsection 9 or Title 5, section 10051 , before the Superior Court as part of an enforcement action brought by the commission. In addition to any such penalties or remedies provided in this subsection, the court may order restoration of any area affected by any action or inaction found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of any order, standard, rule or permit of the commission, or any decree of the court, to the condition of such area prior to the violation. When such restoration is not practicable, the court may order other actions to be taken by the person charged with the violation which are in mitigation of the damage caused by the violation. A person who willfully or knowingly falsifies any statement contained in a permit application or other information required to be submitted to the commission is in violation of this chapter and subject to the penalties of this chapter. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §27 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

8-A. Shoreland zoning violations; commission authority. The commission may take the following actions when an owner or occupant of land within the commission’s jurisdiction violates a standard, rule, permit or order adopted or issued by the commission pursuant to this chapter applicable to development in a shoreland zone, as long as the commission sends written notice to the last known address of the owner and occupant, if applicable, by certified mail, return receipt requested, demanding the owner or occupant remove, abate or otherwise correct the violation within 10 days and the violation is not removed, abated or otherwise corrected in that time period: A. Deny the issuance of a permit to or suspend or revoke a permit of the owner or occupant for further development in the shoreland zone of the land on which the violation occurred until the violation is removed, abated or otherwise corrected and any penalties and court-awarded costs are paid; and [PL 2023, c. 602, §1 (NEW).] B. File a civil action against the owner or occupant to recover unpaid penalties, the cost to remove, abate or otherwise correct the violation, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. [PL 2023, c. 602, §1 (NEW).] If the commission is the prevailing party in a civil action filed pursuant to this subsection, the commission may claim a lien against the land on which the violation occurred for all costs awarded by the court. The commission shall file a notice of a lien with the register of deeds in the county in which the land is located. For the purposes of this subsection, "shoreland zone" means the shoreland area as described in Title 38, section 435 and “occupant” means a person occupying land with the owner’s permission. [PL 2023, c. 602, §1 (NEW).] Revisor's Note: (Subsection 8-A as enacted by PL 2023, c. 623, §1, is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 685-C, SUBSECTION 8-B)

8-B. (REALLOCATED FROM T. 12, §685-C, sub-§8-A) Stop-work order. In accordance with the commission's delegated authority under Title 38, section 480‑E‑1 and 480‑R and notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the director of the commission finds that an activity located wholly within the jurisdiction of the commission is being performed in a manner that violates a law administered by the commission, a rule adopted by the commission or a term or condition of a permit or order issued by the commission and that the activity is creating an immediate and substantial adverse impact to a protected natural resource, as determined by the director, the director may issue a stop-work order pursuant to this subsection requiring the cessation of the activity in whole or in part. As used in this subsection, "protected natural resource" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 480‑B, subsection 8 . A. A stop-work order under this subsection must be in writing and must identify: (1) The portion of the activity that must immediately cease; (2) The law, rule or term or condition of the permit or order that the activity violates; (3) The protected natural resource that is being substantially adversely impacted by the activity; (4) The duration for which the activity must be ceased; (5) The conditions under which the activity may resume, which must include, at a minimum, identification of the corrective actions necessary to restore the protected natural resource or remediate or abate the substantial adverse impacts to the protected natural resource from the activity and to prevent any further adverse impacts to the protected natural resource from the activity. Prior to the resumption of the activity subject to the stop-work order, the commission shall conduct a site inspection to assess compliance with the conditions and requirements of the order; and (6) The process by which the person to whom the order is directed may respond to the order, or request that the director rescind or modify the order, while the order is in effect. [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).] B. The director shall deliver a stop-work order under this subsection to the person responsible for the activity or, if delivery cannot be made to that person, to that person's employee, contractor or agent or to the owner of the property on which the activity is occurring. The director shall also notify the town, plantation or, in the case of a township, the county commissioners of the county in which the activity is occurring regarding the issuance of the stop-work order. (1) Upon delivery of the stop-work order, the person to whom the order is directed shall comply with the order and immediately cease the activity subject to the order. (2) Upon the written request of the person to whom the stop-work order is directed, the director may rescind or modify the order while the order is in effect. (3) The issuance of a stop-work order or the modification of an order by the director may be appealed by the person to whom the order is directed to the Superior Court pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. If the issuance or modification of the stop-work order is appealed to the Superior Court by the person to whom the order is directed, the order remains in effect and enforceable during the pendency of the appeal, except as otherwise provided in the order or by the director or as ordered by the Superior Court. [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).] C. If the activity subject to a stop-work order under this subsection is occurring under a permit or order issued by the commission, the duration of the stop-work order may not exceed 2 weeks from the date of issuance of the stop-work order. If the person to whom the stop-work order is directed does not satisfy the conditions set forth in the stop-work order for the resumption of the activity, as determined by the director, the director may extend the stop-work order for an additional time period, not to exceed 4 weeks, necessary to satisfy those conditions. [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).] D. A person who violates a stop-work order issued under this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per day, per violation of the order, payable to the State and recoverable in a civil action, in addition to any other penalties that may be imposed by the commission by law. [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).] E. Nothing in this subsection limits the commission's authority to pursue other administrative or enforcement actions relating to the activities described in a stop-work order issued under this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).] [PL 2023, c. 623, §1 (NEW); RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §20 (RAL).]

9. Representation in court. The commission may authorize certified employees of the commission to serve civil process and represent the commission in District Court in the prosecution of violations of those laws enforced by the commission and set forth in Title 4, section 152, subsection 6‑A . Certification of these employees must be as provided under Title 30‑A, section 4453 . [PL 1997, c. 296, §2 (AMD).]

10. Operating a personal watercraft. Operating a personal watercraft is prohibited on the following categories of great ponds: A. Great ponds located entirely or partly within the jurisdiction of the commission that are identified in an official comprehensive land use plan adopted by the commission pursuant to subsection 1 as being not accessible within 1/4 mile by 2-wheel drive vehicles, with less than one development unit per mile, and at least one outstanding resource value; [PL 1997, c. 739, §1 (NEW).] B. Great ponds located entirely or partly within the jurisdiction of the commission that are identified in an official comprehensive land use plan adopted by the commission as being accessible within 1/4 mile by 2-wheel drive vehicles, with less than one development unit per mile, with 2 or more outstanding resource values in fisheries, wildlife, scenic or shore character; [PL 1997, c. 739, §1 (NEW).] C. Great ponds and smaller ponds located entirely or partly within the jurisdiction of the commission that are identified in an official comprehensive land use plan adopted by the commission as being not accessible within 1/2 mile by 2-wheel drive vehicles, with no more than one noncommercial remote camp and with a cold water game fishery; and [PL 1997, c. 739, §1 (NEW).] D. Great ponds with less than all but more than 2/3 of their surface area in or partly in the jurisdiction of the commission that are identified as being of statewide significance in the "Maine Wildlands Lake Assessment" dated June 1, 1987 prepared by the commission, with 2 or more outstanding resource values in fisheries, wildlife, scenic or shore character and with more than 1/2 of their shoreline in public and private conservation ownership with guaranteed public access for low-impact public recreation. [PL 1997, c. 739, §1 (NEW).] The commission shall implement this subsection by rule adopted in accordance with section 685‑A . Rules adopted to implement this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . This section does not apply to any waters subject to regulation by the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission under Title 30, section 6207, subsection 3‑A . [PL 1997, c. 739, §1 (NEW).]

11. Landowner liability for actions of others. An owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant of premises is not subject to criminal sanctions or civil penalties or forfeitures for a violation of laws or rules enforced by the commission if that person provides substantial credible evidence that the violation was committed by another person other than a contractor, employee or agent of the owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant. This subsection does not prevent the commission or a court from requiring an owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant of premises to remediate or abate environmental hazards or damage or to reimburse the commission for the cost of remediation or abatement. An owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant of premises is subject to criminal sanctions or civil penalties or forfeitures for failure to comply with a lawful administrative order or court order to remediate or abate environmental hazards or damage. A. The commission shall investigate substantiated allegations by an owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant that the violation was caused by another person. [PL 2001, c. 365, §1 (NEW).] B. If an owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant is subjected to criminal sanctions or civil penalties or forfeitures, or if such a person is required to remediate or abate environmental hazards or damage as a result of violations by another person, the owner, lessee, manager, easement holder or occupant has a cause of action against the actual violator to recover all damages and costs, including attorney's fees, incurred in connection with the environmental damage, and all costs, including attorney's fees, incurred in bringing the action to recover. [PL 2001, c. 365, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 365, §1 (NEW).]

12. Campground storage. The commission may not limit the number of days a person may store an unoccupied camping device at a lawfully existing camping location within a campground permitted by the commission or a campground that is a nonconforming use. For the purposes of this subsection, "camping device" means a tent, registered tent trailer, registered pickup camper, registered recreational vehicle, registered trailer or similar device lawfully used for camping. [PL 2017, c. 236, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6308 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6308
12 §6308. Compliance with support orders; license qualifications and conditions
Status: in_force

In addition to other qualifications for licensure or registration and conditions for continuing eligibility to hold a license as prescribed by the various acts of the department, applicants for licensure or registration, licensees renewing their licenses and existing licensees must also comply with the requirements of Title 19‑A, section 2201 . [PL 1997, c. 537, §4 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6505-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6505-A
12 §6505-A. Elver fishing license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Except as provided in section 6302‑A and section 6302‑B , a person may not engage in the activities authorized under subsection 1‑A unless the person is issued one of the following elver fishing licenses under this section: A. A resident elver fishing license for one device; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §11 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. A resident elver fishing license for 2 devices; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §11 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. A nonresident elver fishing license for one device; [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (AMD).] D. A nonresident elver fishing license for 2 devices; [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (AMD).] E. A resident elver fishing license with crew for one device; [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (NEW).] F. A resident elver fishing license with crew for 2 devices; [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (NEW).] G. A nonresident elver fishing license with crew for one device; or [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (NEW).] H. A nonresident elver fishing license with crew for 2 devices. [PL 2013, c. 468, §23 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 225, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Licensed activity. The holder of an elver fishing license or elver fishing license with crew may fish for, take or possess elvers. The holder of an elver fishing license or elver fishing license with crew may transport and sell within state limits elvers that the license holder has taken. The holder of an elver fishing license with crew is liable for the licensed activities under this subsection of an unlicensed crew member assisting that license holder pursuant to subsection 1‑B . The license holder to whom a tag is issued or the unlicensed crew member may empty an elver fyke net. The license holder to whom a tag is issued may allow an individual who also holds an elver fishing license to empty the elver fyke net of the license holder whose tag is on the net while under that license holder's direct supervision. [PL 2025, c. 28, §1 (AMD).]

1-B. License limitations. An elver fishing license with crew authorizes the license holder to engage in the licensed activities under subsection 1‑A . The holder of an elver fishing license with crew may engage one unlicensed crew member to assist the license holder only in certain activities as authorized by rule, and the unlicensed crew member may assist only under the direct supervision of the license holder. [PL 2013, c. 468, §24 (NEW).]

1-C. Elver transaction card issued. The department may issue an elver transaction card to each license holder under this section and to each license holder under section 6302‑A, subsection 3, paragraphs E , E‑1 , F and G in accordance with section 6302‑B . The department may charge each license holder an annual fee for the elver transaction card that may not exceed $35. Fees collected under this subsection must be deposited in the Eel and Elver Management Fund under section 6505‑D . The license holder shall use the elver transaction card to meet electronic reporting requirements established by rule pursuant to section 6173 . The elver transaction card must include the license holder's name and landings number. [PL 2019, c. 642, §5 (AMD).]

1-D. Use of elver transaction card required. The holder of an elver fishing license issued under this section or section 6302‑A, subsection 3, paragraph E , E‑1 , F or G may not sell or transfer elvers the license holder has taken to an elver dealer licensed under section 6864 unless the holder of the elver fishing license presents to the elver dealer the elver transaction card issued to that person under subsection 1‑C and that card is used to record the transaction between the license holder and the dealer so that the amount of elvers transferred or sold is deducted from the license holder's quota. [PL 2019, c. 163, §5 (AMD).]

1-E. Elver transaction card limited. A person may not possess an elver transaction card unless that person holds a license issued under this section or section 6302‑A, subsection 3, paragraph E , E‑1 , F or G and the elver transaction card was issued to that person pursuant to subsection 1‑C . [PL 2013, c. 468, §24 (NEW).]

1-F. Licenses issued. The commissioner may issue up to 425 elver fishing licenses each year under this section. [PL 2017, c. 250, §3 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility. An elver fishing license may be issued only to an individual who: A. [PL 1999, c. 534, §1 (RP).] B. [PL 1999, c. 534, §1 (RP).] C. Possessed an elver fishing license in the previous calendar year; [PL 2011, c. 549, §3 (AMD).] D. [PL 2005, c. 533, §1 (RP).] E. Did not possess an elver fishing license in the previous calendar year because the commissioner had suspended the person’s license privileges for a length of time that included the previous calendar year; or [PL 2011, c. 549, §3 (AMD).] F. Becomes eligible to obtain an elver fishing license pursuant to the elver lottery under subsection 2‑C and who has completed any educational requirements established under section 6505‑E . [PL 2025, c. 225, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 225, §2 (AMD).]

2-A. Elver license lottery. [PL 2005, c. 533, §2 (RP).]

2-B. Elver lotteries. [PL 2017, c. 250, §5 (RP).]

2-C. Elver license lottery. The commissioner shall establish an elver fishing license lottery under which a person may become eligible for that license under subsection 2, paragraph F . An applicant to the lottery must submit a lottery application together with a $35 nonrefundable application fee no later than January 15th of the same calendar year as the lottery. An applicant may not submit more than 5 elver fishing license lottery applications per lottery year. In any year in which a lottery is held, the lottery must be held on or before March 15th. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the elver fishing license lottery, including provisions for the method and administration of the lottery. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . Twenty-five dollars of the application fee collected under this subsection must be deposited in the Eel and Elver Management Fund established in section 6505‑D and used to fund a life-cycle study of the elver fishery. Ten dollars of the application fee may be used by the department to fund the costs of administering the elver fishing license lottery. [PL 2025, c. 225, §3 (AMD).]

3. Limits on issuance. [PL 2013, c. 8, §3 (RP).]

3-A. Elver fishing quotas. The commissioner may adopt rules to establish, implement and administer an elver individual fishing quota system in order to ensure that the elver fishery annual landings do not exceed the overall annual quota established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Prior to allocating any portion of the overall annual quota for the State established pursuant to paragraph A , the commissioner may withhold up to 1% of the available overall annual quota. Except as provided in section 6575‑L , a person issued a license under this section or section 6302‑A, subsection 3, paragraph E , E‑1 , F or G may not take, possess or sell elvers in excess of the weight quota allocated to that person under the quota system. The rules must: A. Establish an overall annual quota for the State; [PL 2013, c. 485, §7 (NEW).] B. Establish the amount of the overall annual quota under paragraph A that is allocated to persons licensed under this section and specify a formula to establish individual quotas for persons licensed under this section. The formula may take into account the amount of elvers a person licensed under this section lawfully harvested in previous seasons based on final harvesting reports. The rules must specify the date by which harvester reports are considered final for the purpose of determining individual quotas; and [PL 2013, c. 485, §7 (NEW).] C. Provide, in accordance with section 6302‑B , that 21.9% of the overall annual quota under paragraph A is allocated to the federally recognized Indian tribes in the State and establish the amount of that portion of the overall annual quota allocated to the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Mi'kmaq Nation. [PL 2013, c. 485, §7 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV); PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF).] If persons issued licenses under this section collectively exceed the overall annual quota allocated to those persons pursuant to paragraph B , the number of pounds by which the license holders exceeded that overall annual quota must be deducted from the following year’s overall annual quota allocated to persons licensed under this section. If the overage exceeds the overall annual quota allocated to persons licensed under this section for the following year, the overage must be deducted from the overall annual quota allocated to persons licensed under this section in subsequent years until the entire overage has been accounted for. The commissioner may adopt or amend rules on an emergency basis if immediate action is necessary to establish and implement the elver individual fishing quota in advance of the beginning of the elver fishing season. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2025, c. 225, §4 (AMD).]

4. Fees. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §7 (RP); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).]

4-A. License fee. Fees for elver fishing licenses are: A. For a resident elver fishing license for one device, $55; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] B. For a resident elver fishing license for 2 devices, $63; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] C. For a nonresident elver fishing license for one device, $392; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] D. For a nonresident elver fishing license for 2 devices, $400; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] E. For a resident elver fishing license with crew for one device, $105; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] F. For a resident elver fishing license with crew for 2 devices, $113; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] G. For a nonresident elver fishing license with crew for one device, $1,126; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] H. For a nonresident elver fishing license with crew for 2 devices, $1,134. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).]

4-B. License surcharge. In addition to the license fee established in subsection 4‑A , the commissioner shall assess a surcharge on each license issued under this section as follows: A. For an elver fishing license issued under subsection 4‑A, paragraphs A to D , $150; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] B. For an elver fishing license issued under subsection 4‑A, paragraphs E to H , $300. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).] The surcharge fees collected under this subsection must be deposited in the Eel and Elver Management Fund established under section 6505‑D . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §8 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §31 (AFF).]

5. Gear. A person issued a license under this section may utilize one elver fyke net, one Sheldon eel trap or one dip net to fish for or take elvers without paying the fee required for a first net or trap pursuant to section 6505‑B . A license issued under this section must identify the number and types of nets that the license holder may use pursuant to this section, section 6505‑B and section 6575‑B . [PL 2015, c. 391, §8 (AMD).]

5-A. Possession of elvers. The holder of an elver fishing license may possess elvers only during the open season established in section 6575 and for up to 6 hours beyond the end of the open season. [PL 2013, c. 301, §10 (NEW).]

6. Minimum age. A person who is under 15 years of age may not fish for or take elvers. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §28 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

7. Nonresident licenses; reciprocity with other states. A nonresident is eligible to purchase an elver fishing license only if the nonresident documents to the commissioner that the nonresident's state of residence allows Maine residents to purchase an elver license and fish for elvers in that state. [PL 1999, c. 7, §5 (NEW).]

8. Violation. [PL 2013, c. 49, §8 (RP).]

8-A. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which a fine of $2,000 must be imposed, none of which may be suspended. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2013, c. 49, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12157 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12157
12 §12157. Permit to transport wildlife for breeding and advertising
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. The commissioner may issue a permit to anyone permitting that person to take and transport within the limits of the State wildlife taken in the State for breeding or advertising purposes. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §205 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Prohibition. A person may not take or transport within the limits of the State wildlife taken in the State for breeding or advertising purposes unless that person holds a valid permit issued under this section. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §205 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. Each day a person violates subsection 2 that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §205 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11101 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11101
12 §11101. Application and issuance
Status: in_force

A resident or nonresident may apply for and the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent may issue a written license to hunt wild animals and wild birds. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11354 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11354
12 §11354. Possessing gift bear
Status: in_force

A person may not possess any part or parts of a bear given to that person unless that gift bear is plainly labeled with the name of the person who registered it and the year the bear was registered by that person. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §167 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Person who registered. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §167 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Recipient. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §167 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Transporter. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §167 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §167 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11111 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11111
12 §11111. Tracking wounded animals with a leashed dog
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as provided in section 12862 or otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not use a leashed dog to track a wounded animal without a valid permit issued pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section, "wounded animal" means a lawfully wounded bear, deer or moose. [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility; license fee. A person who holds a valid big game hunting license may obtain from the commissioner a permit to use a leashed dog to track a wounded animal. The fee for a 3-year permit to use a leashed dog to track a wounded animal is $81. [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]

3. Dog tracking services. A person who holds a valid permit issued pursuant to this section may charge a fee for dog tracking services. Notwithstanding section 10001, subsection 28 , a person is not a guide if the only services that person charges a fee for are dog tracking services pursuant to this subsection. [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]

4. Penalties. Each day a person violates subsection 1 , that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable permit fee must be imposed. [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]

5. Tracking a wounded animal after legal hunting hours. Notwithstanding sections 11205 and 11206 , a person who holds a valid permit issued pursuant to this section may use a leashed dog to track a wounded animal outside of legal hunting hours. [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]

6. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section, which may include, but are not limited to, training requirements, the type and number of dogs used, leash requirements and the time and manner in which a wounded animal may be tracked and dispatched. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 90, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 9203 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9203
12 §9203. Compensation
Status: in_force

Town forest fire wardens shall receive compensation for forest fire fighting services at the prevailing rate in the town. Labor and equipment may be provided by individuals or goups on a forest fire without pay. All requested assistance, persons or equipment used in fighting forest fires shall, upon application, receive compensation fixed by the town in which the forest fire occurred, but labor coming from outside such town shall receive a rate of pay not less than that established annually by the Department of Transportation for state highway labor. Fire departments, organized crews or other groups used outside the town in which the forest fire occurred may receive pay at their usual rates. Forest fire fighters may be provided with subsistance while on the fire. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6575-L — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6575-L
12 §6575-L. Temporary medical transfer
Status: in_force

The commissioner may authorize a temporary medical transfer of the elver individual fishing quota allocated to a person under section 6505‑A in accordance with this section. The holder of an elver fishing license who requests a temporary medical transfer under this section must maintain a valid elver fishing license during the duration of the temporary medical transfer. [PL 2015, c. 131, §3 (NEW).]

1. Temporary medical transfer. Notwithstanding section 6505‑A, subsection 3‑A , the commissioner may authorize a temporary medical transfer that permits the holder of an elver fishing license issued under section 6505‑A to transfer the remaining annual quota allocated to that person at the time the request is made to another person holding an elver fishing license issued under section 6505‑A if the following criteria are met: A. The transferor reported elver landings in the prior fishing year; and [PL 2023, c. 180, §1 (AMD).] B. The transferor is unable to fish the quota allocated to the transferor because the transferor has experienced a substantial illness or medical condition. The transferor shall provide the commissioner with documentation from a physician describing the substantial illness or medical condition. [PL 2023, c. 180, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 2023, c. 180, §1 (RP).] The commissioner may adopt rules that provide that a transferor may choose to retain the income and tax burden from the sale of the transferor's transferred quota or that the transferor may choose to allow the license holder receiving the transferor's quota to retain the income and assume the tax burden of the sale of the transferred quota. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 180, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 55 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 55
12 §55. Exemptions
Status: in_force

Exempted from this subchapter are all dams and projects licensed by or subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission under Part I of the Federal Power Act. [PL 1973, c. 103, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10352 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 905 / Section 10352
12 §10352. Office
Status: in_force

1. Conflicts. Wardens appointed under the authority of section 10351 may hold no other governmental office from which they receive compensation, except elected positions in municipal or county government. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Compensation. The compensation of the wardens appointed pursuant to section 10351, subsection 1 is determined under the Civil Service Law. Deputy game wardens appointed pursuant to section 10351, subsection 2 are not entitled to compensation but, at the discretion of the Game Warden Colonel and approval of the commissioner, may be compensated for mandatory assignments and for attendance at mandatory training or other required meetings or classes and reimbursed for approved expenses. [PL 2009, c. 550, §2 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 10402 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 905 / Section 10402
12 §10402. Officials with certain powers and duties of wardens
Status: in_force

1. Watercraft laws. All harbor masters, except those harbor masters whose authority is restricted as described in section 13072 or Title 38, section 1 , have the same powers and duties as game wardens to enforce chapter 935 and any other provision of this Part regulating watercraft. [PL 2005, c. 492, §1 (AMD).]

2. Snowmobile laws. All law enforcement personnel of the State, including those of the Bureau of Forestry, and supervisors and rangers of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway have the same powers and duties as game wardens to enforce chapter 937 and any other provision of this Part regulating snowmobiles. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §§23, 24 (REV).]

3. Airmobile laws. All law enforcement personnel of the State, including those of the Bureau of Forestry, have the same powers and duties as game wardens to enforce chapter 935 , as it applies to airmobiles, and any other provision of this Part regulating airmobiles. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

4. All-terrain vehicle laws. All law enforcement personnel of the State, including those of the Bureau of Forestry, have the powers and duties to enforce chapter 939 and any other provision of this Part regulating ATVs. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 9321-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9321-A
12 §9321-A. Possession and production of permit required; violation
Status: in_force

1. Possession and production of permit in organized territory. Any person, firm or corporation that engages in out-of-door burning in any municipality, plantation or village corporation as permitted by this article shall possess the permit at the scene of the burning and shall produce the permit on the demand of authorized persons, including fire chiefs, town forest fire wardens or their designated agents, state forest rangers, municipal code enforcement officers and any law enforcement officer as defined in Title 17‑A . A person, firm or corporation that is issued an electronic permit pursuant to section 9326 or section 9327 may produce the permit on an electronic device. [PL 2017, c. 449, §2 (AMD).]

2. Violation. Any person, firm or corporation which violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 may be adjudged. [PL 1987, c. 618, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 4609 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4609
12 §4609. Rights preserved -- Article IX
Status: in_force

Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit the powers of any signatory state or to repeal or prevent the enactment of any legislation or the enforcement of any requirement by any signatory state imposing additional conditions and restrictions to conserve its fisheries.
12 M.R.S. § 6575-G — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6575-G
12 §6575-G. Dams with fishways; elver fishing
Status: in_force

1. Dams with fishways. A person may not fish for or take elvers within 150 feet of any part of a dam with a fishway or within 150 feet of a fishway. [PL 2013, c. 49, §15 (NEW).]

2. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which a fine of $2,000 must be imposed, none of which may be suspended. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17-A, section 34, subsection 4-A . [PL 2013, c. 49, §15 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10206 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10206
12 §10206. Disposition of specific revenues
Status: in_force

1. All-terrain vehicle revenues. Revenues received under the provisions of this Part relating to ATVs, including chapter 939 , must be disbursed and used as follows. A. After administrative costs and the disbursements required under section 13155, subsection 5 , revenues received under the provisions of this Part relating to ATVs, including chapter 939 , are credited as undedicated revenue to the General Fund except that 50% of those revenues is credited to the ATV Recreational Management Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The Legislature shall appropriate to the department in each fiscal year an amount equal to the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting revenue under this subsection. Those administrative costs must be verified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. [PL 2019, c. 75, §1 (AMD).] B. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §1 (RP).] [PL 2019, c. 75, §1 (AMD).]

2. Snowmobile and trail-grooming equipment revenues. The Legislature shall appropriate to the department in each fiscal year an amount equal to the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting revenue under this subsection. The department's administrative costs must be verified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. A. After the transfers provided in section 13104, subsection 4 , the snowmobile and trail-grooming equipment registration fee for residents collected under chapter 937 is credited as follows: (1) Twenty-two percent is credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue; (2) Fifty-two percent is credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands; and (3) Twenty-six percent is annually distributed to the municipality of the owner's residence as shown on the owner's registration certificate, except that in unorganized territory, 26% is annually distributed to the county of the owner's residence as shown on the owner's registration certificate and credited to the unorganized territory fund of that county established in Title 30‑A, section 7502 . [PL 2007, c. 556, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] B. After the transfers provided in section 13104, subsection 4 , the snowmobile registration fee for nonresidents collected under chapter 937 is credited as follows. (1) Eighteen percent is credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue. (2) Seven percent is credited to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund established under section 10258 . (3) The remainder is credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. [PL 2007, c. 556, §2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] C. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §48 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. The annual fee for each snowmobile dealer number plate issued pursuant to section 13109 is credited as follows: (1) Thirty percent is credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue; and (2) Seventy percent is credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] E. All money received under the provisions of this Part relating to snowmobiles, including chapter 937 , other than that credited pursuant to paragraphs A to D , including snowmobile dealer license fees, is credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2007, c. 556, §§1, 2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Watercraft revenues. Except as provided in subsection 6 , all revenues collected under the provisions of this Part relating to watercraft, including chapter 935 , are disposed of as follows. A. All fees collected for certificates, licenses and permits by the commissioner are paid daily to the Treasurer of State and accrue as undedicated revenue to the General Fund and as dedicated revenue to the Department of Marine Resources in accordance with paragraph C . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Each court shall pay all fines, forfeitures and penalties collected for violations of the provisions of this Part relating to watercraft, including chapter 935 , and all officers' costs collected for either coastal wardens or game wardens to the Treasurer of State, monthly, and that money accrues as undedicated revenue to the General Fund, except that all fines, forfeitures and penalties collected as a result of the efforts of municipal law enforcement officers or harbor masters enforcing the provisions of this Part relating to watercraft, including chapter 935 , in their respective jurisdictions are paid to that municipality for the local enforcement efforts. The department shall record as dedicated revenue to the Department of Marine Resources that portion of fines, forfeitures and penalties allocable to the Department of Marine Resources in accordance with paragraph C . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §49 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. All revenues collected under the provisions of this Part relating to watercraft, including chapter 935 , including fines, fees and other available money deposited with the Treasurer of State, must be distributed as undedicated revenue to the General Fund and the Department of Marine Resources according to a formula that is jointly agreed upon by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Commissioner of Marine Resources biannually that pays to the department the administrative costs of the Division of Licensing and Registration. The Legislature shall appropriate to the department in each fiscal year an amount equal to the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting revenue under this subsection. Those costs must be verified by the Department of Marine Resources and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. The remainder of revenues after reduction for administrative costs and after allowing for any necessary year-end reconciliation and accounting distribution must be allocated 75% to the department and 25% to the Department of Marine Resources and approved by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget. Prior to January 1, 2020, the fees outlined in section 13056, subsection 8, paragraphs A and B for watercraft operating on inland waters of the State each include a $10 fee for invasive species prevention and control. Beginning January 1, 2020, the fees outlined in section 13056, subsection 8, paragraphs A and B for watercraft operating on inland waters of the State each include a $15 fee for invasive species prevention and control. Beginning January 1, 2025, the fees outlined in section 13056, subsection 8, paragraphs A and B for watercraft operating on inland waters of the State each include a $25 fee for invasive species prevention and control. Beginning January 1, 2028, the fees outlined in section 13056, subsection 8, paragraphs A and B for watercraft operating on inland waters of the State each include a $35 fee for invasive species prevention and control. This fee is disposed of as follows: (1) Prior to January 1, 2025, 80% must be credited to the Invasive Aquatic Plant and Nuisance Species Fund. Beginning January 1, 2025, 70% must be credited to the Invasive Aquatic Plant and Nuisance Species Fund; and (2) Prior to January 1, 2025, 20% must be credited to the Lake and River Protection Fund established within the department under section 10257 . Beginning January 1, 2025, 30% must be credited to the Lake and River Protection Fund. [PL 2023, c. 612, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 612, §1 (AMD).]

4. Migratory waterfowl revenues. All revenues derived from the sale of permits and art in conjunction with the permits under section 10201, subsection 5 and section 11157 must be deposited into a special account within the department, and that account must be used for acquisition of waterfowl habitat and waterfowl management activities. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Sucker and yellow perch permit revenues. All fees collected pursuant to section 12506 accrue to the Eel and Elver Management Fund established in section 6505‑D , except that $42 accrues to the General Fund for each eel pot or eel weir permit issued pursuant to section 12506 . [PL 2007, c. 463, §1 (AMD); PL 2007, c. 463, §9 (AFF).]

6. Lake and river protection sticker revenues. All fees collected by the commissioner from the sale of stickers under section 13058, subsection 3 must be paid daily to the Treasurer of State. Notwithstanding subsection 3 , the Treasurer of State shall credit funds received under this subsection as follows: A. Eighty percent of the revenues must be credited to the Invasive Aquatic Plant and Nuisance Species Fund established in the Department of Environmental Protection under Title 38, section 1863 ; and [PL 2019, c. 264, §2 (AMD).] B. Twenty percent of the revenues must be credited to the Lake and River Protection Fund established in the department under section 10257 . [PL 2019, c. 264, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 264, §2 (AMD).]

7. Resident lifetime license revenues. Revenue from the sale of lifetime licenses under section 10851 is dedicated revenue and must be deposited in the Lifetime License Fund established in subchapter 5 . The department may establish payment procedures for licenses under section 10851 ; a license may not be issued until full payment is received. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Moose hunting permit revenues. All revenues derived from the sale of moose hunting permits under section 11154, subsection 11 , including all bidding fees, must be deposited into a special nonlapsing account within the department, and that account must be used to pay the costs of administering the process of issuing permits and to fund youth conservation education programs. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

9. Moose hunting revenues; moose hunting research and management. [PL 2011, c. 370, §1 (RP).]

10. Pheasant hunting permit revenues. Revenues generated from the sale of pheasant hunting permits must be deposited into a separate account within the department, to be known as the Pheasant Fund and referred to in this subsection as the "fund." The fund is nonlapsing. The fund may be used only for costs directly related to the administration of the pheasant program, including grants to a qualified rod and gun club or qualified hunting-oriented organization to help defray the costs of purchasing and raising pheasants in accordance with an agreement with the commissioner entered into in accordance with section 10108, subsection 9 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

11. Fish and Wildlife Management Education Fund. [PL 2025, c. 132, §1 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6864 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 625 / Section 6864
12 §6864. Elver dealer's license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not buy, possess, transport within state limits or sell elvers without an elver dealer's license. It is unlawful for a person to possess elvers prior to the beginning of the elver season or to possess elvers 5 days beyond the end of the elver season pursuant to section 6575 . [PL 2015, c. 45, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Limits on issuance after February 1st. The department may not issue an elver dealer's license or a supplemental license after February 1st of the current licensing year. [PL 2025, c. 370, §2 (AMD).]

1-B. Limits on issuance to same person. The department may not issue an elver dealer's license or a supplemental license to a person using the same business address as a person who has violated section 6404‑K, subsection 1 for at least 5 years following the violation. [PL 2025, c. 370, §3 (NEW).]

2. License limited. An elver dealer's license authorizes the licensed activities at only one permanent facility. For the purposes of this section, "permanent facility" means a permanent building that is owned or legally leased by the license holder and is not a dwelling. A permanent facility must have holding tanks with water and aeration suitable to hold elvers. [PL 2015, c. 45, §2 (AMD).]

3. Supplemental license. A supplemental license must be obtained for each vehicle or additional permanent facility. Beginning with the 2015 elver fishing season, a supplemental license authorizes a person to buy elvers from a person licensed under subsection 1 at the permanent facility identified on that person's license or to possess, transport within state limits or sell elvers. [PL 2015, c. 45, §3 (AMD).]

4. Fee. The fee for an elver dealer's license is $376 and the fee for each supplemental license is $52. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §29 (AMD).]

5. Surcharge fees. In addition to the license fees established in subsection 4 , the commissioner shall assess a surcharge on each license issued under this section, which must be deposited in the Eel and Elver Management Fund established under section 6505‑D , as follows: A. For an elver dealer’s license, $837; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §30 (NEW).] B. For a supplemental elver dealer’s license, $11. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §30 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §30 (RPR).]

6. Reporting. [PL 2003, c. 170, §5 (RP).]

7. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a Class D crime for which a fine of $2,000 must be imposed, none of which may be suspended. Violation of this section is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A . [PL 2013, c. 49, §16 (AMD).]

7-A. Use of elver transaction card required. The department shall issue to a dealer licensed under this section an electronic recording device that records the information on an elver transaction card issued by the department under section 6505‑A, subsection 1‑C . A dealer licensed under this section shall record each purchase or transfer of elvers from a harvester by using that harvester's elver transaction card. A dealer may not purchase elvers from a harvester that does not present an elver transaction card. [PL 2013, c. 468, §37 (NEW).]

7-B. Use of elver dealer transaction card required. The department shall issue to a dealer licensed under this section an elver dealer transaction card for each dealer license and for each supplemental license to record all sales, purchases and transportation of elvers. All transfers of elvers between any license type requires the use of an elver dealer transaction card, including all transactions between holders of elver dealer licenses and holders of elver dealer supplemental licenses. A person licensed in accordance with this section must have access to an operational Internet connection when using an elver dealer transaction card to buy, sell or transport elvers. [PL 2015, c. 45, §4 (NEW).]

8. Reporting. A dealer licensed under this section shall submit reports electronically to the department using an approved electronic format on a daily basis for the entire elver fishing season. The reporting period begins daily at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and ends at 12:00 midnight. Reports must be received by the department by 2:00 p.m. of the following day, including the day following the last day of the season. If a correction is needed following the entry of a transaction, the dealer shall contact the department directly to request the correction. If an extension of time is needed, the dealer shall contact the department directly to request the extension. [PL 2013, c. 468, §38 (RPR).]

8-A. Seizure of equipment. If a dealer licensed under this section fails to report, or fails to report accurately, and does not contact the department to request an extension of time or to correct information in accordance with subsection 8 , a marine patrol officer may seize any recording equipment issued by the department under subsection 7‑A . A marine patrol officer may also seize any department-issued equipment if an extension is requested but is not granted. [PL 2013, c. 468, §39 (NEW).]

9. Authorized representatives. A person who holds an elver dealer's license may identify authorized representatives to act on the license holder's behalf to purchase elvers at the permanent facility. The elver dealer's license holder must identify authorized representatives on forms provided by the department. [PL 2015, c. 45, §5 (AMD).]

10. Purchase of elvers. Until May 31, 2014, a person who holds an elver dealer's license, or the authorized representative of that person under subsection 9 , may purchase elvers from licensed harvesters at locations other than the permanent facility identified on the license holder's license. Beginning in 2015, a person who holds an elver dealer's license or the license holder's authorized representative may purchase elvers from licensed harvesters only at the permanent facility identified on the license holder's license. The license holder or the license holder's authorized representative shall keep records on forms supplied by the department that identify each harvester from which elvers were purchased and the amount of elvers purchased from each harvester and each dealer to whom elvers were sold and the amount of elvers sold to each dealer. At all times, the license holder or the license holder's authorized representative must be able to fully account for the amount of elvers in the license holder's or the licence holder's authorized representative's possession. On the request of a marine patrol officer, the license holder or the license holder's authorized representative shall weigh the amount of elvers in the license holder's or the licence holder's authorized representative's possession for the purpose of determining if the amount of elvers meets the license holder's or the license holder's authorized representative's records. The license holder or the license holder's authorized representative shall make the records available for inspection by a marine patrol officer. If the license holder's or the license holder's authorized representative's records do not match the amount of elvers in the license holder's or the license holder's authorized representative's possession, the entire bulk pile is subject to seizure pursuant to section 6575‑J . The license holder or the license holder's authorized representative may not purchase elvers with any form of payment other than a check or cashier's check that identifies both the seller and the buyer, each of whom must be a person holding a license issued under this section, a person who, pursuant to subsection 9, is an authorized representative of a person holding a license issued under this section or a person holding a license issued under section 6302‑A, subsection 3, paragraph E , E‑1 , F or G or section 6505‑A . [PL 2013, c. 468, §40 (AMD).]

11. Shipment or transport of elvers outside state limits. A person who holds an elver dealer's license or the elver dealer's license holder's authorized representative under subsection 9 who is licensed under section 6865, subsection 9 must transport elvers to a permanent facility identified on the license holder's license prior to the elvers being transported outside state limits. [PL 2015, c. 45, §5 (AMD).]

12. Nonnegotiable checks. [PL 2013, c. 301, §23 (RP).]

13. Record-keeping required. An elver dealer shall maintain paper records pertaining to all elver purchases and shipments. These records must be made available to the department upon request, and: A. Each license holder must have a business address at which the records are maintained; [PL 2013, c. 468, §41 (NEW).] B. The records must be complete, accurate and legible; [PL 2013, c. 468, §41 (NEW).] C. The records must be sufficient to allow each purchase and shipment of elvers to be tracked by date of purchase from harvester, by harvester name and landings number and by buyer to whom the elvers were sold; and [PL 2013, c. 468, §41 (NEW).] D. The records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years. [PL 2013, c. 468, §41 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 468, §41 (NEW).]

A holder of an elver dealer's license when buying directly from a harvester may buy only from a harvester who possesses an elver fishing license under section 6505‑A . The harvester shall make the elver fishing license and a government-issued identification card with the harvester's photograph and date of birth available for inspection upon the elver dealer's license holder’s request. [PL 2013, c. 49, §19 (AMD).]

The commissioner may adopt rules to implement and enforce requirements under this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 549, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6031 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6031
12 §6031. Governor's Marine Studies Fellowship Program
Status: in_force

1. Fellowship program established. There is established within the department the Governor's Marine Studies Fellowship Program to encourage the study of disciplines important to the conservation, management and utilization of marine resources. Those disciplines include, but are not limited to: applied aquaculture research in culture techniques, engineering, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment and product technology; marine science with focus on research in support of resource management and sustainability, including marine fisheries science and assessment, ecology and life history, water quality and contaminants, coastal oceanography, marine biotechnology and technology development and transfer; and marine resource policy and management. The program must provide support for undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and universities chartered in the State. [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. UU, §1 (NEW).]

2. Program administration. The commissioner shall seek the advice and participation of academic and aquaculture and fisheries industry representatives in administering the Governor's Marine Studies Fellowship Program and in the award process. The commissioner shall establish program guidelines that provide for contributing support from academic institutions and aquaculture and fishing industry organizations at a minimum matching level for non-state participation of 2 non-state dollars for each state dollar and may provide for contributions by other interests that wish to provide fellowship support. [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. UU, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fund established. There is established within the department the Governor's Marine Studies Fellowship Fund. The commissioner may receive funds from nongeneral fund sources for use in the Governor's Marine Studies Fellowship Program. All money received into the fund must be used for the purposes of the program. Unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year do not lapse but must be carried forward to the next fiscal year to be used for the purposes of the fellowship fund. [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. UU, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6111 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6111
12 §6111. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1985, c. 254 (NEW).]

1. Surimi. "Surimi" means an intermediate manufactured seafood product derived from minced fish meat, washed to remove water-soluble protein, blood or other undesirable components and mixed with additives, containing sugars or sodium, or both, to enhance its frozen storage and functional characteristics. [PL 1985, c. 622, §1 (RPR).]

2. Surimi-based analogue. [PL 1985, c. 622, §2 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 12706 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12706
12 §12706. Wildlife sanctuaries
Status: reserved

1. Designation of wildlife sanctuaries. The following described territories are designated as wildlife sanctuaries and are subject to the commissioner's authority under section 12701 : A. Back Bay Sanctuary, Portland: Back Bay, so called, in Portland, in the County of Cumberland, above the Grand Trunk Railway bridge or within the area enclosed by a boundary line drawn as follows: Beginning at Fish Point at the easterly end of the Eastern Promenade in the City of Portland, thence extending about northeasterly to Pomeroy's Rock, thence about northeasterly to Mackworth or Half-way Rock southerly of Mackworth or Mackey Island, thence in a northerly direction to a point marked by a buoy 1,000 feet from the most easterly point of Mackworth Island, so called, thence in a northwesterly direction 700 yards more or less to the northernmost point of the large ridge on the north side of Mackworth Island, thence in a north northwesterly direction in a straight line about parallel to the Town of Falmouth shore to the point on the shoreline where the property known as the Berry Estate meets the property known as the Portland Country Club, thence northwesterly and southwesterly along the shore line of the Town of Falmouth including that of the salt water pond adjacent to the property known as the Portland Country Club to Mackworth or Mackey Point, thence about southwesterly along the easterly side of Martin Point bridge to the shore of East Deering (United States Marine Hospital) Portland, thence about southwesterly and southerly along said East Deering shore to the Grand Trunk bridge, thence along the easterly side of said Grand Trunk bridge to the shore of the Eastern Promenade, Portland, thence about southerly along said shore of the Eastern Promenade to the said Fish Point, the point of beginning; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Baxter State Park: The following described tracts of territory situated in the Counties of Penobscot and Piscataquis W. E. L. S. the same being in unorganized townships, to wit: That portion of Township 6, Range 8, Penobscot County in the southwest corner of said township bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of said township thence north along the west line of said township to First Grand or Matagamon Lake; thence easterly, southeasterly and southerly along the western shore of said lake to the point where the said western shore intersects the north line of the Dam Lot, so called, which was conveyed to the East Branch Dam Company by deed dated October 28, 1902 and recorded in Penobscot County Registry of Deeds in book 727, page 335 and reputed to be now owned by the East Branch Improvement Company; thence running west along the north line of said Dam Lot to the northwest corner thereof; thence running south along the west line of said Dam Lot to the southwest corner thereof; thence running east along the south line of said Dam Lot to the East Branch of the Penobscot River; thence running south by said East Branch to a point in the south line of said township where the said East Branch intersects the same; thence running west along the said south line of said township to the southwest corner thereof and the point of beginning; all of Township 3, Range 9, Piscataquis County now the property of the State of Maine: All of Township 4, Range 9, Piscataquis County: All of Township 5, Range 9, Piscataquis County: That portion of Township 6, Range 9, Piscataquis County lying south of Trout Brook and south of Wadleigh Brook and extending from the east line of said township across said township to the west line thereof: All of Township 3, Range 10, Piscataquis County: All of Township 4, Range 10, Piscataquis County: All of Township 5, Range 10, Piscataquis County, excepting therefrom an area of 20 acres in the southwesterly quarter thereof, formerly owned by and belonging to Charles A. Daisey, now owned by Arnold R. Daisey, which was excepted and reserved from a deed from Percival Proctor Baxter to the State of Maine, as set forth in chapter 91 of the private and special laws of 1943. The said within described 8 tracts or parcels of land contain 149,506 acres, more or less; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Beauchamp Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in Rockport and Camden, in the County of Knox: Beginning at the mouth of Goose River in Rockport; where Pascal Avenue crosses Goose River; thence in an easterly direction along Pascal Avenue; thence southerly along Main Street; thence in an easterly direction along Central Street; thence in a northerly direction along Union Street; thence in a northwesterly direction along School Street in Camden; thence in a northeasterly direction along U.S. Route 1 to where it crosses the Megunticook River; thence in a southerly direction along the south shore of the river and along the coast around Beauchamp Point and thence in a northwesterly direction along the coast back to the mouth of the Goose River; [PL 2019, c. 355, §8 (AMD).] D. Carver's Pond Waterfowl Sanctuary: The waters of Carver's Pond, so called, in the Town of Vinalhaven, County of Knox or 100 feet from the mean high water mark of said pond. Carver's Pond for the purpose of this sanctuary must be considered all the waters of said pond above the bridge on Main Street of the Town of Vinalhaven; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Drake's Island Game Sanctuary: All that part of Drake's Island, so called, in the Town of Wells, which is bounded as follows: Northerly by the game sanctuary established by chapter 31 of the public laws of 1927; easterly by the Atlantic Ocean; southerly by the Wells River; and westerly by said river and creek flowing under Dyke's Bridge, so called; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] F. Dry Pond Sanctuary: On Dry Pond, also known as Crystal Lake, or from the shores of said pond, which pond is situated in the Town of Gray, in the County of Cumberland; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] G. Fairfield Sanctuary: The following land owned by Good Will-Hinckley within the Town of Fairfield, in Somerset County: Beginning at the west shore of the Kennebec River, thence to Route 201, thence northerly to Kendall Annex Road, thence westerly to Craigin Brook, thence southerly along Craigin Brook to Martin Stream, thence westerly along the south bank of Martin Stream to the Central Maine Power transmission line, thence southerly along the east side of the Central Maine Power line, to discontinued Town Farm Road, to Green Road, across Green Road to Route 23, thence to Route 201, thence northerly 1/2 mile along Route 201 to the southerly line east of Route 201 of Good Will-Hinckley, thence easterly again to the Kennebec River, thence to the starting point. Land not owned by Good Will-Hinckley within the described areas is not included within the Fairfield Sanctuary. Notwithstanding section 12701 , a person may trap wild animals in the sanctuary in accordance with the provisions under chapter 917 , and the 40-acre field south of Kendall Annex Road owned by Good Will-Hinckley is available for waterfowl hunting; [PL 2005, c. 17, §1 (RPR).] H. Glencove Sanctuary; Rockport: Glencove, so called, in Penobscot Bay, which cove is situated in the Town of Rockport, in the County of Knox, and which cove is bounded as follows, to wit: On the north, west and south by the main land, on the east by a line extending from Smith's Point to Ram Island and from Ram Island to the easterly point of Pine Hill in said Rockport; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] I. Gray Game Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Town of Gray in the County of Cumberland: Beginning at Gray Corner following the Poland Spring Road to Dry Mills, thence following the North Raymond Road to the guidepost at intersection of East Raymond Road, thence following the East Raymond Road to Douglass Mill Road; thence following the Douglass Mill and Furbush Road to "Sand Brook," so called, on shore of Little Sebago Lake, thence following shore of Little Sebago Lake to Foster Shore, so called, at intersection of Foster and Ramsdell Road, so called, near camp of Dr. Cushing following last named road in easterly direction to intersection of Ramsdell Road near homestead of Edgar Foster, thence in a southerly direction following said Ramsdell road to intersection of road leading from Gray to West Gray, thence following last named road to Gray Corner to point of beginning; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] J. Hog Island Game Sanctuary: Hog Island in the Town of Bremen, Lincoln County; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] K. Jefferson and Whitefield Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Towns of Jefferson and Whitefield, in the County of Lincoln, which land is bounded as follows: On the north by the highway leading from Weary Pond to South Jefferson; on the east by Sterns Brook and by Little Dyer's Pond and the inlet stream and marsh of said pond and by the highway leading from South Jefferson to Alna; on the south by the Alna town line; on the west by the road leading from Alna to said Weary Pond, in the Town of Whitefield; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] L. Kineo Point Sanctuary: Kineo Point, in Kineo, in the County of Piscataquis; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] M. Limington, Hollis and Waterboro Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Towns of Limington, Hollis and Waterboro, in York County; beginning at a point where the Little Ossipee River joins the Saco River in the Town of Limington, thence westerly and southerly along said Little Ossipee River to the highway at Edgecomb's bridge, so called, in Waterboro, thence southerly and easterly along said highway to North Hollis, in the Town of Hollis, thence easterly and northerly along the road next west of Killick Brook to the road leading from Nason Mills to Bonney Eagle, thence northeasterly along said Bonney Eagle Road to the town line between Limington and Hollis, thence northerly along said town line to the Saco River, thence northerly along said Saco River to the point of beginning. All roads which serve to bound said Limington, Hollis and Waterboro game sanctuary must be a part of said sanctuary. For provisions relating specifically to Limington, Hollis and Waterboro Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 4 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] N. Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary: The waters of Megunticook Lake, formerly called Canaan Lake, and its tributary lakes, ponds and streams, and upon the land bordering on the same included within the following roads: Beginning at Hopkins' Corner, so called, in the Town of Camden; thence via the Turnpike Road, so called, to Lincolnville Center; thence to Wiley's Corner in Lincolnville, thence to the Mansfield schoolhouse in the Town of Camden; thence via the Fish Hatchery to place of beginning; all of said lake, its tributaries and shores being located in the Towns of Camden, Lincolnville and Hope, in the Counties of Knox and Waldo. For provisions relating specifically to Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraph H ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] O. Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary: Merrymeeting Bay in the Towns of Bowdoinham and Woolwich bounded as follows: Commencing at the high tension tower on Kelley's Point, so called, in Bowdoinham; thence westerly by a line approximately 100 feet above the high water mark designated by a series of posted signs over the field lands and by posted signs and a single strand of wire through the wooded area thus southerly 100 feet more or less to a red stake at the high water mark of Merrymeeting Bay; thence southerly approximately 400 yards to a red stake or marker on range between the first mentioned red stake and Butler's Head, so called, this stake or marker must also be on range between the iron pin on the southeasterly corner of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife camp lot on the west shore of the Abagadasset River and the eastern support tower on the southern high tension power line in Woolwich; thence southeasterly across the flats and waters of Merrymeeting Bay approximately 1,900 yards to a red stake or marker located near high water mark on Elliott's Point, so called, on the Woolwich shore; thence northeasterly following high water mark approximately 1,250 yards to a red stake or marker under the overhead high tension power cables; thence westerly by a straight line to the point of beginning. For provisions relating specifically to Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 3 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] P. Monroe Island Game Sanctuary: Monroe Island, in the Town of Owl's Head, in the County of Knox; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Q. Moosehead Lake Game Sanctuary: The following described tracts or territory situated in the County of Piscataquis: Moose Island and Farm Island, in Moosehead Lake, and the territory bounded as follows: Beginning on the shore of Moosehead Lake at a point nearest to the easterly end of the state road leading westerly from Greenville Junction, so called, to the state fish hatchery on Moose Brook, thence westerly by said state road to said hatchery, thence northeasterly down said brook to the shore of Moosehead Lake, thence by the shore of said lake to the point of beginning; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] R. Moosehorn Game Sanctuary: The right-of-way of the Maine Central Railroad from St. Croix Junction in Calais, southerly to the Charlotte town line; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] S. Narragansett Game Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Town of Gorham, in the County of Cumberland: Bounded on the north by the right-of-way of the W. N. & P. division of the Boston & Maine railroad; on the east by the Black Brook Road or Scarboro Road, so called, in said Town of Gorham; on the south by the Stroudwater River; and on the west by South Street or South Gorham Road, so called, in said Town of Gorham, containing 3,600 acres, more or less. For provisions relating specifically to Narragansett Game Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraph D ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] T. Ocean Park Game and Bird Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Town of Old Orchard Beach, in the County of York: Beginning at a point on the easterly side of Fresh Water Cove Brook, so called, where the same intersects the Boston and Maine Railroad right-of-way; thence southerly along said brook to its mouth where it joins the Goose Fare Brook; thence southeasterly along said Goose Fare Brook to its mouth; thence easterly and parallel with the Atlantic Ocean and 50 feet in front of all bulkheads and houses fronting on the beach to the easterly side of Tunis Avenue; thence northwesterly along said avenue to the Boston and Maine Railroad right-of-way; thence by said Boston and Maine right-of-way to point of beginning; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] U. Orrington Game Sanctuary: The following described territory beginning at a point on the state aid road No. 4, in Orrington, at the East Bucksport turn, extending in a southerly and southeasterly direction to the county line; on the road leading to Thurston Pond, to the Hancock County line; thence southwesterly along said county line to the land of Harry Byard; north along said line to the land of E. F. Bowden; west on said line to the land of Frank Betts; northerly on line of E. F. Bowden to land of Fred Bowden; west on Fred Bowden's line to land of J. Betts; northerly on line of Fred Bowden and J. Betts to line of H. Byard; westerly on Byard's line and line of Mary Gray to land of P. W. Gray; northerly on Gray's line to land of J. Bowden heirs; northerly across said land to the line of E. F. Bowden and J. W. Bowden heirs; easterly on J. W. Bowden heirs' line to the first mentioned bound. The commissioner may add adjacent property to said game sanctuary upon application of said adjacent property owners; [PL 2009, c. 269, §1 (REEN).] V. Pittston Farm Sanctuary: Pittston Farm, so called, in Pittston Township, in the County of Somerset, being all the fields, pastures and cultivated lands of said farm; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] W. Prout's Neck; Richmond's Island; Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary: The following described territory: On the 112 acres of land, more or less, comprising Prout's Neck, so called, in the Town of Scarboro, in the County of Cumberland; or on Richmond's Island, so called, in the Town of Cape Elizabeth, in said County of Cumberland; or on the tract of land comprising 1,600 acres, more or less, situated in said Town of Cape Elizabeth, and bounded as follows: Southeasterly and southerly by the low low watermark of the Atlantic Ocean, westerly by the low low watermark of the Spurwink River, northerly by the Spurwink Road, so called, leading from Spurwink Bridge to Bowery Beach, easterly by a certain private road or way which runs in a southerly direction from the aforesaid Spurwink Road to said Bowery Beach, being the road which runs in front of the dwelling house of one Charles L. Jordan and along the easterly boundary of land of said Charles L. Jordan, and along the westerly boundary of land of the Great Pond Club, but not including any portion of said Bowery Beach. For the purpose of this paragraph, Richmond's Island includes only that portion of land above the mean high watermark and the easterly portion, as defined by red painted markers, of the causeway between Richmond's Island and the mainland. For provisions relating specifically to Prout's Neck; Richmond's Island; Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraphs C and D ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] X. Rangeley Game Sanctuary, in the County of Franklin: The following described tract or territory, situated in Rangeley, in the County of Franklin, to wit: So much of said Town of Rangeley as is bounded as follows: Southwesterly by Rangeley Lake; northwesterly and northeasterly by route No. 16; and southeasterly by the inlet to Rangeley Lake leading from Haley Pond, so called. The territory above described being so much of said Town of Rangeley, as lies between Rangeley Lake, the outlet of Rangeley Lake, route No. 16 and said inlet to Rangeley Lake from Haley Pond. This paragraph applies to that part of Hunter Cove, so called, lying northerly of Hunter Cove Bridge, so called; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Y. Rangeley Lake Sanctuary: Rangeley Lake bounded as follows: Beginning at Gilman's Point on the northerly shore of Rangeley Lake; thence southerly across said lake to the southwesterly corner of land of the Rangeley Lake Hotel Corporation; thence northerly, westerly and southerly around the shore of said Rangeley Lake back to the original starting point. Boats may pass through without incurring any penalty; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] Z. [PL 2013, c. 138, §1 (RP).] AA. Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary: The waters of Carleton Pond, so called, in the Towns of Readfield and Winthrop in the County of Kennebec, and the lands of the Augusta Water District adjacent to said pond and located in said Towns of Readfield and Winthrop, now owned or which are acquired by said district in furtherance of its chartered purposes. For provisions relating specifically to Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraphs F and G and subsection 6 ; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §293 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] BB. Salmon Pond Sanctuary: That territory lying within a distance of 1/4 of a mile of Salmon Pond, which pond is situated in the Town of Guilford, in the County of Piscataquis, said pond being the source of water supply for the Dover-Foxcroft Water District, also all the lands now owned by said Dover-Foxcroft Water District in Lots 3 and 4, Range 7, which lie outside of the above 1/4 of a mile limit; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] CC. Somerset Game Sanctuary: The following described tract or territory situated in Somerset County, the same being in unorganized territory, and taking in parts of Sapling Town, Misery Gore, Taunton and Raynham Township, and including the whole of Sandbar Tract, bounded and described as follows: The territory from the highway, being route 15, east to low watermark on Moosehead Lake between East Outlet and West Outlet, bounded as follows: Beginning at the junction of the low watermark of Moosehead Lake and the northerly side of the East Outlet of said lake; thence westerly by the northerly side of said East Outlet to the highway, being route 15; thence northerly by said highway to the southerly side of the West Outlet of said Moosehead Lake; thence easterly by the southerly side of said West Outlet to low watermark of Moosehead Lake; thence southerly by said low watermark of Moosehead Lake to the point of beginning; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] DD. Standish Sanctuary: The following described territory in the Town of Standish in the County of Cumberland: Beginning at the point where the Maine Central railroad crosses the Pequaket Trail in Steep Falls; thence southerly and easterly by said Pequaket Trail, the Oak Hill Road, so-called, and the so-called back road from Steep Falls to Richville to its junction with the Rich Mill Road, so-called; thence by said Mill Road northeasterly to its junction with the road leading from Sebago Lake to East Sebago; thence by the last named road northerly to a point approximately 1 1/4 miles north of the Maine Central railroad crossing; thence by a certain wood road westerly to its junction with the Maine Central railroad; thence by said railroad northwesterly to the point of beginning. All roads and the Maine Central railroad right-of-way that serve to bound said Standish Game Sanctuary are a part of said sanctuary. For provisions relating specifically to Standish Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 5 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] EE. Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary: Beginning on Route 3 in Ellsworth at the northeast corner of the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary and the southeast corner of the Animal Medical Center; thence southerly 795 feet on the highway to an iron pipe, being the northeast corner of the Luchini lot; thence westerly 363 feet along Luchini's north line to an iron pipe; thence S 6` 40' W 716 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Luchini, Grossman's Lumber, and the Ellsworth Water Company water tower; thence N 81` 23' W 1699 feet, abutting the Jordan brothers' lot to a stake; thence N 6` 40' E 511 feet to a stake, abutting Khanbegian; thence N 79` 59' W 1432 feet to a stake, abutting Khanbegian; thence westerly 330 feet to a stake, abutting John Dorgan; thence S 79` 59' E 720 feet to an iron pipe, abutting John E. Partridge; then 10` 6' E 659 feet to an iron pipe, abutting John E. Partridge and Beatrice Jones; thence S 79` 59' E 1342 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Harry S. Jones, III; thence N 6` 08' E 326 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Harry S. Jones, III; thence N 80` 45' E 60 feet to an iron pipe, abutting the Maine Coast Mall; thence S 6` 08' W 87 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Dow Pontiac; thence N 69` 50' E 340 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Dow Pontiac; thence S 31` 04' E 371.75 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Ellsworth Agway and Branch Pond Marine; thence N 80` 42' E 84.5 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Ellsworth Car Wash; thence S 4` 45' W 219.8 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Animal Medical Center; thence N 69` 50' E 345 feet to an iron pipe, abutting Animal Medical Center and being the point of beginning, containing 100 acres more or less. The commissioner may add adjacent property to the game sanctuary upon application of the adjacent property owners; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] FF. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary: The following described territory: A certain parcel of land situated in Lewiston, and bounded as follows, to wit, beginning on the northeasterly side of the road leading from Barker Mills to the Thorne Corner Schoolhouse so-called, at the corner of the late Benjamin Thorne's land; thence running northeasterly about one hundred and seventy (170) rods to the corner of the late Phineas Wright and Dutton lot, so-called, thence northwesterly on said Wright lot about forty-six (46) rods to land owned by David Nevens; thence southwesterly on the line of said Neven's land to the above mentioned road, thence on the line of said road to the first mentioned bounds, containing forty-five acres (45) more or less. A certain lot or parcel of land, situated in Lewiston, in said County of Androscoggin, and bounded and described as follows: Bounded southwesterly by a line commencing at a point in the southeasterly line of land of The Stanton Bird Sanctuary, six hundred eighty (680) feet northeasterly from the northeasterly line of said Montello Street, thence southeasterly and parallel with said Montello Street to a point six hundred eighty (680) feet northeasterly from said Montello Street to land formerly of George E. Ridley; bounded southeasterly by land formerly of said George E. Ridley; bounded northeasterly by land formerly of George H. Field; and bounded northwesterly by land of The Stanton Bird Club. A certain lot of land situated in said Lewiston, bounded and described as follows, to wit: Beginning at a stake and stones at the northeast corner of lot numbered thirteen (13); thence southwesterly on line of land now or formerly of Catherine Lynch and land formerly owned by George Bubier to the northeast corner of land formerly owned by Phineas Wright; thence northwesterly along said Wright land sixty-two (62) rods and five (5) links to stake in the corner of land now or formerly owned by William B. Kilbourne; thence north fifty degrees (50`) east on line of said Kilbourne land seventy (70) rods to stake standing on the southerly line of lot numbered twelve (12), formerly owned by James Lowell; thence southeasterly on said last mentioned line sixty-two (62) rods and five (5) links to point of commencement. Containing twenty-six (26) acres and one hundred fifty-seven (157) rods. A certain lot or parcel of land adjoining the lot above described and bounded and described as follows, to wit: Commencing on the westerly side of the road leading from Thorne's Corner by the residence now or formerly owned by Henry C. Field to Greene at the northeasterly corner of land owned by said Field, now or formerly; thence northwesterly on line of said Field land to land now or formerly of Frye and Dill; thence northeasterly on line of said Frye and Dill land and lot above described to land now or formerly owned by Catherine Lynch; thence southeasterly on line of said Lynch land to the aforesaid road; thence southwesterly by said road to point of commencement. Also another piece or parcel of land situated in said Lewiston, being a part of the Homestead Farm of Phineas Wright and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the westerly corner of the Homestead Farm of Jarius Carville; thence southwesterly on said Carville land and land of Henry Field about fifty-seven (57) rods; thence at right angles northwesterly about sixty-nine and one-half (69 1/2) rods to the stone wall between the field and pasture on said Homestead Farm; thence by said wall northeasterly to the land of the late Dr. William Kilbourne; thence southeasterly on said Kilbourne land and land of Jarius Carville seventy-five (75) rods to point of beginning, containing twenty-seven (27) acres. A certain lot or parcel of land, situated in Lewiston in said County of Androscoggin and bounded and described as follows: Commencing at a point in the northeasterly line of Montello Street where the southeasterly line of land conveyed to the Stanton Bird Club by Alfred Williams Anthony by deed dated Jan. 18, 1922 and recorded in the Androscoggin Registry of Deeds, Book 315, page 447, intersects said street; thence northeasterly by southeasterly line of said land of said Stanton Bird Club, six hundred eighty (680) feet to land of said Stanton Bird Club; thence southeasterly and parallel with said Montello Street to a point six hundred eighty (680) feet northeasterly from said Montello Street and land formerly of George E. Ridley; thence southwesterly by said Ridley land six hundred eighty (680) feet to said Montello Street; thence northwesterly along the northeasterly side of said Montello Street to point of commencement. Also a certain other lot or parcel of land, situated in said Lewiston, bounded as follows: Westerly by the Highland Spring Road, northerly by the Thorne road, so-called, easterly by land of one A.D. Ames, and southerly by lands of Daniel Conley and A.W. Taylor, the same containing six and two-tenths (6.2) acres more or less. A certain lot or parcel of land situated northeasterly from the northeasterly end of East Avenue in said Lewiston, bounded and described as follows, to wit: Beginning at the corner of the Field, Wood, and Thorncrag lots, so-called, near the Miller Fireplace, thence running northwesterly one hundred fifty (150) feet about 9.03 rods, along the stone wall between the Thorncrag and Wood lots, so-called, to a stake and stones; thence at right angles northeasterly about 42.7 rods to a stake and stones on the line dividing the old Frye and Dill lot, now owned by the Stanton Bird Club, and the old Phineas Wright Homestead now owned by this Grantor; thence at nearly right angles along said line two hundred twenty (220) feet (13 1/3 rods) to the corner of the three lots commonly called the Frye and Dill, Henry Field and Phineas Wright, now owned by this Grantor, lots; thence 42.7 rods at right angles southwesterly along the Field line to the point of beginning; containing three (3) acres more or less. A certain lot or parcel of land situated in said Lewiston, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake set in the ground in a stone wall on the northeasterly line of land of said Stanton Bird Club, said stake being one hundred fifty (150) feet from the northwesterly corner of land of Raymond R. Field; thence northwesterly along the northeasterly line of land of said Stanton Bird Club one hundred twenty-five (125) feet to an iron stake set in the ground; thence at right angles northeasterly three hundred (300) feet to an iron stake set in the ground; thence at right angles northwesterly twenty-five (25) feet to an iron stake set in the ground; thence at right angles northeasterly three hundred seventeen (317) feet, more or less, to a stake set in the ground on the southeasterly line of land of the Stanton Bird Club one hundred fifty (150) feet to an iron stake set in the ground on the northwesterly line of land of said Stanton Bird Club; thence southwesterly along the northwesterly line of land of said Stanton Bird Club to the point of beginning; containing two (2) acres, more or less. A certain lot or parcel of land situated in Lewiston, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point on the southeasterly line of the original Stanton Bird Club Sanctuary, three hundred sixty-four (364) feet northeasterly from the northeasterly line of Montello Street; thence in a northeasterly direction by land now or formerly of the Stanton Bird Club, three hundred and sixty-eight (368) feet; thence in a southeasterly direction, parallel with the said northeasterly line of Montello Street, two hundred and forty (240) feet; thence in a southwesterly direction parallel with the first described line, three hundred sixty-eight (368) feet; thence in a northwesterly direction parallel with the said northeasterly line of Montello Street, two hundred forty (240) feet to the point of beginning, containing two (2) acres more or less. A certain lot or parcel of land situated in said Lewiston, it being the southwest end of Lot #13 bounded southeasterly on Lot #33 and southwesterly and northwesterly on a four (4) rod way as laid down on the plan of said township of said Lewiston. Containing fifty (50) acres, more or less, and being the homestead farm of the late Elizabeth S. Wood, deceased, and the premises being the same conveyed to her by the name of Elizabeth S. Haley by Dorcas G. Wright by deed dated April 12, 1866, and recorded in the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds in Book 43, Page 114. A certain lot or parcel of land situated in said Lewiston, bounded and described as follows, viz: Commencing at a point on the westerly line of land now or formerly of H. Osmond Wood and Mabel V. Wood (formerly Dorcas Wright) where the northerly line of land of A. W. Anthony (formerly of Ephriam Wood) intersects said H. Osmond and Mabel V. Wood's west line; thence northerly nine hundred ninety-nine (999') feet on said H. Osmond and Mabel V. Wood's westerly line to land now or formerly of Charles W. Benson (formerly of O. K. Douglass); thence at right angles westerly one thousand two hundred twenty (1220') feet on said Benson's southerly line to a point in a rock wall; thence southeasterly on line of land now or formerly of George H. McGibbon and Mathilda G. McGibbon, one thousand two hundred thirty (1,230') feet to a point in the rock wall on the northerly line of said Anthony's land, one thousand nine hundred forty-six (1,946') feet from the point of commencement; thence easterly along the northerly line of land of said Anthony, one thousand nine hundred forty-six (1,946') feet to the point of beginning. Deacon Davis Bird Refuge: The following described territory: A certain parcel of land situated in the city of Lewiston, in the county of Androscoggin, and bounded as follows: The most northerly corner of land of the estate of George K. Davis, bounded and described as follows, to wit: On the northwest by land of the so-called Ham Farm; on the northeast by Pleasant Street; on the southwest by land of Joseph Breault; and on the southeast by a line extending northeasterly from the easterly corner of said Breault's land, and being a continuation of the southeast boundary of said Breault's land, containing 2 acres, more or less. Woodbury Sanctuary: The following described territory: A certain parcel of land situated in the towns of Litchfield and Monmouth in the county of Kennebec and bounded as follows: The westerly side of Whippoorwill Road, so called. Being all the land conveyed to the Stanton Bird Club by Louise S. Drew and Clara B. Dana by deed dated July 2, 1929 and recorded in Kennebec County Registry of Deeds in Book 669-Page 210; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] GG. Tomhegan Game Sanctuary: The following territory in Township 1, Range 2, N. B. K. P., commonly known as Tomhegan Town, in the County of Somerset, described as follows: Beginning at a cedar post and stones, the post being marked PRESERVE C/W 1931, standing on the line which is the division line between the land owned by the Great Northern Paper Company and that owned by the trust estate of F. W. Rollins, standing on the westerly shore of Socatean Bay in Moosehead Lake; thence westerly on said division line 1 mile and 160 rods to a cedar post and stones, the post being marked PRESERVE C 1931; thence southerly at right angle to said division line 250 rods to a cedar post and stones, the post being marked PRESERVE C/W 1931 and standing on the northerly shore of Tomhegan Bay in Moosehead Lake; thence easterly and northerly along the shore of Moosehead Lake around Socatean Point, so called, to the point of beginning and containing 700 acres, more or less; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] HH. Wells Sanctuary: The following described tract or territory, situated in the Town of Wells, in the County of York: a certain tract of land, bounded and described as follows: On the east by the Atlantic Ocean; on the south by the Drake Island Road, so called; on the west by the U. S. Number 1 highway, so called; on the north by the town line of Kennebunk and Wells; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] II. Wells and York Game Sanctuary: The following described territory situated in the Towns of Wells and York in York County; beginning at a point on highway No. 1 where the Josias River meets said highway No. 1 in the Town of Wells, thence southwesterly along said Josias River to the Maine Turnpike in the Town of York, thence northerly along said Maine Turnpike to the Agamenticus Road overpass; thence westerly across said overpass by Agamenticus Road to the North Village Road; thence northerly along said North Village Road to Ogunquit-North Berwick Road, thence easterly along said Ogunquit-North Berwick Road to highway No. 1 in the Town of Wells, thence southerly along highway No. 1 to the point of beginning in the Town of Wells; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] JJ. Willow Water Game Sanctuary: The following named territory, on the following described properties, located in the Town of Perry: (1) Beginning on the county road on the westerly line of the Reed Farm, so called, now or formerly owned by Mrs. J. Abiah McPhail, and thence running north 4` east, following said line, 32 rods to a marked tree; thence 75` west 20 rods to a stake; thence south 4` east 32 rods to the county road; thence easterly by the county road to the place of beginning. The same being the building lot formerly owned by the late John W. Trott and containing 4 acres, more or less; (2) Any one other lot or parcel of land lying and being on the northerly side of the county road leading from the Eastport-Perry Bridge to Pembroke and bounded and described as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of land formerly of the John W. Trott estate and thence running northerly on the west line of said Trott land to the northwest corner thereof; thence easterly on the north line of said Trott land to land now or formerly of Mrs. J. Abiah McPhail, formerly of John Reddington; thence north 1` east along the west line of said McPhail land to land now or formerly of the Charles J. Trott estate; thence westerly on the south line of said Trott land 62 rods; thence northerly on the westerly line of said Trott land 48 rods to the Morrison lot, so called; thence westerly on the said Morrison lot to land now or formerly of W. W. Brown; thence south 1/2` west 200 rods to the county road; thence easterly on said county road 77 rods to the place of beginning, containing in all 107 acres, more or less, being part of lots numbered 29 and 30 according to the plan of the Town of Perry; (3) Any one other lot or parcel of land known as the pasture lot formerly the Wm. H. Brown Farm, bounded generally as follows, to wit: On the north by land formerly of S. Frost; on the east by land of Trott, on the south by the county road leading to Pembroke and on the west by land of M. Conley and land of others, names unknown, the above described lots being known as the Elijah Loring Farm in said Perry; (4) A certain lot of land bounded on the north by land of the late John McCarty; on the east by Frost's Cove; on the south by lands formerly of Lucinda Frost and of Lewis D. Frost; and on the west by lands of the late John Morrison, William Anderson and the late John McCarty, containing 75 acres, more or less; (5) One other lot or parcel of land bounded and described as follows, to wit: On the east by lots numbered 19 and 20; southerly by land of the late John Loring and the Russell lot, so called; westerly by lots numbered 10 and 11; and northerly by the William Anderson lot, and land formerly owned by the late Aaron Frost; (6) One other certain lot or parcel of land bounded and described as follows, to wit: Bounded on the north by road leading from county road, to the field on the west; on the east by the county road leading from Eastport to Calais, on the south and the west by land of Lucinda Frost, afterwards conveyed to Jennie Frost; said lot being 10 rods on the county road and 8 rods back from the road; and (7) One other certain lot or parcel of land bounded and described as follows, to wit: On the east by the county road leading from Eastport to Robbinston; on the south by land formerly owned by John A. Frost, on the west by land formerly of Sidney S. Frost and on the north by land formerly of Sidney S. Frost. The owner of the properties included within the Willow Water Game Sanctuary shall enclose the same with a suitable fence and shall cause the erection of suitable signs on or near said sanctuary indicating that no hunting is permitted thereon. Near the center of said game sanctuary such owner is authorized to construct a 15-acre pond for the propagation of waterfowl, principally wood duck, teal and blacks. For provisions relating specifically to Willow Water Game Sanctuary, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraph A ; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] KK. York Game Sanctuary, in the County of Franklin: The following named territory; on the property of the following named persons, to wit: On land of J. Lewis York and on land of Yorks; said game sanctuary being in the northwest corner of Dallas Plantation, and bounded as follows, to wit: West by the east line of the Town of Rangeley; north by the south line of Lang Plantation; east by the west line of the public lot in Dallas Plantation; and south by land of Furbish, Goodspeed Company and land of the heirs of Henry Bliss, containing 539 acres, more or less. This game sanctuary is called the York Game Sanctuary. For provisions relating specifically to York Game Sanctuary, in the County of Franklin, see section 12707, subsection 2, paragraph B . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2019, c. 355, §8 (AMD).]

2. Temporary wildlife sanctuaries. The following provisions apply to temporary wildlife sanctuaries. A. The commissioner may, upon the written consent of landowners, create from any lands within the State, not to exceed 1,000 acres, a sanctuary or sanctuaries for the purpose of liberating tame deer. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The commissioner may release all or any part of lands from the restrictions of a sanctuary or sanctuaries, whenever the commissioner considers it expedient. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12707 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12707
12 §12707. Unlawful activity in wildlife sanctuary; general prohibitions and exceptions
Status: in_force

Except to the extent permitted by the commissioner under section 12701 , activities listed in this section are prohibited in a wildlife sanctuary. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

1. Unlawful activity in wildlife sanctuary. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1-A. Unlawful activity in wildlife sanctuary. Except as provided in subsection 2 , the following activities are prohibited. A. A person may not trap or hunt any wild animal or wild bird at any time within a wildlife sanctuary as designated in section 12706 . (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this paragraph after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person may not possess any wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of paragraph A . (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. (2) A person who violates this paragraph after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to the prohibitions in subsection 1-A . A. Subsection 1‑A does not apply to crows and skunks in the Willow Water Game Sanctuary. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person residing within the limits of the York Game Sanctuary in the County of Franklin may kill any wild bird, except grouse, or any wild animal, except beaver, when found destroying that person's property. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A person residing within the limits of Prout's Neck, Richmond's Island and Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary may kill any wild bird, except ruffed grouse or Hungarian partridge, or any wild animal, when found destroying that person's property. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. A person may trap any wild animal except moose and deer within Fairfield Sanctuary, Narragansett Game Sanctuary and Prout's Neck, Richmond's Island and Cape Elizabeth Sanctuary in accordance with the general laws of the State. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] E. [PL 2013, c. 138, §2 (RP).] F. The Augusta Water District may use Carleton Pond in the Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary as it determines necessary. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] G. Within the Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary, subsection 1-A applies only to fenced lands. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] H. Subsection 1‑A applies to Megunticook Lake and Vicinity Sanctuary from the first day of April of each year to the 30th day of September following. From October 1st until March 31st of each year, hunting wild animals and wild birds is permitted. [PL 2019, c. 355, §9 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 355, §9 (AMD).]

3. Using motorboat within Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary. A person may not use a motorboat within Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary, except that motorboats may be used between the Woolwich shore on the east and a line on the west designated by a series of red markers adjacent to the edge of the grassy marsh area from Kelly's Point to the southern boundary of the Merrymeeting Bay Game Sanctuary. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Carrying loaded firearm on bounds of Limington, Hollis and Waterboro Sanctuary. A person may not carry a loaded firearm on any of the roads bounding the Limington, Hollis and Waterboro Sanctuary. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Carrying loaded firearm on bounds of Standish Sanctuary. A person may not carry a loaded firearm on any road or on the Maine Central Railroad right-of-way that bounds the Standish Game Sanctuary. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Fishing in Carleton Pond. A person may not fish in Carleton Pond in the Readfield and Winthrop Sanctuary. A. A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §294 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6036 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6036
12 §6036. Marine Fisheries Research and Development Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Marine Fisheries Research and Development Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the department. Unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year may not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year and used for the purposes of this section. [PL 2003, c. 520, §2 (NEW).]

2. Sources and uses of fund. Revenues from the total gasoline tax revenues credited to the fund under Title 36, section 2903‑D may be used for research, development, propagation and management activities of the department. The commissioner may select activities and projects that will be most beneficial to the commercial fisheries of the State as well as the development of sport fisheries in the State. In addition to the revenues derived from the total gasoline tax revenues, the fund may receive money from any source for the purposes of this subsection. [PL 2003, c. 520, §2 (NEW).]

3. Allocations from fund. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. LLLL, §3 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 10262 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10262
12 §10262. Warden Service Aircraft Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Warden Service Aircraft Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established through the Office of the State Controller as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Warden Service within the department, referred to in this section as the "bureau," to ensure the viability of its aviation program. [PL 2009, c. 146, §5 (NEW).]

2. Funding. The bureau may assess charges consisting of direct operating costs of the aircraft to agencies of the State for the use of the bureau's aircraft resources for purposes other than warden service activities and shall deposit any such money received into the fund. The bureau may apply for and accept any appropriation, grant, gift or service made available from any public or private source consistent with the purpose of this section and shall deposit any such money into the fund. [PL 2009, c. 146, §5 (NEW).]

3. Fund uses. The bureau may use the fund to purchase aviation equipment and pay for operational expenses, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, fuel and spare parts, in accordance with the bureau's plan to diversify and modernize its aviation program. [PL 2009, c. 146, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12807 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12807
12 §12807. Introduction of wolves to State; approval
Status: in_force

A person may not release a wolf in the State for the purpose of reintroducing that species into the State without the prior approval of both Houses of the Legislature and the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6957 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 627 / Section 6957
12 §6957. Fishing near floating equipment
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not operate a vessel using drags, otter trawls, pair trawls, beam trawls, scottish seines or midwater trawls to fish for or take finfish, shellfish, sea urchins or any other marine organisms within 300 feet of any suspended culture floating cages, tray racks or other floating equipment authorized in a lease issued by the commissioner under section 6072 , 6072‑A or 6072‑B , or a license issued under section 6072‑C , if the equipment is marked in accordance with subsection 1‑A . [PL 2007, c. 615, §22 (AMD).]

1-A. Markings. The owner of a suspended culture floating cage, tray rack or other floating equipment shall mark the area in which a vessel is prohibited under subsection 1 with at least 4 anchors, each marked by a yellow buoy at least 2 feet in diameter. [PL 1995, c. 169, §2 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A violation of subsection 1 is a Class D crime. In addition to any other authorized sentencing alternative, the court shall impose a minimum fine of $1,000 that may not be suspended. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §15 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6522 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6522
12 §6522. Monofilament nets
Status: in_force

A person who discards or abandons into any waters any net made of monofilament or of other material which is not biodegradable commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. B, §5 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6726 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6726
12 §6726. Ring size
Status: in_force

1. Minimum size. The minimum ring size is 3 1/2 inches except as provided by rule. The commissioner shall establish by rule a minimum ring size that may not be smaller than 4 inches in diameter. A person may not use a drag to fish for or take scallops in the territorial waters with rings that measure less than the ring size provided pursuant to this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . A. [PL 1999, c. 94, §2 (RP).] B. [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] C. [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §8 (RP).] [PL 2007, c. 607, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]

2. Measurement of rings. Ring size is determined by measuring the shortest straight line passing through the center of the ring from one inside edge to the opposite inside edge of the ring. The measurement may not include links or normal welds from ring manufacturing. The rings measured must be at least 5 rings away from the mouth and at least 2 rings away from other rigid portions of the drag. [PL 1997, c. 281, §1 (NEW).]

3. Configuration of drag. The commissioner shall adopt rules that limit the mesh size of net material on the top of a scallop drag, prohibit chafing gear or cookies on the top of a scallop drag, establish ring link restrictions for a scallop drag and prohibit drag or net obstructions. Rules initially adopted pursuant to this subsection must be identical to federal regulations in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery in effect on March 25, 1997 that limit the mesh size of net material on the top of a scallop drag, prohibit chafing gear or cookies on the top of a scallop drag, establish ring link restrictions for a scallop drag and prohibit drag or net obstructions. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1997, c. 281, §1 (NEW).]

4. Violations. Notwithstanding section 6174, subsection 3 , a person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which the following penalties apply: A. For the first offense, a mandatory fine of $500 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; [PL 2007, c. 557, §7 (NEW).] B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and [PL 2007, c. 557, §7 (NEW).] C. For the 3rd and subsequent offenses, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized. The penalty imposed pursuant to this paragraph is in addition to the penalty imposed under section 6728‑B . [PL 2007, c. 557, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §8 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1891-L — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1891-L
12 §1891-L. Volunteer insurance
Status: in_force

SERVE/Maine shall ensure that volunteers are covered by workplace injury and liability insurance. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. NN, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10203 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10203
12 §10203. Collection and disposition of money
Status: in_force

1. General. The following money must be paid to the Treasurer of State as undedicated revenue to the General Fund: A. All fees, fines, penalties and officers' costs and all other money received, collected or recovered by the court or the department under any provisions of this Part except section 10206, subsections 1 and 3 ; section 10259 ; section 10353, subsection 3 ; section 11157 ; chapter 925, subchapter 3 ; and chapter 929 ; and [PL 2009, c. 146, §1 (AMD).] B. Any fees, fines and penalties recovered by the court from any prosecution by wardens pursuant to their acting, under section 10353, subsection 3 , with the same powers and duties as sheriffs. [PL 2009, c. 146, §2 (AMD).] C. [PL 2009, c. 146, §3 (RP).] [PL 2009, c. 146, §§1-3 (AMD).]

2. Counties not to pay unpaid officers' fees. Officers' fees taxed against a respondent, if any, under this Part that are not paid by or recovered from the respondent may not be assumed or paid by the county where the offense was committed. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. License and permit fees. License and permit fees must be collected and expended in accordance with section 10801 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Watercraft. Money relating to watercraft laws and rules must be collected and expended in accordance with section 10206, subsection 3 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Snowmobiles and trail-grooming equipment. Money relating to snowmobile and trail-grooming equipment laws and rules must be collected and expended in accordance with section 1893, subsection 3 and section 10206, subsection 2 . [PL 2005, c. 93, §1 (AMD).]

6. Failure to pay fine or fee. A person who receives money for any fine, or part thereof, for a violation of this Part, or any fee for a license or permit issued under the authority of this Part, may not neglect for more than 30 days to pay the money over as provided in this section. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §46 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

7. Department-owned property. Money received from the sale, lease or rental of department-owned property or products must be deposited into the program account that originally expended funds for that property. [PL 2009, c. 146, §4 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12451 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12451
12 §12451. Application of laws
Status: in_force

1. Waters covered by provisions relating to fish. This Part so far as it relates to fish of all varieties and fishways applies to fish and fishways in the inland waters of the State. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Great ponds. A person on foot may engage in any activity on the great ponds not inconsistent with any other law or regulation of the State or its political subdivisions. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Ponds of 10 acres or less. Fishing in a pond of 10 acres or less, whether natural or artificial, formed on a brook, stream or river, is governed by the same laws and rules that govern fishing in the brook, stream or river on which the pond is situated. This subsection does not apply to private ponds as set forth in section 12508 . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11214 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11214
12 §11214. Unlawful use or possession of implements or aids
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not: A. Use for hunting or possess for hunting any automatic firearm. This paragraph does not apply to: (1) Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard in the performance of its duty. [PL 2017, c. 164, §11 (AMD).] B. Use for hunting or possess for hunting any autoloading firearm having a magazine capacity of more than 5 cartridges. All autoloading firearms having a magazine capacity in excess of 5 cartridges must have the magazine permanently altered to contain not more than 5 cartridges before the autoloading firearm may be used in this State for hunting. This paragraph does not apply to: (1) Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard in the performance of its duty; or (2) Firearms using the .22 caliber rimfire cartridge or smaller caliber cartridge or to any autoloading pistol having a barrel less than 8 inches in length; [PL 2017, c. 164, §11 (AMD).] C. [PL 2021, c. 112, §3 (RP).] D. Use for hunting cartridges containing tracer bullets. This paragraph does not apply to: (1) Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard in the performance of its duty. [PL 2017, c. 164, §11 (AMD).] E. Use for hunting cartridges containing explosive bullets. This paragraph does not apply to: (1) Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard in the performance of its duty. [PL 2017, c. 164, §11 (AMD).] F. Hunt migratory game birds with a shotgun of any description originally capable of holding more than 3 shells, unless the shotgun's magazine has been cut off, altered or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation. This paragraph does not apply to: (1) Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard in the performance of its duty; [PL 2023, c. 431, §5 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).] G. Hunt a wild animal or wild bird with a set bow; [PL 2015, c. 301, §15 (AMD).] H. Use for hunting or possess for hunting an arrow or a bolt having either an explosive or poisonous tip; [PL 2005, c. 477, §10 (AMD).] I. Allow duck decoys to remain in waters of Merrymeeting Bay at any time during the period from one hour after legal shooting time until one hour before legal shooting time the next day. A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation; [PL 2023, c. 431, §6 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).] J. Leave or allow to remain in waters of Merrymeeting Bay an artificial cover, that is, a "stationary blind," or parts of an artificial cover used for hunting purposes between one hour after legal shooting time and one hour before legal shooting time the next day. A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation; [PL 2023, c. 431, §7 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).] K. Use a dog to hunt deer or moose, except as provided in section 11111 or 12862 ; [PL 2015, c. 90, §3 (AMD).] L. Use an artificial light, snare, trap or set gun to hunt deer or moose. This paragraph does not affect or restrict the legitimate possession and sale of flashlights or the lawful use of an artificial light to aid in the tracking of a wounded animal pursuant to section 11111 or 12862 ; [PL 2015, c. 90, §3 (AMD).] M. Use artificial lights between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise the next day to illuminate, jack, locate, attempt to locate or show up wild animals or wild birds from September 1st to December 15th of each calendar year. This paragraph does not affect chapter 921 , any rule issued in accordance with section 10104, subsection 1 or the lawful use of an artificial light to aid in the tracking of a wounded animal pursuant to section 11111 or 12862 ; [PL 2015, c. 90, §3 (AMD).] N. Hunt a wild animal or wild bird by any method other than by the usual method of shooting with a firearm not larger than number 10-gauge, shooting with archery equipment or by falconry; [PL 2023, c. 239, §26 (AMD).] O. Possess a wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of this section, except as otherwise provided in this Part; [PL 2023, c. 239, §27 (AMD).] P. Use a bow and arrow to hunt deer, bear or moose unless: (1) For hunting deer and bear, the minimum draw weight of the bow is 35 pounds; (2) For hunting moose, the minimum draw weight of the bow is 45 pounds; and (3) The arrowhead, including mechanical broadheads when open, is at least 7/8 inch in width; or [PL 2023, c. 239, §28 (AMD).] Q. Use a crossbow to hunt unless: (1) The crossbow has a shoulder-type stock. A hand-held pistol-type crossbow may not be used; (2) The draw weight of the crossbow is 100 pounds or more; (3) For hunting deer, bear and moose, the arrowhead, including a mechanical broadhead when open, is at least 7/8 inch in width; and (4) The crossbow is equipped with a mechanical trigger safety device in working condition. A crossbow arrow that has an explosive or poisonous tip may not be used. The crossbow may be equipped with a scope or sight. [PL 2023, c. 239, §29 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 239, §§26-29 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §§5-7 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. Except as provided in subsection 1, paragraphs F , I and J , a person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime for which the sentencing alternative may include only the penalties provided in Title 17‑A, section 1704, subsection 5 and Title 17‑A, section 1705, subsection 5 . [PL 2023, c. 431, §8 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 431, §23 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6809 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6809
12 §6809. Green Crab Management Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Green Crab Management Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the department. [PL 2001, c. 186, §1 (NEW).]

2. Purposes of fund. The commissioner shall use the fund for research and management programs for the green crab fishery. [PL 2001, c. 186, §1 (NEW).]

3. Source of revenue. In addition to the fees derived from the commercial green crab license, the fund may receive money from any source for the purposes described in subsection 2 . [PL 2001, c. 186, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10659 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 909 / Section 10659
12 §10659. Feeding or baiting of deer
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not place salt or any other bait or food in a place to entice deer to that place from June 1st to the start of an open hunting season on deer and, if all open hunting seasons on deer are closed before December 15th for that year, from the close of the last open hunting season on deer to December 15th. [PL 2017, c. 225, §1 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2019, c. 630, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6085 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6085
12 §6085. Marine organism aquaculture license
Status: in_force

1. License required. The commissioner may require a license for aquaculture of marine organisms in facilities that are not located in the coastal waters of the State but are located in the State. [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

2. Licensed activities. The holder of a license under this section may possess marine organisms the holder has raised by means of aquaculture. The holder of such a license is exempt from any requirement regarding the time of taking or possessing, minimum or maximum length or other minimum or maximum size requirement for any marine organism the holder has raised by means of aquaculture. [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

3. Permit denial. The commissioner may refuse to issue a license under this section if the commissioner finds that the aquaculture activity presents an unreasonable risk to indigenous marine life or its environment. In determining whether or not to refuse to issue a license, the commissioner shall consider factors, including, but not limited to: A. Risk of accidental or intentional introduction of marine organisms or marine organism products into the coastal waters of the State; [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).] B. Risk of the introduction or spread of disease within the State; and [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).] C. Interference with the enforcement of possession, size or season limits for wild marine organisms. [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).] [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

4. Monitoring and revocation. The commissioner shall monitor licensed facilities under this section on an annual basis. If the commissioner determines following an annual review or at any other time that the licensed aquaculture activity presents an unreasonable risk to indigenous marine life or its environment, the commissioner may revoke the license after the licensee has been given an opportunity for a hearing before the department. [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

5. Reporting. The commissioner may require the holder of a license under this section to file periodic reports regarding the aquaculture practices and production of the facility. Information obtained pursuant to this provision is considered fisheries statistics for the purposes of section 6173 , except that information about marine organism health reported pursuant to section 6071 may not be considered fisheries statistics. [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

6. Fee. The commissioner may charge a fee for a license under this section not to exceed $1,000, the amount to be established in rules adopted by the commissioner depending on the type and amount of aquaculture. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 310, §5 (REEN).]

7. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules establishing procedures to implement the issuance, renewal and amendment of licenses under this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 52, §18 (NEW).]

8. License expiration. Notwithstanding section 6301, subsection 2 , the commissioner may issue a license under this section for more than one calendar year. [PL 2021, c. 557, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1853 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1853
12 §1853. Annual report dealing with public reserved lands
Status: reserved

1. Annual report. The bureau shall submit a written report on or before March 1st of each year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over public reserved lands. The report must include the following information: A. A complete account of the income and expenditures pertaining to public reserved lands during the preceding fiscal year; [PL 2013, c. 256, §7 (AMD).] B. A summary of the bureau's management activities during the preceding fiscal year regarding timber, recreation, wildlife and other subjects as appropriate; [PL 2013, c. 256, §8 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] C. A list of any gates or other constructed barriers to public access by motor vehicle to any public reserved lands and their locations, when they block the sole or primary motor vehicle access, whether those barriers are located on public or private land and whether or not they are owned by the State or by private parties; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] D. A summary of any campsite or recreation facility fees charged under section 1846, subsection 5 ; [PL 1999, c. 592, §6 (AMD).] E. A description of the proposed budget, including allocations for the bureau's dedicated funds and any revenues of the bureau from permits, leases, fees and sales for the following fiscal year beginning on July 1st; [PL 2007, c. 564, §2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).] F. The status of ecological reserves including the acreage of reserved public land designated as ecological reserves, results of monitoring, scientific research and other activities related to the bureau's ecological reserves; [PL 2017, c. 289, §5 (AMD).] G. A description of any changes in allowed uses of the public reserved lands, including the acreage affected and the reason for the change; [PL 2017, c. 289, §6 (AMD).] H. A breakdown of growth based on the most recent physical forest inventory and of harvest in each region of any public reserved lands units established by the bureau, identifying any harvesting that occurred during the preceding fiscal year in individual management units where harvest exceeds annual growth; [PL 2017, c. 362, §4 (AMD).] I. An update on capital plans for road construction and road maintenance, including a list and description of roads built and roads maintained in the preceding fiscal year and a list and description of roads to be built and roads to be maintained in the succeeding fiscal year; and [PL 2017, c. 362, §5 (AMD).] J. The amount of funds in the Public Reserved Lands Acquisition Fund, established in section 1850, subsection 2 , for each county. [PL 2017, c. 362, §6 (NEW).] The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over proposed public reserved lands shall review the report and submit a written recommendation regarding the bureau's proposed budget to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs on or before March 15th of each year. The bureau shall submit the information required under paragraph G to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over wildlife management matters on or before March 1st of each year. [PL 2017, c. 362, §§4-6 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11203 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11203
12 §11203. Hunter orange clothing
Status: in_force

1. Hunter orange required. A person may not hunt with firearms or crossbows during the open firearm season on deer unless that person is wearing 2 articles of hunter orange clothing that are in good, serviceable condition and visible from all sides, except that a person hunting waterfowl from a boat or blind or in conjunction with waterfowl decoys is not required to wear hunter orange clothing. One article of clothing must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat. The other article of clothing must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho, and must be a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color. The presence of a decal on an article of clothing that is otherwise solid-colored hunter orange does not disqualify that article of clothing from satisfying the requirements of this subsection. [PL 2005, c. 477, §6 (AMD).]

1-A. Religious opposition exemption. A person may substitute articles of bright red clothing for the articles of hunter orange clothing required under subsection 1 if the person has a religious opposition to the wearing of hunter orange clothing. [PL 2017, c. 82, §1 (NEW).]

2. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §136 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates this section after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §136 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §136 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10261 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10261
12 §10261. Boat Launch Facilities Fund
Status: in_force

The Boat Launch Facilities Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the department as a nonlapsing fund to be used by the commissioner to fund or assist in funding the establishment, improvement and maintenance of publicly owned boat launch facilities on inland waters. The commissioner may accept and deposit into the fund any monetary gifts, donations or other contributions from public or private sources. Funds deposited in the fund must be used for the purposes specified in this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. LLLL, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1814-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1814-A
12 §1814-A. Easements across rail trails
Status: in_force

To the extent permitted by the deed or other instrument of ownership, the director, with the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, may sell or otherwise convey a right of access by easement across a rail trail as provided in this section. For the purposes of this section, "rail trail" means a former railroad right-of-way that is no longer used for rail service, in which the department has an ownership interest and that is managed by the department for use as a recreational trail. [PL 2011, c. 278, §5 (NEW).]

1. Notice. At least 30 days prior to conveying a right of access by easement under this section, the director shall notify interested parties of the proposed conveyance, providing the location and purpose of the access easement and the anticipated date of conveyance. The notice must provide a name and contact information for a person at the bureau to whom inquiries may be made and comments submitted. For the purposes of this section, "interested parties" means owners of property abutting the parcel on which the proposed right of access is located, local trail clubs, statewide trail associations, the municipality in which the proposed easement is located, the Land for Maine's Future Board, each Legislator and other persons with a known interest in the use of the segment of the rail trail affected by the proposed conveyance. [PL 2011, c. 278, §5 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Terms of conveyance. The access easement must include terms that ensure the transaction does not unreasonably interfere with the safety, maintenance and continuity of the rail trail. The access easement must ensure that public investment in the rail trail is protected by a negotiated exchange of value. The exchange of value may include, but is not limited to, negotiated improvements to the rail trail or payment of survey, title and appraisal expenses associated with the conveyance of the right of access by easement. [PL 2011, c. 278, §5 (NEW).]

3. Proceeds from sale of an access easement. Proceeds from the sale of a right of access by easement under this section must be deposited in the Parks General Operations Fund established under section 1825 . [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. Y, §1 (AMD).]

4. Opportunity for review by legislative committee. A Legislator receiving notification under subsection 1 may notify the director of concerns and may in writing request review of the proposed access easement by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over parks and lands matters. A Legislator requesting a review under this subsection shall notify the chairs of the joint standing committee of the request. When a request for legislative review is received under this subsection, the director may not finalize the transfer until the legislative committee has met and reviewed the proposed transaction. [PL 2011, c. 278, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12801 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12801
12 §12801. Declaration of purpose
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that various species of fish or wildlife have been and are in danger of being rendered extinct within the State of Maine, and that these species are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scientific value to the people of the State. The Legislature, therefore, declares that it is the policy of the State to conserve, by according such protection as is necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers, all species of fish or wildlife found in the State, as well as the ecosystems upon which they depend. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

This subchapter and chapter 631 are established to carry out the purposes of this section. [PL 2003, c. 573, §5 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 573, §8 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§3, 6 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6749-P — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6749-P
12 §6749-P. Licenses by zone
Status: in_force

A person eligible to purchase a license under section 6749-O may purchase those licenses only for Zone 1 or Zone 2. All of those licenses issued to any one person in any one year must be for the same zone. A person may not change from the zone in which the person harvested sea urchins in the previous calendar year unless the change is authorized in accordance with section 6749-Z . A handfishing sea urchin license, a sea urchin hand-raking and trapping license or a sea urchin dragging license authorizes the licensed activity only in the zone for which it is issued. A sea urchin dragging license must list the documentation or registration number of the vessel to be used by that licensee when dragging. A vessel documentation number or registration number may not be listed on more than one sea urchin dragging license. [PL 2001, c. 327, §12 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1834 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1834
12 §1834. Sale of natural resources from nonreserved public lands
Status: in_force

1. Sale of resources. The bureau may sell severed timber and other products, including, but not limited to, wood and timber necessary for use in the operation of a mine, severed grass and other wild foods, maple sap and syrup, crops and sand and gravel for use in the construction of public roads or for any other purpose the director considers consistent with the purposes of this subchapter. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Grant of permits. The bureau may grant permits and enter into contracts to cut timber, harvest grass and wild foods, tap maple trees for sap and cultivate and harvest crops provided that those permits and contract rights create revocable licenses to the permittee or party to the contract and do not create any real property interest in the nonreserved public lands. Permits and contracts for the harvesting of timber from the nonreserved public lands must include a provision requiring that persons engaged in timber harvesting on the nonreserved public lands be compensated at rates not less than the most recently issued prevailing wage and piece rates and equipment allowances for the pulpwood and logging industry as determined by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards. If the Department of Labor does not determine a prevailing wage or piece rate for a timber harvesting occupation or an equipment allowance for a type of harvesting equipment, the director may establish those rates by referring to prevailing rates and allowances in the industry for that occupation or type of equipment. Any rates or allowances established by the director under this subsection apply only to permits and contracts on nonreserved public lands governed by this section. [PL 2003, c. 549, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Bond; stumpage or other rights of value. Persons, corporations or other legal entities obtaining permits or contracts to sever or extract materials upon the nonreserved public lands under this section must give bond to the director with satisfactory sureties for the payment of stumpage or other rights of value and the performance of all conditions of the permit or contract. All timber cut or other material taken under permits or contracts is the property of the State until the stumpage or other rights are paid in full. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

4. Scaling of timber. The director may appoint, swear and reimburse surveyors or scalers. Upon the instructions of the director, scalers shall scale any timber cut under permits granted by the bureau, supervise the cutting of that timber, inform the director of the quantity of products cut, whether hauled or not, and see that the timber is cut and removed in accordance with sound forest management practices. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6532 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6532
12 §6532. Commercial underwater handharvesting competency
Status: in_force

By August 15, 1994, the commissioner shall establish a competency training course for individuals engaged in commercial underwater handharvesting activities. The course may be taught by the department or offered by any public or private sector association or organization authorized by the commissioner to offer the course. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

1. Enrollment prerequisite. A person is not eligible for enrollment in a course offered under this section unless that person possesses a valid open water diving certification. For the purposes of this article, the term "open water diving certification" means a diving certificate issued by a SCUBA training course meeting or exceeding the basic SCUBA training standards established by the American National Standards Institute. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

2. Equipment requirements. Each person in the course must have a mask, a snorkel, fins, a buoyancy compensator jacket with low pressure inflator, an air tank and regulator, a pressure gauge, a weight belt and sufficient weights and a properly fitting wet or dry suit. The student provides that equipment if the equipment is not provided by the instructor. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

3. Recovery of costs; department. For any course taught by the department, the commissioner shall set an enrollment fee sufficient to recover all costs incurred by the department in teaching the course. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

4. Prescribing the course. In establishing the course, the commissioner may: A. Prescribe the qualifications of instructors and impose on instructors any minimum insurance liability requirements considered necessary by the commissioner; [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).] B. Prescribe the course content and the method of instruction, including the time and place of examinations; and [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).] C. Establish standards for certifying the commercial underwater handharvesting competency of individuals who successfully complete the course. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]

5. Allowance for waivers. The commissioner may waive any component of a course offered under this section for a person who demonstrates to the commissioner, either through documented experience or technical or professional accreditation, a level of competency for that component that is at least equal to the level of competency necessary to successfully complete the course. It is the responsibility of the person seeking a waiver under this subsection to make that request in writing to the commissioner and to provide the commissioner with any documentation the commissioner determines necessary to make a decision. [PL 1993, c. 604, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6432 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6432
12 §6432. Methods of fishing
Status: in_force

1. Conventional traps. A person may not fish for or take lobster by any method other than conventional lobster traps, as defined in rule, or from any platform other than a vessel. A vessel does not include a dock. [PL 2003, c. 520, §4 (AMD).]

2. Marking. A lobster or crab trap or trawl must be marked by a lobster buoy as described in subsections 3 and 4 . The buoy must be visible at the surface. A person may not: A. Set, raise, lift or transfer any lobster trap or buoy unless it is clearly marked with the owner's lobster and crab fishing license number or the owner's nonresident lobster and crab landing permit number; or [PL 2017, c. 197, §10 (NEW).] B. Intentionally set or fish a lobster or crab trap or trawl in a manner that is designed to avoid detection that the trap or trawl has been set or fished. [PL 2017, c. 197, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 197, §10 (RPR).]

3. Color design. It is unlawful to set, raise, lift or transfer any lobster trap unless the color design of the attached buoy is the same as the color design that is on file with the license application and is displayed on the boat, or unless the person is duly licensed and possesses written permission from the rightful owner of the lobster trap or buoy. Prior notification of changes in buoy color design must be provided to the commissioner. The Bureau of Marine Patrol may require the alteration of an individual's lobster and crab fishing buoy color design if a marine patrol officer has determined that the buoy color design is not distinct and distinguishable from the buoy color designs of the individual's family members as defined by section 6431‑E . [PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §12 (AMD).]

4. Design display. The buoy color design shall be displayed on the boat as follows: A. On both sides of the hull or on a panel painted on both sides and attached to the boat's forward topside in a manner so as to be clearly visible on both sides of the boat. Each color shall appear as a solid color strip 4 inches high and 18 inches long abutting another color on its longest side to form a rectangle with a one-inch black border on all sides; or [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] B. A buoy of at least 12 inches long, mounted in a manner so that the color design is clearly visible on both sides of the boat. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

5. Penalty for possession. Possession of lobsters other than caught by the method specified in subsection 1 is a Class D crime, except that in addition to any punishment that may be imposed under Title 17‑A, Par t 6, the court shall impose a fine of $500 for each violation and, in addition, a fine of $100 for each lobster involved, up to and including the first 5, and a fine of $200 for each lobster in excess of 5, or, if the number of lobsters cannot be determined, a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $5,000. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §11 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6073-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6073-A
12 §6073-A. Season and minimum size exemption; aquaculture
Status: in_force

The holder of a lease issued under section 6072 , 6072‑A or 6072‑B or a license issued under section 6072‑C is exempt from any requirement regarding the time of taking or possessing, minimum or maximum length or other minimum or maximum size requirement for any marine organism cultivated on the leased area. The exemption applies only to those organisms actually cultivated on the leased area, except that upon harvest of finfish from the leased area pursuant to an aquaculture lease, any finfish of a species that was not cultivated on the leased area but occurred in the enclosure must also be harvested and retained for appropriate disposal by the holder of a lease. Such finfish may not be sold and may not be released or disposed of into the waters of the State and must be reported to the department at the same time as reports of the harvest are filed. The commissioner shall require a system of identification of organisms exempted under this section. [PL 2007, c. 522, §1 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 1808 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1808
12 §1808. Forest inventory timeline established
Status: reserved

The department shall conduct a detailed forest inventory of the State's public reserved lands and nonreserved public lands by March 15, 2021 and every 5 years thereafter. [PL 2017, c. 289, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11856 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11856
12 §11856. Pheasants
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish by rule a hunting season for male pheasants that disallows the taking of female pheasants in certain areas of the State. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . A person may not take a female pheasant in an area subject to the provisions of this section. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §186 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 753 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 209 / Section 753
12 §753. State consent to acquisition of national forests
Status: in_force

Subject to the Act of Congress of March 1, 1911, 36 Statutes 961, known as the Weeks Act, and Acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, the consent of the State of Maine is given for the United States to acquire by purchase, gift or exchange upon the payment of adequate compensation such lands within that portion of Oxford County included within purchase unit boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest on July 5, 1935, all in this State as are suitable for national forest purposes, and not over 2,000 acres in Cumberland County for preserves for the protection and conservation of migratory birds; but no such acquisition may be made against the protest of any owner. Sections 752 and 754 do not apply to any lands acquired under this section and section 755 . This section as it relates to Oxford County is limited to such acquisition as has been actually acquired prior to the effective date of this Act and no further land in Oxford County may be acquired after such date, unless such acquisition is approved by the voters of the municipality in which such land, in whole or in part, is located. [PL 2005, c. 258, §3 (AMD).]