12 M.R.S. § 6411 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 617 / Section 6411
12 §6411. Refusal to renew or reissue license for failure to file or failure to pay state tax obligations
Status: in_force

If a person's eligibility to obtain a license is suspended pursuant to Title 36, section 175 , the suspension is in effect until the State Tax Assessor issues a certificate of good standing. Except for a limited entry fishery, as defined in section 6310‑A, subsection 2 , upon payment of a $25 administrative fee to the department, the suspension is rescinded and the person's eligibility to obtain a license reinstated. For a limited entry fishery, as defined in section 6310‑A, subsection 2 , in order for the suspension to be rescinded and the person's eligibility to obtain a license to be reinstated, the person must purchase the license and pay the $25 administrative fee to the department by no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which the person is issued a certificate of good standing. [PL 2019, c. 642, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6140-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6140-B
12 §6140-B. Unlawful fishing, possession or sale of Atlantic salmon
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not fish for Atlantic salmon in violation of the provisions of this Part. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).]

2. Possession of parts prohibited. A person may not possess any part of an Atlantic salmon taken from the inland or coastal waters of this State. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).]

3. Sale of Atlantic salmon prohibited. A person may not sell or offer for sale any Atlantic salmon taken from waters of the State, except Atlantic salmon lawfully raised by means of aquaculture. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).]

4. Exemptions. The following are exempt from the possession prohibitions of this section: A. Atlantic salmon imported from outside the State; [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).] B. Atlantic salmon imported by taxidermists solely for taxidermy purposes; and [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).] C. Atlantic salmon raised by means of aquaculture, except that Atlantic salmon raised in a hatchery for the purpose of restoration are not exempt. [PL 2013, c. 301, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 301, §7 (AMD).]

5. Incidental catch. An individual engaged in recreational or commercial fishing for species other than Atlantic salmon does not commit a violation of this section as long as any incidental catch of an Atlantic salmon results in an immediate liberation alive into the adjacent waters of the State. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).]

6. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime, and the court shall impose an additional fine of $500, none of which may be suspended, for each Atlantic salmon unlawfully possessed. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6975 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 631 / Section 6975
12 §6975. List of state endangered and state threatened marine species
Status: in_force

The list of state endangered or state threatened marine species by common name, scientific name and status is as follows: [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

1. Right whale. Right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

2. Humpback whale. Humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

3. Finback whale. Finback whale, Balaenoptera physalus, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

4. Sperm whale. Sperm whale, Physeter catodon, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

5. Sei whale. Sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

6. Leatherback turtle. Leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, endangered; [PL 2003, c. 573, §1 (NEW).]

7. Atlantic ridley turtle. Atlantic ridley turtle, Lepidochelys kempii, endangered; [PL 2007, c. 6, §1 (AMD).]

8. Loggerhead turtle. Loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, threatened; and [PL 2007, c. 6, §2 (AMD).]

9. Shortnose sturgeon. Shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, endangered. [PL 2007, c. 6, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12951 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 931 / Section 12951
12 §12951. Rule violations; taxidermy
Status: in_force

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating taxidermy. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §342 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Civil. Notwithstanding section 10650 , a person who violates a rule regulating taxidermy 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, §342 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Criminal. A person who violates a rule regulating taxidermy 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, §342 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10504 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 907 / Section 10504
12 §10504. Officer's report
Status: in_force

In all cases, the officer making any seizure or sale of fish or wildlife shall, within 10 days after the seizure or sale, report all particulars of the seizure or sale and an itemized statement of the proceeds, expenses and fees and the disposition of the proceeds to the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6626 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6626
12 §6626. Scallop conservation areas
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 6174, subsection 3 , a person who violates a rule adopted pursuant to section 6171 regarding a scallop conservation area commits a civil violation for which the penalties under this section apply. [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).]

1. First offense. For the first offense, a fine of $1,000 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized. [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).]

2. Second or subsequent offense. For a 2nd or subsequent offense, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 is imposed, all scallops on board may be seized and the commissioner shall suspend the license authorizing the activity in which the person was engaged at the time of violation. The court may not suspend a fine imposed under this paragraph. The license suspension must be for one year from the date of adjudication. [PL 2009, c. 72, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12753 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12753
12 §12753. Screens
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner's authority. The commissioner may: A. Authorize, alter and remove the screening of any inland waters; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Prohibit fishing within 500 yards of any screen installed by authority of the commissioner or the Legislature. [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).]

2. Tampering with screen. A person may not take up, destroy or injure any screen installed pursuant to this section, unless the person is duly authorized by the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §297 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 2 . A. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §298 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 2 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, §298 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §298 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6422 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6422
12 §6422. Apprentice program
Status: in_force

1. Program established; experience component. By July 1, 1996, the commissioner shall establish by rule an apprentice program for entry into the lobster fishery. The program must include practical lobster fishing experience. A person must be 8 years of age or older and hold an apprentice lobster and crab fishing license or a student lobster and crab fishing license under section 6421 to enter the program. [PL 2003, c. 468, §6 (AMD).]

2. Length of program. The commissioner shall determine the length of time an apprentice is enrolled in the program, which must be a minimum of 2 years. [PL 1995, c. 468, §4 (NEW).]

3. Educational courses. The program may include any educational courses the commissioner determines appropriate. Educational courses may be taught by the department or by any public or private sector association or organization authorized by the commissioner. 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 1995, c. 468, §4 (NEW).]

4. Allowance for waivers. [PL 2011, c. 486, §2 (RP).]

5. Prohibition. Rules adopted under this section may not require a person who has registered to enter an established island limited-entry zone program as described under section 6449 to apprentice in the zone in which the island limited-entry zone program is located. [PL 2015, c. 428, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8905 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 8905
12 §8905. Chain of command
Status: in_force

The director shall be responsible for the control of forest fires in all areas of the State. In carrying out these duties, the director shall have an unbroken chain of command down to, and including, town forest fire wardens. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6204 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 609 / Section 6204
12 §6204. General penalty
Status: in_force

A violation of any provision of marine resources' laws is a Class D crime, unless another penalty has been expressly provided. Except as otherwise specifically provided, these crimes are strict liability crimes as defined in Title 17-A, section 34, subsection 4-A . [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §7 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6533 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6533
12 §6533. Training required to act as a scallop or sea urchin tender
Status: in_force

A person may not act as a tender pursuant to section 6535 , section 6701, subsection 5, paragraph B or section 6748, subsection 4, paragraph B unless that person has met the diving tender safety requirements established in rule. [PL 2009, c. 561, §20 (AMD).]

1. Tender safety training session. [PL 2009, c. 396, §2 (RP).]

2. Allowance for waivers. [PL 2009, c. 396, §2 (RP).]

3. Requirement for 30-day license. [PL 2009, c. 396, §2 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 11453 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11453
12 §11453. Driving deer
Status: in_force

1. Unlawfully driving deer. A person may not participate in a hunt for deer during which an organized or planned effort is made to drive deer. For purposes of this subsection, 4 or more persons working together to move deer constitutes an organized or planned effort to drive deer. [PL 2013, c. 408, §16 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. 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. § 544-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 544-C
12 §544-C. Natural Areas Conservation Fund
Status: in_force

The Natural Areas Conservation Fund is established as a nonlapsing separate account to be administered by the commissioner. Income from gifts, bequests, devises, grants, fees and other sources may be deposited in this fund. All money in the fund and earnings on that money must be used for the investigation, conservation and management of native plants, natural communities, ecosystems or other significant features as described in this chapter and for administrative and personnel costs for the purposes of this section. The commissioner may make grants from the fund to any person, organization, state agency or other entity to undertake inventory and research about rare plants, natural communities, ecosystems or other features of natural areas. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).]

Funds in the Natural Areas Conservation Fund may not be deposited in the General Fund or any other fund except as provided by law. All funds of the Natural Areas Conservation Fund are subject to allocation by the Legislature. [PL 1999, c. 556, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12852 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 927 / Section 12852
12 §12852. Rule violations; licensed guides and trip leaders
Status: in_force

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating licensed guides , youth camp trip leaders, educational trip leaders and course instructor certificates. [PL 2021, c. 162, §5 (AMD).]

1. Civil. Notwithstanding section 10650 , a person who violates a rule regulating licensed guides , youth camp trip leaders, educational trip leaders or course instructor certificates commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 162, §5 (AMD).]

2. Criminal. A person who violates a rule regulating licensed guides , youth camp trip leaders, educational trip leaders and course instructor certificates 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 2021, c. 162, §5 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11209 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11209
12 §11209. Discharge of firearm or archery equipment near dwelling or building
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not: A. Unless a relevant municipal ordinance provides otherwise and except as provided in subsection 4 and sections 12401 and 12402 , discharge a firearm, including a muzzle-loading firearm, or cause a projectile to pass as a result of that discharge within 100 yards of a building or residential dwelling without the permission of the owner or, in the owner's absence, of an adult occupant of that building or dwelling authorized to act on behalf of the owner; [PL 2023, c. 239, §21 (AMD).] A-1. Except as provided in sections 12401 and 12402 : (1) Discharge an arrow or a bolt from archery equipment when on land of another person and within 100 yards of a building or residential dwelling on that land without the permission of the owner of that building or residential dwelling or, in the owner's absence, of an adult occupant of that building or dwelling authorized to act on behalf of the owner; or (2) Cause an arrow or a bolt from archery equipment to pass across the land of another person and within 100 yards of a building or residential dwelling on that land without the permission of the owner of that building or residential dwelling or, in the owner's absence, of an adult occupant of that building or dwelling authorized to act on behalf of the owner; or [PL 2023, c. 239, §21 (AMD).] B. Possess a wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of this subsection, except as otherwise provided in this Part. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] This subsection may not be construed to prohibit a person from killing or taking a wild animal in accordance with sections 12401 and 12402 . For purposes of this section, "building" means any residential, commercial, retail, educational, religious or farm structure that is designed to be occupied by people or domesticated animals or is being used to shelter machines or harvested crops. For purposes of this section, "projectile" means a bullet, pellet, shot, shell, ball or other object propelled or launched from a firearm. [PL 2023, c. 239, §21 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §140 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Target practice; crossbow. [PL 2023, c. 239, §21 (RP).]

4. Sport shooting ranges. Unless otherwise prohibited, a person may discharge a firearm on a sport shooting range as defined in Title 30‑A, section 3011, subsection 1 that is within 100 yards of a building if the sport shooting range was established and in regular operation prior to the erection of the building. [PL 2019, c. 14, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 8202 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 803 / Section 8202
12 §8202. Information and recommendations
Status: in_force

1. Resources. The director shall maintain sufficient resources, including research materials and technical expertise, within the limits of available funds, in order that the bureau may: A. Respond to requests to identify forest insects and diseases of concern to landowners and municipalities; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] B. Determine the severity of forest insect or disease problems; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] C. Provide advice on control measures; [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] D. Refer individuals to other state or federal agencies for technical or financial assistance; and [PL 2013, c. 37, §1 (AMD).] E. [PL 2013, c. 37, §2 (RP).] F. Respond to requests for information on insects, other than forest insects, including their identification and control. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 37, §§1, 2 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Results of investigations. The director shall provide the results of any investigation completed pursuant to this section or section 8201 to the affected landowner and municipality. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10326 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10326
12 §10326. Rules
Status: in_force

The grant committee may adopt rules necessary for the conduct of its business under this subchapter. The grant committee shall adopt by rule a schedule for submission of and action on grant proposals. Rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1871 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1871
12 §1871. Declaration of policy
Status: in_force

Whereas the preservation, protection and development of the natural scenic beauty and the unique character of our waterways, wildlife habitats and wilderness recreation resources for this generation and all succeeding generations; the prevention of erosion, droughts, freshets and the filling up of waters; and the promotion of peace, health, morals and general welfare of the public are the concern of the people of this State, the Legislature declares it to be in the public interest, for the public benefit and for the good order of the people of this State to establish an area known as the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6444 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6444
12 §6444. Dipping lobster traps or similar gear
Status: in_force

No person may dip, soak or treat lobster or crab traps, warps or cars prior to use in waters of the State other than in a solution of salt and sea water except as provided in this section. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §33 (NEW).]

The commissioner may authorize a specified amount of dipping, soaking or treating of lobster or crab traps, warps or cars in solutions other than salt and sea water for research purposes. This authorization shall be in writing. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §33 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6602 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6602
12 §6602. Surf clam boat license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not use a boat for dragging for the harvesting of surf clams unless that boat carries a current surf clam boat license issued by the commissioner. [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).]

2. Licensed activity. A surf clam boat license issued under this section may be used for harvesting surf clams. The holder of a surf clam boat license may also possess or transport surf clams within state limits or sell surf clams the holder has taken to a wholesale seafood license holder certified under section 6856 or an enhanced retail certificate holder under section 6852, subsection 2-A . The license also authorizes the captain and crew members aboard the licensed boat when engaged in harvesting surf clams to undertake these activities. [PL 2011, c. 598, §27 (AMD).]

3. Eligibility. A surf clam boat license may be issued only to an individual who is a resident of this State. [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).]

4. Exception. In any one day, a person may take or possess not more than 3 bushels of surf clams for personal use without a surf clam boat license. [PL 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).]

5. Fee. The fee for a surf clam boat license is $265. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. G, §15 (AMD).]

6. 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 2007, c. 54, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6022 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6022
12 §6022. Commissioner's appointment, duties and powers
Status: in_force

1. Appointment and term. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be subject to review by the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and to confirmation by the Legislature. The commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. [PL 1985, c. 481, Pt. A, §34 (AMD).]

2. General powers. The commissioner is responsible for the administration and enforcement of all marine resources' laws and has all the powers of a marine patrol officer. The commissioner shall maintain records of all leases, certificates or licenses issued by the commissioner or required to be filed under section 6027. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §24 (COR).]

3. Organization and personnel. The commissioner shall organize the department into the administrative units, including but not limited to the Bureau of Marine Patrol and the Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat, that the commissioner decides are necessary to carry out its duties. The commissioner shall hire all necessary employees of the department subject to the Civil Service Law, except that persons in the following positions are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commissioner: Deputy Commissioner; Chief, Bureau of Marine Patrol; and Assistant to the Commissioner for Public Information. The Chief of the Bureau of Marine Patrol must be appointed from among the patrol personnel of the bureau with the rank of sergeant or higher. In the event that the Chief of the Bureau of Marine Patrol is not reappointed, that person has the right to be restored to the classified position from which that person was promoted or to a position equivalent thereto in salary grade without impairment of that person's personnel status or the loss of seniority, retirement or other rights to which uninterrupted service in the classified position would have entitled that person. If that person's service in the position of Chief of the Bureau of Marine Patrol is terminated for cause, that person's right to be restored must be determined by the State Civil Service Appeals Board. [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. JJJ, §1 (AMD).]

4. Warden code. The commissioner shall prepare a written code governing the operating procedures of the Bureau of Marine Patrol services for submission to the State Human Resources Officer. The code shall become effective when approved by the State Human Resources Officer. [PL 1985, c. 785, Pt. B, §66 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 412, §3 (REV).]

5. Property. The commissioner may acquire and hold any right or interest in real or personal property on behalf of the State. The commissioner may by sale, lease or otherwise dispose of any such property, or portion of any such property or interest in any such property, subject to the provisions of section 598‑A . [PL 2007, c. 615, §2 (AMD).]

6. Enforcement agreements. The commissioner may enter into reciprocal enforcement agreements with political subdivisions of the State and with other states, regional authorities and the Federal Government. Pursuant to these agreements, the commissioner may designate and deputize federal law enforcement personnel and law enforcement personnel from other states to enforce marine resource laws and rules. In that event, the commissioner shall designate the specific laws and rules to be enforced. Agents so deputized may enforce those laws and rules so designated by the commissioner. Agents so deputized by the commissioner shall have the powers of a marine patrol officer, as defined in section 6025 . [PL 1985, c. 24, §2 (AMD).]

7. Report. The commissioner shall report to the Governor and Legislature every 2 years. This report shall include a detailed statement of the department's actions and functions and a survey of the present state of the state's fishing industries and their anticipated future, including statistics and data. The report may include those recommendations for amendments to the laws and licensing procedures of the marine resources' laws as may be necessary for the operation of the department. The report shall cover the period ending June 30th of each even-numbered year and shall be due within 6 months of the end of the period which it covers. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

8. Pamphlet laws. The commissioner shall publish a pamphlet of the sections of this Part as soon as possible after the adjournment of the first regular session of each Legislature. In addition, the commissioner may publish any other laws or regulations. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

9. Federal expenditures. The commissioner may accept federal funds for use in department programs and to do such acts as are consistent with the powers of the commissioner and as are necessary to carry out federal laws pursuant to which those funds are provided. The commissioner may accept any other funds as may be available to carry out the purposes of the department. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

10. Ecological impact. The commissioner shall advise the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Protection and appropriate state agencies on the ecological effects of dredging, filling and depositing of soil or otherwise altering coastal wetlands, whether these actions will affect adversely estuarine or marine fisheries and what mitigation or compensatory measures are available. The commissioner shall also recommend to these agencies whether dredging, filling or otherwise altering coastal wetlands is permitted under current state and federal wetland rules and regulations. [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. P, §21 (AMD).]

11. Interagency cooperation. The commissioner shall consult with, offer advice to and cooperate with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in carrying out the commissioner's duties, and these agencies shall do the same in carrying out their duties. Cooperation includes the exchange of information and the filing of copies of any application, petition, request, report or similar document that may bear upon the responsibilities of any of these departments. Details of those exchanges must be worked out by the heads of the departments. [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §15 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. KK, §34 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

12. Regulations. The commissioner may make regulations as authorized by marine resources' laws. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

13. State map. [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §35 (RP).]

14. Brands, labels and marks. The commissioner may develop, design and register brands, labels or marks, as that term is used in Title 10, section 1521, subsection 3 , for identifying marine resource products packed in accordance with official grades and standards established by the department and shall furnish information to packers and shippers as to where these labels and marks may be obtained. A written application to the commissioner requesting permission to use these brands, labels or marks and a written acceptance thereto from the commissioner shall be a condition precedent to the use of these brands, labels or marks. The right to use these brands, labels or marks may be suspended or revoked by the commissioner according to the procedures set forth in section 6101, subsections 6 to 8 , whenever it appears on investigation that they have been used to identify marine resource products not conforming to the grades or standards indicated. [PL 1981, c. 684, §8 (NEW).]

15. Revolving fund. The commissioner may prepare and distribute printed and audio-visual materials on matters within the commissioner's statutory jurisdiction. There is established within the department a revolving fund to cover the printing and distribution costs of these materials. The commissioner shall fix the prices at which publications of the department may be sold or delivered. The department shall retain, without charge, an appropriate number of each publication for complimentary distribution. Income from the sale of publications that were charged to the revolving fund and any other money the commissioner may receive, from whatever source, consistent with the purposes of this section, must be credited to the revolving fund to be used as a continuing carrying account to carry out the purposes of the fund. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §25 (COR).]

16. Atlantic salmon powers and responsibilities. The commissioner has the sole authority to introduce Atlantic salmon into the inland waters, other than in commercial aquaculture facilities. The commissioner has the sole authority to limit or prohibit the taking of Atlantic salmon and may adopt rules establishing the time, place and manner of Atlantic salmon fishing in all waters of the State. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 561, §3 (NEW).]

17. Permit banking program. The commissioner may administer a permit banking program in which the department holds federal limited access fishing permits and distributes the rights associated with those permits to eligible residents of the State with the goal of restoring and preserving access to federally managed fisheries. The commissioner may lease fisheries allocations, as required, to fund the costs associated with the permit banking program and may use funds in excess of those needed to administer the program to provide assistance to groundfish sectors consistent with the goals of the program. [PL 2011, c. 598, §4 (AMD).]

18. Commissioner's authority. The State assents to the provisions of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, 16 United States Code, Chapter 10B, as amended. The commissioner may perform all acts necessary for the establishment and implementation of cooperative fish restoration and management projects as defined by that Act and the implementing regulations promulgated under that Act. [PL 2011, c. 266, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

19. Interstate wildlife violator compact. The commissioner may enter into an interstate wildlife violator compact to promote compliance with the laws, regulations and rules that relate to the management of marine resources in the respective member states and may adopt rules, which are routine technical rules as described in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , necessary to implement certain provisions of the compact. [PL 2013, c. 468, §1 (NEW).]

20. Sale of general merchandise. The commissioner may engage in the selling and marketing of general merchandise products when the express purpose is to accommodate public demand and generate supplemental funds for the Bureau of Marine Patrol. A. The commissioner may create dedicated accounts for depositing money received from the sale of general merchandise products pursuant to this subsection. [PL 2015, c. 172, §1 (NEW).] B. Funds received by the commissioner from the sale of general merchandise products pursuant to this subsection must be deposited in a dedicated account to be used only to market, promote and increase public awareness of the Bureau of Marine Patrol and to recruit marine patrol officers. [PL 2015, c. 172, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 172, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12552 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12552
12 §12552. Purchase of live smelts from unlicensed dealers
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person licensed to deal in live baitfish pursuant to section 12551‑A may not purchase live smelts from a person who does not hold a current license to sell live smelts issued pursuant to section 12551‑A, subsection 3, paragraph A or C . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §260 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §261 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §261 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] The commissioner, subject to the hearing provisions of section 10902 , shall revoke for a period of at least one year from the date of adjudication any licenses issued under section 12551‑A to a person adjudicated of a violation of subsection 1 . [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §261 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 904 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 211 / Section 904
12 §904. Agents and representatives
Status: in_force

The Baxter State Park Authority shall appoint agents or representatives to carry out this subchapter. All appointed agents or representatives hold office under the rules of the Civil Service Law. They must be sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties and a certificate thereof must be returned and filed in the office of the chair of the authority. They must be appointed by the authority in accordance with the Civil Service Law and may be allowed actual necessary expenses of travel. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §13 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 9001-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9001-B
12 §9001-B. Exemptions
Status: in_force

1. General. The Governor may, in a proclamation issued under section 9001 , exempt from the prohibitions specified in the proclamation human activities or out-of-door fires that the Governor determines are not a significant menace to the forests. [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).]

2. Certain public campsites. The Governor may, in a proclamation issued under section 9001 , exempt from the prohibitions specified in the proclamation out-of-door fires and the use of charcoal and gas grills at campsites under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the Baxter State Park Authority, as long as the campsite and the use of out-of-door fires and charcoal and gas grills at the campsite comply with rules adopted under subsection 4 . [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

3. Licensed camping facilities. The Governor may, in a proclamation issued under section 9001 , exempt from the prohibitions specified in the proclamation out-of-door fires and the use of charcoal and gas grills at a licensed camping facility if: A. The facility and the use of out-of-door fires and charcoal and gas grills at the facility comply with rules adopted under subsection 4 ; [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).] B. The owner or operator of the facility notifies the director in writing that the facility complies with rules adopted pursuant to subsection 4 ; and [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).] C. The director provides the owner or operator of the facility written confirmation of receipt of notification required under paragraph B . Confirmation of receipt does not imply a determination that the facility complies with the rules adopted pursuant to subsection 4 . [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The director shall adopt rules that establish standards of design, construction and use under which the use of an out-of-door fire or a charcoal or gas grill at a public campsite or licensed camping facility may be exempted pursuant to subsections 2 and 3 . Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).]

5. Inspection. The director may at any time inspect a licensed camping facility to determine whether that facility complies with rules adopted under subsection 4 . If the director determines that a facility fails to comply with the rules, the facility is not exempt. A facility that fails an inspection may not be granted a future exemption unless the director inspects the facility and determines that it complies with the rules. The director may delegate authority to conduct inspections to a state or municipal employee. [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW).]

6. Notification. The owner or operator of a licensed camping facility and the supervisor of a campsite under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the Baxter State Park Authority shall post a notice of a proclamation issued under section 9001 and any standards of use to be met under rules adopted pursuant to subsection 4 . [PL 1995, c. 586, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 6203 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 609 / Section 6203
12 §6203. Court procedure
Status: in_force

The provisions of Titles 14 and 15 relating to court procedure shall apply in all prosecutions under the marine resources' laws. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10321 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10321
12 §10321. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

1. ATV Enforcement Grant and Aid Program. "ATV Enforcement Grant and Aid Program" or "the program" means the ATV Enforcement Grant and Aid Program established pursuant to this subchapter. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

2. ATV Enforcement Grant Review Committee. "ATV Enforcement Grant Review Committee" or "the grant committee" means the committee established in section 10324 . [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

3. ATV grant coordinator. "ATV grant coordinator" means the person retained by the commissioner to be responsible for providing administration and staff support for the ATV Enforcement Grant Program. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

4. General ATV enforcement. "General ATV enforcement" means Level 1 or Level 2 enforcement. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

5. Law enforcement agency. "Law enforcement agency" means a state, county or municipal agency or bureau that employs full-time and part-time law enforcement officers certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy who are authorized pursuant to section 10402, subsection 4 to enforce the provisions of this Part regulating ATVs. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

6. Level 1 enforcement. "Level 1 enforcement" means handling ATV complaints from landowners or other persons about the operation of ATVs, responding to ATV accidents and enforcing ATV laws during the normal course of patrol duties. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

7. Level 2 enforcement. "Level 2 enforcement" means ATV enforcement that is focused on recognized ATV problems in a localized area, but not a multijurisdictional high-problem area. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

8. Matching funds. "Matching funds" means any combination of public and private funds used in conjunction with a grant from the program. "Matching funds" includes, but is not limited to, private contributions of cash or securities, money from municipal or other public agencies, money from a federal matching program, in-kind contributions or any combination thereof. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

9. Multijurisdictional high-problem area. "Multijurisdictional high-problem area" means an area of extensive use by ATV operators, including, but not limited to, unauthorized trails or damaged agricultural lands, wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas. A multijurisdictional high-problem area is an area where there are documented complaints from landowners or others about the operation of ATVs. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11209-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11209-A
12 §11209-A. Discharge of firearm within 300 feet of state-owned boat launching ramp
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not discharge a firearm within 300 feet of a state-owned boat launching ramp that is posted in accordance with subsection 2. [PL 2017, c. 69, §1 (NEW).]

2. Posting. An agency of the State having jurisdiction over a state-owned boat launching ramp may post notice, in a prominent location at the boat launching ramp, that the discharge of a firearm is prohibited within 300 feet of the boat launching ramp. [PL 2017, c. 69, §1 (NEW).]

3. Exception. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer in the performance of the law enforcement officer's official duties. [PL 2017, c. 69, §1 (NEW).]

4. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2017, c. 69, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6123 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6123
12 §6123. Obstructing fishways
Status: in_force

A person who tampers with, damages, destroys or closes to fish migration or introduces foreign objects into any fishway without the authority of the commissioner 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, §1 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. D, §§1,2 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6027 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6027
12 §6027. Other governmental units to file documents
Status: in_force

Every state department, government agency or official and municipal or political subdivision shall file with the commissioner copies of all leases, permits, grants or licenses issued to carry on activities in the coastal waters. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10157 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10157
12 §10157. Landowners and Land Users Relations Advisory Board
Status: in_force

1. Appointment and composition. [PL 2015, c. 277, §2 (RP).]

1-A. Appointment and composition. The Landowners and Land Users Relations Advisory Board, referred to in this chapter as "the advisory board" and established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 49‑C , consists of the following members: A. Eleven members, appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: (1) One representative of a statewide small woodland owners association; (2) One representative of a large landowners association; (3) One representative of a statewide farmers organization; (4) Three representatives who hunt, fish or trap; (5) Two representatives of outdoor recreationists; (6) Two representatives of environmentalist organizations; and (7) One representative of land trust organizations. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §28 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §28 (AMD).]

2. Terms. Members of the advisory board serve for 3 years. When a vacancy occurs, the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall fill the vacancy by appointing a member from the same category as the member who vacated the advisory board and that new member continues to serve for the remainder of the term. [PL 2015, c. 277, §4 (AMD).]

3. Chair; election of board officers. The members of the advisory board shall annually elect one of its members as chair and one of its members as vice-chair. The chair is responsible for scheduling at least 3 advisory board meetings a year and for preparing the agenda for each meeting. [PL 2015, c. 277, §4 (AMD).]

4. Quorum. A majority of the advisory board members representing landowners and a majority of the advisory board members representing land users combined constitute a quorum. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §36 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

5. Staffing of advisory board. The department shall provide administrative and staff support to the advisory board. Department staff shall attend all meetings of the advisory board. [PL 2015, c. 277, §5 (AMD).]

6. Meetings. The advisory board shall hold 3 meetings each year. Additional meetings may be held as necessary to conduct the business of the advisory board. At least once per year, the advisory board and the department shall convene a group of stakeholders to discuss any landowner and outdoor recreationist issues and to provide recommendations to the department and the advisory board for improvements to the landowner relations program. [PL 2015, c. 277, §5 (AMD).]

7. Duties. The advisory board shall: A. Propose changes to or advise the commissioner on landowner-related laws, rules, department policies and other significant landowner and land user issues; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §36 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Review landowner-related policies and procedures, conduct studies, evaluate programs and make recommendations to the commissioner; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §36 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Obtain public use of private and public land for recreational activities by assisting with conflict resolution as it pertains to public access issues on both private and public lands and promote greater understanding and cooperation between owners and users of these lands; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §36 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. Review and make recommendations regarding programs administered by other agencies. The commissioner shall coordinate all reviews; [PL 2011, c. 208, §1 (AMD).] E. Conduct an organizational review of the advisory board every 5 years. This review must be designed to provide the information necessary to ascertain whether the advisory board has the membership required by subsection 1‑A and the advisory board is fulfilling its duties. If the review indicates that the advisory board does not have the correct representational membership, a subcommittee of the members of the advisory board must be convened to recommend to the commissioner appropriate changes. At any time, the advisory board may recommend to the commissioner ways to improve the advisory board's membership or function, and the commissioner shall act upon those recommendations; [PL 2015, c. 277, §6 (AMD).] F. Establish a protocol to contact and work with the courts to identify public service opportunities for a person who has violated a litter law under Title 17, section 2264‑A ; and [PL 2015, c. 277, §7 (AMD).] G. Issue an annual report that includes the following: (1) A summary of the major accomplishments of the program over the last year and plans for the coming year; (2) A summary of how the department administrative and staff support time was spent, including any time spent by the landowner relations coordinator on matters unrelated to landowner relations; (3) A summary of landowner-related complaints received and any resulting action on behalf of the department or advisory board; (4) An accounting of income and expenses of the Landowner Relations Fund established in section 10265 ; and (5) An explanation of what the advisory board accomplished pursuant to each of its statutory duties. [PL 2015, c. 277, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 277, §§6-8 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6729-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6729-A
12 §6729-A. Scallop Research Fund
Status: in_force

The Scallop Research Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established in the department. Balances in the fund may not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. [PL 2003, c. 319, §2 (NEW).]

1. Uses of fund. The commissioner shall use the fund for research directly related to scallop fishery management information needs, for implementation of scallop management measures, for reporting to licensed scallop harvesters on the results of research and the use of fund revenues and for the administration of an apprentice program established pursuant to section 6702, subsection 7 . The commissioner may authorize the expenditure of money in the fund for research and development programs that address the restoration, development or conservation of scallop resources. The commissioner shall consult with the Scallop Advisory Council under section 6729-B before deciding upon research projects and awarding grants from the fund. The fund may also be used for support of the Scallop Advisory Council, including reimbursement for travel expenses. [PL 2019, c. 107, §4 (AMD).]

2. Sources of revenue. The fund is capitalized by license fees and surcharges assessed under section 6702, subsection 7 and section 6729 . In addition to those revenues, the commissioner may accept and deposit in the fund money from any other source, public or private. [PL 2019, c. 107, §5 (AMD).]

3. Scallop Advisory Council. The commissioner shall consult with the Scallop Advisory Council under section 6729-B on the expenditure of funds under this section. [PL 2003, c. 319, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1827 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1827
12 §1827. Establish state park campsite reservation system
Status: reserved

The bureau shall establish and maintain a state park reservation system as provided in this section. The system must be administered by the bureau. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

1. Reservation system for overnight camping. The director shall establish a statewide reservation system for overnight camping at state parks with overnight camping facilities that incorporates a deposit system and a mechanism for accepting payments by credit card. Baxter State Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and public reserved and nonreserved lands are excluded from this system. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Reservation fee. A fee must be collected for all reservations and deposited in the Parks Reservations Other Special Revenue Funds account. A portion of the reservation fee as determined by the commissioner may be paid directly to a provider of Internet reservation services. If reservations made under this section are subsequently cancelled, the bureau must retain a cancellation fee and deposit it into the Parks Reservations Other Special Revenue Funds account. The remaining balance, less reservation expenditures, must then be transferred as undedicated revenue to the General Fund on a periodic basis, not less than quarterly. [PL 2007, c. 1, Pt. T, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Camper confidentiality. Notwithstanding Title 1, chapter 13, subchapter 1 , the names of campers, other identifying information and dates of a reservation are confidential and are not subject to public disclosure during the calendar year for which a reservation is made. Records may be made available upon request to law enforcement officers investigating criminal activity. [PL 2003, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 4608 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 4 / Chapter 419 / Section 4608
12 §4608. Participation limited -- Article VIII
Status: in_force

When any state other than those named specifically in Article II of this compact shall become a party thereto for the purpose of conserving its anadromous fish in accordance with Article II the participation of such state in the action of the commission shall be limited to such species of anadromous fish.
12 M.R.S. § 544-N — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 201-A / Section 544-N
12 §544-N. Prohibited acts
Status: in_force

1. Defacing or damaging cave prohibited. A person may not deface or damage a cave. A person defaces or damages a cave if the person, without the prior written permission of the owner: A. Breaks, breaks off, cracks, carves upon, writes or otherwise marks upon or in any manner destroys, mutilates, injures, defaces, removes, displaces, mars or harms any natural material found in a cave; [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] B. Kills, harms or disturbs plant or animal life found in a cave, except for safety reasons; [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] C. Disturbs or alters the natural condition of a cave or takes into a cave any aerosol or other container containing paints, dyes or other coloring agents; [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] D. Stores, dumps, litters, disposes of or otherwise places any refuse, garbage, dead animal, sewage or toxic substance harmful to cave life or humans in a cave; [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] E. Burns within a cave any material that produces smoke or gas that is harmful to any organism in the cave; or [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] F. Breaks, forces, tampers with, removes or otherwise disturbs a lock, gate, door, sign or other structure or obstruction designed to prevent entrance to a cave, whether or not entrance is gained. [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).]

2. Forfeiture. A person who violates the provisions of this subchapter commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of up to $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).]

3. Damages may be collected by landowner. A person who intentionally defaces or damages a cave on private land in violation of subsection 1 is liable to the owner of that land for actual damages recoverable through a civil action. [PL 2001, c. 113, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1872 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1872
12 §1872. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

1. Bounds of the watercourse. "Bounds of the watercourse" means the high-water marks of the shorelines of the lakes and ponds, the high-water marks of the intervening and connecting waters and the high-water marks of the banks of the streams and rivers of the watercourse. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

2. Canoe. "Canoe" means a form of small watercraft with no rudder or sails that is long and narrow, sharp on both ends or sharp on one end and blunt on the other end usually propelled by paddles or a small motor. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

3. Control station. "Control station" means a regular stopping place maintained by the bureau where users of the waterway may be registered. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

4. Emergency use. "Emergency use" means a use resulting from unforeseen circumstances that calls for immediate action to protect persons or property. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

5. Herbicide. "Herbicide" means a substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, dessicate, defoliate or prevent the growth of unwanted vegetation. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

6. Lock Dam Lot. "Lock Dam Lot" means a certain lot or parcel of land described as follows: Beginning at a point on the East town line of Township 7, Range 13 on the south bank of the thoroughfare between Chamberlain and Eagle Lakes, said point beginning 4 miles + 26.25 chains northerly of the southeast corner of the town; Thence in a generally southwesterly direction a distance of 30 chains, more or less, to a point on the easterly shore of Chamberlain Lake, south of Lock Dam, so-called; Thence northwesterly by and along the easterly shore of Chamberlain Lake about 13 chains, more or less to a point; Thence northeasterly a distance of 40 chains, more or less, to a point on the east line of said township; Thence southerly along said east line of the township to the point of beginning, containing 40 acres, more or less. The aforesaid parcel of land containing 40 acres is that on which the said Lock Dam and improvements are presently located. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

7. Management plan. "Management plan" means a plan of timber harvesting operations for areas within the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

8. Restricted zone. "Restricted zone" means a land area of from 400 feet to 800 feet that extends in all directions from the bounds of the watercourse and includes all land areas within the bounds of the watercourse and all additional areas that may be added by mutual agreement between the director and private property owners. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

9. Telos Dam Lot. "Telos Dam Lot" means a certain lot or parcel of land situated in Township 6, Range 11, WELS, being known as the Telos Dam Lot, being a square lot 20 chains on each side. The aforesaid parcel of land containing 40 acres, more or less, is that on which the said Telos Dam and improvements are presently located. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

10. Timber harvesting operation. "Timber harvesting operation" means the cutting and removal of trees from their growing site and the attendant operation of mobile or portable chipping mills and of cutting and skidding machinery, including the creation and use of skid trails, skid roads and winter haul roads and the construction or creation of land management roads. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

11. Visible from the watercourse. "Visible from the watercourse" means able to be seen by a person at any point on the watercourse from Churchill Dam north without the aid of any magnifying devices. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

12. Watercourse. "Watercourse" means the bodies of water consisting of lakes, rivers and streams extending from Telos Lake Dam northerly to the confluence of West Twin Brook and Allagash River, a distance of approximately 85 miles, and bodies of water consisting of lakes and streams extending from where Allagash Stream crosses the west boundary of T. 8, R. 14 easterly to the inlet of Allagash Stream with Chamberlain Lake, a distance of approximately 10 miles. The watercourse includes Telos Lake, Round Pond (T. 6, R. 11), Chamberlain Lake, Eagle Lake, Churchill Lake, the Allagash River, Umsaskis Lake, Long Lake, Harvey Pond, Round Pond (T. 13, R. 12), the Allagash Stream, Allagash Lake and all intervening and connecting bodies of water. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

13. Use. "Use" means an activity of any form, kind or description. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

14. Watercraft. "Watercraft" means any type of vessel, boat, canoe or craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on waters, other than a seaplane. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 13065 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13065
12 §13065. Personal watercraft rental agent certificate
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not rent or lease a personal watercraft in violation of this section. This subsection does not apply to: A. A campground licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services that offers the personal watercraft owned by that campground exclusively for use by campground clientele; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] B. A commercial sporting camp. For the purposes of this subsection, "commercial sporting camp" means a business consisting of primitive lodging facilities that offers the public the opportunity to pursue primitive hunting, fishing, boating or snowmobiling activities; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A person lawfully engaged in guiding activities under section 12853 who accompanies others on guided trips that include the use of personal watercraft; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. A property owner who offers a person renting or leasing that property the use of a personal watercraft registered to the property owner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §375 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

1-A. Penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of subsection 1 . A. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §376 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §376 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §376 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Registration and issuance. Except as provided in this section, a person or business may not rent or lease a personal watercraft unless that person or business: A. Registers with the department as a personal watercraft rental agent and is issued a personal watercraft rental and leasing agent certificate from the commissioner; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Obtains a Maine certificate of number for each personal watercraft being offered for rent or lease in the name of the person or business holding a personal watercraft rental and leasing agent certificate; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Provides each person who rents or leases a personal watercraft with written instructions on how to operate the personal watercraft. [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).]

3. Fee. The fee for a personal watercraft rental and leasing agent certificate is $25. The certificate is valid from January 1st to December 31st. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Revocation of certificate. The commissioner may revoke a personal watercraft rental and leasing agent certificate issued pursuant to subsection 2 if the commissioner determines that the certificate holder: A. Rented or leased a personal watercraft that was unsafe; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Failed to instruct a person intending to rent or lease a personal watercraft on personal watercraft safety. The department shall provide each certificate holder with written materials and instructional guidelines on personal watercraft safety that the certificate holder shall review with each personal watercraft renter or lessor before that person operates that personal watercraft. [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. § 13152 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 939 / Section 13152
12 §13152. License and training
Status: in_force

1. License. An operator's license is not required for the operation of an ATV, except as required by Title 29‑A . [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Training. A person over 9 years of age and under 16 years of age must successfully complete a training program approved by the department prior to operating an ATV except on: A. Land on which that person is domiciled; [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §17 (RPR).] B. Land owned or leased by that person's parent or guardian; or [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §17 (RPR).] C. A safety training site approved by the department. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. E, §17 (RPR).] The training program must include instruction on the safe operation of ATVs, the laws pertaining to ATVs, the effect of ATVs on the environment and ways to minimize that effect, courtesy to landowners and other recreationists and landowners and other materials as determined by the department. [PL 2023, c. 228, §16 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11305 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11305
12 §11305. Unlawful firearms for hunting bear
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not use a .17 or .22 caliber rimfire firearm or a shotgun using shot loads to hunt bear. [PL 2015, c. 301, §19 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2015, c. 301, §19 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10107 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10107
12 §10107. Deer wintering areas
Status: in_force

1. Identification of deer wintering areas. The commissioner shall, by rule, establish criteria for the identification of deer wintering areas in the State. The criteria must include: A. Observation by department personnel; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Deer tracks; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Evidence of current or past browsing; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. Deer pellet depositions; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] E. Bedding sites. [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).]

2. Notification. Whenever evidence indicates, according to criteria established by the commissioner, the existence of a deer wintering area in any municipality or plantation, the commissioner shall notify the officials of the municipality or plantation and the owner or owners of record of the property on which the area is located of the existence of the deer wintering area and shall provide information to those persons as to actions that may be taken to protect the deer in that area. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10658 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 909 / Section 10658
12 §10658. Unlawful possession of wild animals or wild birds
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not possess a wild animal or wild bird or any parts of a wild animal or wild bird that the person does not possess by any lawful means in the State or any other jurisdiction. [PL 2015, c. 301, §5 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $500 must be imposed. [PL 2015, c. 301, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1891-K — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1891-K
12 §1891-K. State Environmental Resource Volunteer Effort Program created
Status: in_force

There is established within the Corps the State Environmental Resource Volunteer Effort Program, referred to in this subchapter as "SERVE/Maine," to create, promote and manage volunteer and intern opportunities with public agencies that are responsible for protecting, developing, managing or preserving the State's natural resources. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. NN, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10702 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 911 / Section 10702
12 §10702. Chemical tests
Status: in_force

1. Duty to submit. A person who hunts wild animals or wild birds or operates or attempts to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV within this State has a duty to submit to a test to determine that person's alcohol level or drug concentration by analysis of blood, breath or urine if there is probable cause to believe that the person is hunting wild animals or wild birds or operating or attempting to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The duty to submit to an alcohol level or drug concentration test includes the duty to complete either a blood, breath or urine test or any combination of those tests. Tests and procedures for determining whether a person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs are governed by section 10703 . A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 447, §9 (AMD).]

2. Failure to comply with duty to submit. A person shall submit to and complete an alcohol level or drug concentration test, or both, when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the person hunted or operated or attempted to operate a watercraft, snowmobile or ATV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. A. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 447, §10 (AMD).]

3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of up to $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §76 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12610 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12610
12 §12610. Unlawful importation or sale of certain fresh or frozen fish
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not import or offer for sale fresh or frozen any of the following fish: A. Salmon; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. Brook trout; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] C. Brown trout; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. Rainbow trout; [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] E. Lake trout; or [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] F. Any member of the family salmonidae whose source is outside of the continental United States, Canada or Alaska or their adjacent waters. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalty. 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, §272 (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, §272 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §272 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6506 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6506
12 §6506. Commercial halibut fishing license
Status: in_force

1. License required. Beginning January 1, 2023, a person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current: A. Commercial halibut fishing license for a resident operator; [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] B. Commercial halibut fishing license for a resident operator and all crew members; [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] C. Commercial halibut fishing license for a nonresident operator and all crew members; or [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] D. Commercial halibut fishing license for an operator with a federal northeast multispecies groundfish permit authorizing halibut fishing for the operator and all crew members. [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).]

2. Licensed activity; commercial license. The holder of a commercial halibut fishing license issued under subsection 1 may fish for, take, possess, ship, transport or sell halibut that the holder has taken using the vessel named on the license. Crew members aboard a license holder’s vessel may fish for, take, possess, ship or transport halibut only if the license provides for crew members. [PL 2025, c. 60, §1 (AMD).]

2-A. Exception to using vessel named on license holder's license for commercial license holders. Notwithstanding subsection 2 , the commissioner may temporarily authorize a holder of a commercial halibut fishing license to use a vessel other than the vessel named on that license holder's license to fish for, take, possess, ship or transport halibut if the license holder documents to the commissioner that the vessel named on that license holder's license has become temporarily inoperable because of an accident or a mechanical failure and requests in writing to the commissioner that the commissioner authorize the use of another vessel to fish for or take halibut. The commissioner's authorization may require the license holder to fish for, take, possess and land halibut separately from any halibut taken under another license listing the same vessel to ensure that harvest limits are not exceeded. An authorization granted by the commissioner to a license holder due to an accident or a mechanical failure may not exceed 2 weeks. The commissioner may authorize one 2-week extension per license holder during the commercial halibut fishing season. An authorization under this subsection may not be granted by the commissioner in 2 consecutive years. [PL 2025, c. 60, §2 (NEW).]

3. Eligibility. A commercial halibut fishing license issued under subsection 1 may be issued only to an individual. [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).]

4. Fees. Fees for commercial halibut fishing licenses issued under subsection 1 are as follows: A. For a commercial halibut fishing license for a resident operator, $48; [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] B. For a commercial halibut fishing license for a resident operator and all crew members, $128; [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] C. For a commercial halibut fishing license for a nonresident operator and all crew members, $481; and [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] D. For a commercial halibut fishing license for an operator with a federal northeast multispecies groundfish permit authorizing halibut fishing for the operator and all crew members, $2. [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] The commissioner shall deposit fees collected pursuant to this subsection in the Halibut Fund established under section 6039 . [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).]

5. Halibut tags. The holder of a commercial halibut fishing license issued under subsection 1 must annually purchase halibut tags to fish for or take halibut. A license holder may purchase an allotment of halibut tags only once per year. A vessel may have only one license holder’s tags assigned to that vessel. The commissioner shall establish by rule the maximum number of halibut tags that may be issued to a license holder per year, and may establish up to 2 options for the number of tags a license holder may purchase. The commissioner may establish a fee, not to exceed $4 per tag, for each purchase option. Unless otherwise specified in routine technical rules adopted by the commissioner pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , the following fees apply to halibut tags: A. For 10 halibut tags, $10; and [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] B. For 25 halibut tags, $100. [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).] The commissioner shall deposit fees collected pursuant to this subsection in the Halibut Fund established under section 6039 . [PL 2021, c. 627, §5 (NEW).]

6. License exemption. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a person may fish for, take, possess or transport a halibut without a license if the person has fished for or taken the halibut by tub trawl or by hook and line and if the halibut is only for personal use. [PL 2023, c. 207, §14 (NEW).]

7. 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 2023, c. 207, §15 (NEW).]

8. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 207, §16 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12251 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12251
12 §12251. Closed seasons
Status: in_force

1. General. Except as otherwise provided in this Part and except as the commissioner may establish by rule that is not inconsistent with this chapter, there is a perpetual closed season on trapping any wild animal or wild bird. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Unity Utilities District. There is a continued closed season on all wild animals and wild birds on property owned by the Unity Utilities District located on Route 139 and Prairie Road in the municipality of Unity in Waldo County. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Closed season violation. A person may not trap, or attempt to trap, any wild animal or wild bird during the closed season or possess any wild animal or wild bird taken during the closed season on that wild animal or wild bird. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §213 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 5011 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 428 / Section 5011
12 §5011. Department; commissioner
Status: in_force

There is created and established the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to preserve, protect and enhance the land resources of the State of Maine; to encourage the wise use of the scenic, mineral and forest resources of the State of Maine and ensure that coordinated planning for the future allocation of lands for recreational, forest production, mining and other public and private uses is effectively accomplished; and to provide for the effective management of public lands in the State of Maine. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry consists of a Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, referred to in this Part as the "commissioner," appointed by the Governor and subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over conservation matters and to confirmation by the Legislature, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor; and the following entities as previously created or established are incorporated into the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: [PL 1995, c. 3, §3 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §§5, 6 (REV).]

1. Forestry. Forestry Department; [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

2. Parks and recreation. Parks and Recreation Department; [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

3. Forest authority. Maine Forest Authority; [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

4. Mining bureau. Maine Mining Bureau; [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

5. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. B, §11 (RP).]

6. Allagash waterway. Allagash Wilderness Waterway; and [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

7. Land use planning commission. Maine Land Use Planning Commission. [PL 1993, c. 685, Pt. B, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).]
12 M.R.S. § 8845 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8845
12 §8845. Federal quarantine regulations
Status: in_force

Compliance with this Article does not relieve or exempt from legal responsibility any person from compliance with the federal regulations concerning any quarantine law. [PL 1983, c. 507, §2 (RPR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12301-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 919 / Section 12301-B
12 §12301-B. Electronic registration of turkey
Status: in_force

Beginning in 2023, the department shall allow electronic registration of turkey. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules may include exceptions to or electronic means of compliance with any of the requirements of this chapter for a person who registers a turkey in accordance with the rules. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 704, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6086 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6086
12 §6086. Abandoned aquaculture equipment and stock
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Abandoned aquaculture equipment" or "equipment" means any equipment associated with the operation of an aquaculture lease or license pursuant to section 6072 , 6072‑A , 6072‑B or 6072‑C that has been left by the aquaculture lease or license holder in coastal waters without intention of removal. "Abandoned aquaculture equipment" includes, but is not limited to, rafts, pens, barges, skiffs, nets, lines, mooring systems, cages, trays, racks, upwellers and other equipment used in the operation of an aquaculture site. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] B. "Abandoned aquaculture stock" or "stock" means cultured marine organisms, including, but not limited to, fish, shellfish, sea urchins and algae, that have been left by the owner in coastal waters without intention of removal. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).]

2. Eligibility. Abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock is subject to removal under this section only if: A. The aquaculture lease or license holder has indicated in writing to the department that the holder wishes to terminate the aquaculture lease or license with which the abandoned equipment or stock is associated; the department has revoked the lease pursuant to section 6072, subsection 11 or section 6072‑A, subsection 22 ; or the term of the lease or license has expired; [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] B. The equipment or stock remains in the area of the lease or license site and the equipment or stock is not legally permitted to remain by another authority, such as a municipal mooring permit; and [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] C. The aquaculture lease or license holder has not entered into an agreement with the department to accomplish timely removal of the equipment or stock. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).]

3. Responsibility of the department. The department's duties with respect to abandoned aquaculture equipment and abandoned aquaculture stock are as set out in this subsection. A. The department shall investigate reports of abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock and review terminated, expired or revoked aquaculture leases and licenses to determine if there is abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock and give notice to the aquaculture lease or license holder. The department shall also give notice to any person who has declared to the department, in writing, a property interest in the equipment or stock and to any person the lease or license holder has, in writing, identified as having a property interest in the equipment or stock. The notice must require the lease or license holder and anyone with a property interest to respond within 15 days and to remove the equipment or stock from the coastal waters within 60 days of notification by the department or, if the equipment or stock is icebound, within 60 days of ice-out in the body of water where the equipment or stock is located. If the persons to whom the department has given notice cannot be contacted or do not respond to the notice and remove the equipment or stock within the time period specified, the department may initiate removal of the equipment or stock. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] B. The department may authorize a 3rd party to remove abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock if the department is satisfied that the work will be completed. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] C. Notwithstanding the time periods for removal by a lease or license holder or person with a property interest specified in paragraph A , if the department determines at any time that abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock is a human health or safety hazard or is an immediate threat to the marine environment, the department may immediately remove the equipment or stock from the coastal waters. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] D. If the department removes abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock from coastal waters under this subsection, the department may sell the equipment or stock. Any proceeds from the sale must first be applied to the costs to the State directly related to the expense of removal of the equipment or stock. Any money that remains may be applied to any liens against the equipment or stock. Money that finally remains must accrue to the Aquaculture Management Fund established under section 6072‑D . [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] E. Abandoned aquaculture equipment or abandoned aquaculture stock located on intertidal land may not be removed by the department without the permission of the landowner unless the department determines that the equipment or stock is a human health or safety hazard or is an immediate threat to the marine environment. [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] F. The department may adopt rules governing abandoned aquaculture equipment and abandoned aquaculture stock, including, but not limited to, rules requiring the disclosure of property interests in abandoned aquaculture equipment and abandoned aquaculture stock. Rules adopted under this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).]

4. Civil action. If the State is not compensated for removal costs under the provisions of subsection 3 , the State shall first attempt to recover the removal costs by claiming these expenses against any bond the aquaculture lease or license holder held during the term of the aquaculture lease or license. If the department is unsuccessful in recovering the removal costs in that manner, the State may bring a civil action against the owner of the equipment or stock to cover any cost of removal of the equipment or stock from coastal waters. The court in its discretion may award an additional 50% of the cost of removal. The penalty is payable to the Aquaculture Management Fund established under section 6072‑D . [PL 2009, c. 229, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12001 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 12001
12 §12001. Night season and restrictions
Status: in_force

1. Coyote hunting. Notwithstanding the night hunting prohibitions in section 11206 , there is an open season for hunting coyotes at night in all counties of the State from December 16th to August 31st. Notwithstanding section 11214, subsection 1, paragraph M , the commissioner may appoint agents to hunt for coyotes at night using artificial illumination from September 1st to December 15th. The commissioner shall develop policies to make the affected public and affected law enforcement officers aware of any night hunting operations. [PL 2011, c. 216, §1 (AMD).]

2. Night; hunting hours. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §190 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Calling devices required. A person may not hunt coyotes at night without possessing an electronic, hand-held or mouth-operated predator calling device. A person who hunts coyotes in violation of this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §190 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 9707 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 809 / Section 9707
12 §9707. Acceptance of personal recognizance with deposit
Status: in_force

A forest ranger may accept recognizances in accordance with the following procedures: [PL 1989, c. 704, §2 (NEW).]

1. Acceptance. A forest ranger making an arrest for any crime defined in this chapter at a point more than 50 miles distant from the nearest District Court may accept the personal recognizance of the arrested person in an amount not to exceed $500 for the arrested person's appearance before the nearest District Court on a specified date and a deposit in money to the amount of that recognizance; [PL 1989, c. 704, §2 (NEW).]

2. Report. The forest ranger shall report any personal recognizance with deposit accepted and forward that deposit to the District Court to which the recognizance is returnable; and [PL 1989, c. 704, §2 (NEW).]

3. Forfeiture of deposit. If the person on bail fails to appear in the court on the day specified, either in person or by counsel, the court shall order the recognizance and money deposit forfeited and may take any other action necessary. Forfeited money collected by the court must be paid to the General Fund. [PL 1989, c. 704, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 10322 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10322
12 §10322. Grant and aid program established
Status: in_force

1. Established. There is established the ATV Enforcement Grant and Aid Program. Grants from the program are for the sole purpose of maintaining, improving and expanding ATV enforcement and training for state, county and municipal enforcement officers in accordance with this subchapter. The grant committee may also, as part of the program, receive and disburse aid in the form of materials or equipment pursuant to section 10324, subsection 5 . [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

2. Fund. The ATV Enforcement Grant Program Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the department to be used for the program in accordance with this subchapter. The fund consists of revenues deposited in the fund pursuant to Title 36, section 2903‑D, subsection 3 , any other funds appropriated or allocated for inclusion in the fund, from whatever source, and any other money available for deposit in the fund, including any federal funds or other public funds or any donations made to the fund. The board may apply for federal or other funds that may be available for the purposes of the program. The fund is nonlapsing and any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. The fund may be used to pay for administrative expenses associated with the work of the grant committee pursuant to this subchapter, including the costs of the ATV grant coordinator. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

3. Relation to other funding. Grants from the program supplement any other sources or levels of funding appropriated or allocated by the Legislature. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

4. Grant availability. Grants from the program are available to law enforcement agencies in accordance with this subchapter. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

5. Grant administration. The ATV Enforcement Grant Review Committee shall administer the fund and the program. [PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 695, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1876 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1876
12 §1876. Control of land areas
Status: in_force

1. Structures. New structures or expansions of existing structures are not permitted within the restricted zone, except those structures essential to state service agencies, those structures determined by the bureau to be essential in maintaining water level controls and temporary structures determined by the bureau to be necessary for watercourse crossing and access. All existing structures must be removed except those determined necessary by the bureau to carry out the intent 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. New construction. New construction within 1/4 mile of the restricted zone may be done only with the prior approval of the bureau. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Camps. Other than structures permitted under subsection 1 , camps are prohibited within the restricted zone. Existing commercial sporting camps must be acquired by the bureau and may be leased back to the present owners or others on terms and conditions determined by the bureau. As of July 25, 1984, the bureau may not change the existing type of use of Jalbert's Sporting Camps on Round Pond and Nugents Sporting Camps on Chamberlain Lake or destroy or abandon those camps without legislative approval. [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. § 403 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 200 / Section 403
12 §403. Special protection for outstanding rivers
Status: in_force

The Legislature declares that certain rivers, because of their unparalleled natural and recreational values, provide irreplaceable social and economic benefits to the people in their existing state. It is the Legislature's intent that no new dams be constructed on these river and stream segments without the specific authorization of the Legislature, that no new water diversion, which would constitute a hydropower project pursuant to Title 38, section 632 , and which would bypass all or part of the natural course of these river and stream segments, be constructed without the specific authorization of the Legislature and that additional development or redevelopment of dams existing on these segments, as of September 23, 1983, shall be designed and executed in a manner that either enhances or does not diminish the significant resource values of these river segments identified by the 1982 Maine Rivers Study. No license or permit under Title 38, sections 630 to 636 may be issued for construction of new dams on the river and stream segments subject to this special protection without the specific authorization of the Legislature, for the construction of any water diversion project which would constitute a hydropower project pursuant to Title 38, section 632, and which would bypass all or part of the natural course of river and stream segments subject to this special protection without the specific authorization of the Legislature or for additional development or redevelopment of existing dams on the river and stream segments subject to this special protection where the additional development or redevelopment diminishes the significant resource values of these river and stream segments. [PL 1987, c. 717, §1 (AMD).]

Further, the Legislature finds that projects inconsistent with this policy on new dams and diversion projects, which constitute hydropower projects pursuant to Title 38, section 632 , and redevelopment of existing dams will alter the physical and chemical characteristics and designated uses of the waters of these river and stream segments. It finds that these impacts are unacceptable and constitute violations of the State's water quality standards. The Legislature directs that no project which fails to meet the requirements of this section may be certified under the United States Clean Water Act, Section 401. [PL 1987, c. 717, §1 (AMD).]

For purposes of this section, outstanding river and stream segments meriting special protection shall include: [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

1. Allagash River. The Allagash River from Gerald Brook in Allagash up to but not including the Churchill Dam in T.10, R.12, W.E.L.S., including its tributaries the Musquacook Stream from the Allagash River to the outlet of Third Musquacook Lake in T. 11, R. 11, W.E.L.S.; Allagash Stream from its inlet to Chamberlain Lake to the outlet of Allagash Pond in T.9, R.15, W.E.L.S.; and Chemquasabamticook Stream from its inlet into Long Lake to the outlet of Chemquasabamticook Lake, excluding Round Pond in T.13, R.12, W.E.L.S., Harvey Pond, Long Lake, Umsaskis Lake, Musquacook Lakes (1-2), Little Round Pond in T.8, R.13, W.E.L.S., Allagash Lake and Clayton Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

2. Aroostook River. The Aroostook River from and including the Sheridan Dam in Ashland to Millinocket Stream, including its tributaries Millinocket Stream from the Aroostook River to the outlet of Millinocket Lake; Munsungan Stream from the Aroostook River to the outlet of Little Munsungan Lake; St. Croix Stream from the Aroostook River to Hall Brook in T.9, R.5, W.E.L.S.; and the Big Machias River from the Aroostook River to the outlet of Big Machias Lake, excluding Round Pond in T.7, R.9, W.E.L.S.; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

3. Dead River. The Dead River from the Kennebec River to the upstream limit of Big Eddy; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

4. Dennys River. The Dennys River from Hinckley Point in Dennysville to the outlet of Meddybemps Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

5. East Machias River. The East Machias River, including the Maine River, from the Route 191 Mill Memorial Bridge in East Machias to the outlet of Pocomoonshine Lake, excluding Hadley Lake, Second Lake, Round Lake, Crawford Lake, Lower Mud Lake and Upper Mud Lake; [PL 1983, c. 530, §5 (AMD).]

6. Fish River. The Fish River from its inlet into St. Froid Lake in T.14, R. 7, W.E.L.S. to the outlet of Mud Pond in T.13, R. 8, W.E.L.S., excluding Portage Lake, Round Pond and Fish River Lake. [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

7. Kennebec River. The Kennebec River from Bay Point in Georgetown to its confluence with the Sebasticook River in Winslow and from the confluence of the Dead River with the Kennebec River up to, but not including, the Harris Dam in Indian Stream Township; [PL 2007, c. 364, §1 (AMD).]

8. Machias River. The Machias River, including Fourth and Fifth Lake Streams, from Fort O'Brien in Machias to the outlet of Fifth Machias Lake, including its tributaries the West Branch Machias River from the Machias River to the outlet of Lower Sabao Lake; Old Stream from the Machias River to the outlet of First Lake; and Mopang Stream from the Machias River to the outlet of Mopang Second Lake, excluding Machias Lakes (1-4), Lower Pond and Mopang First Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

9. Mattawamkeag River. The Mattawamkeag River from the Penobscot River to the Mattawamkeag and Kingman Township townline. [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

10. Moose River. The Moose River from its inlet into Attean Pond to its confluence with Number One Brook in Beattie Township; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

11. Narraguagus River. The Narraguagus River from the Route 1 bridge in Cherryfield to the outlet of Eagle Lake, excluding Beddington Lake and Deer Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

12. Penobscot River. The Penobscot River, including the Eastern Channel, from Sandy Point in Stockton Springs up to, but not including, the Veazie Dam, including its tributaries the West Branch of the Penobscot from its inlet into Ambajejus Lake to the western Boundary of T.3, R.10, and from its inlet into Chesuncook Lake up to, but not including, the dam at Seboomook Lake; the East Branch Penobscot River from the Penobscot River up to, but not including, the dam at the outlet of Grand Lake Matagamon; the Wassataquoik Stream from the East Branch of the Penobscot River to Annis Brook in T.4, R.9, W.E.L.S.; the Webster Brook from its inlet into Grand Lake Matagamon up to, but not including, Telos Dam in T.6, R.11, W.E.L.S.; the Seboeis River from the East Branch of the Penobscot River to the outlet of Snowshoe Lake; and the Sawtelle Brook from the Seboeis River up to, but not including, the dam at the outlet of Sawtelle Deadwater, excluding Passamagamet Lake, Webster Lake, White Horse Lake and Snowshoe Lake; [PL 1983, c. 530, §6 (AMD).]

13. Pleasant River. The Pleasant River from Seavey Point in Addison to the outlet of Pleasant River Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

14. Rapid River. The Rapid River from the Magalloway Plantation and Upton townline to the outlet of Pond in the River; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

15. Saco River. The Saco River from the Little Ossipee River to the New Hampshire border; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

16. St. John River. The St. John River from one mile above the foot of Big Rapids in Allagash to the Baker Branch, including its tributaries the Big Black River from the St. John River to the Canadian border; the Northwest Branch from the St. John River to the outlet of Beaver Pond in T.12, R.17, W.E.L.S.; the Southwest Branch from the Baker Branch to 5 miles downstream of the Canadian border; and the Baker Branch from the St. John River to 1.5 miles below Baker Lake; [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

17. Sheepscot River. The Sheepscot River from the Route 1 bridge in Wiscasset to Halldale Road in Montville, excluding Long Pond and Sheepscot Pond, including its tributaries the West Branch of the Sheepscot from its confluence with the Sheepscot River in Whitefield to the outlet of Branch Pond in China; and [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]

18. West Branch Pleasant River. The West Branch Pleasant River from the East Branch to the outlet of Fourth West Branch Pond in Shawtown Township, excluding Silver Lake and West Branch Ponds (1-3). [PL 1983, c. 458, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12909 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 929 / Section 12909
12 §12909. Whitewater guide license
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility. A person may not act as a whitewater guide unless that person is 18 years of age or older and has procured a license from the commissioner pursuant to this section. A. A person who violates this subsection 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, §329 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §329 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Rules. The commissioner shall by rule establish the requirements for a whitewater guide's license. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Examination. All initial applicants for a whitewater guide's license are required to pass an examination developed and administered by the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Fee. The fee for an examination is $100 and is not refundable. An applicant may retake the examination once without paying an additional examination fee. A whitewater guide's license is a 3-year license. The fee for a whitewater guide's license is $89. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §32 (AMD).]

5. Renewal. A whitewater guide whose license is not suspended or revoked may renew that license upon the payment of the license fee. An examination is required for any person who has not held a valid whitewater guide's license within the previous 3 years. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

6. Nonrenewal, suspension or revocation. A whitewater guide's license is subject to nonrenewal, suspension or revocation for good cause shown, including, but not limited to, unsafe practices, falsification of reports or serious or continued violation of this chapter, subject to Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §330 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12908 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 929 / Section 12908
12 §12908. Noncommercial organization that collects dues or fees
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 12901, subsection 5 , an organization that collects dues or fees may conduct rafting trips on rapidly flowing rivers without obtaining a commercial whitewater outfitter's license if the commissioner determines under this section that the organization is a noncommercial organization. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Tax-exempt nonprofit corporation formed before March 1, 1996. An organization is a "noncommercial organization" if the commissioner determines that the organization is a nonprofit corporation incorporated before March 1, 1996, including any council, troop or other organized local group affiliated with the corporation, that collects dues or fees from its members and for which conducting whitewater rafting is incidental to the purpose of the corporation. The organization wishing to conduct a rafting trip on a rapidly flowing river without a commercial whitewater outfitter's license under this subsection shall file a written request with the commissioner at least 15 days before conducting that trip. The request must include the name of the organization conducting the trip and the time, location and number of persons participating in the trip. The commissioner may request any additional information from the organization necessary to make a determination under this subsection. A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a council, troop or other organized local group affiliated with the corporation may not conduct more than 2 whitewater rafting trips in any one calendar year without obtaining a commercial whitewater outfitter's license. (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, §328 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Noncommercial whitewater rafting club. An organization is a "noncommercial organization" if the commissioner determines that the organization is a qualifying noncommercial whitewater rafting club. A "qualifying noncommercial whitewater rafting club" is a group that collects dues or fees from its members and that the commissioner determines to be organized solely to provide noncommercial whitewater rafting opportunities to its members. To be considered under this subsection, a club must provide to the commissioner the following information before January 1st of each year: A. A list that includes the name, legal residence and home telephone number of each dues-paying member of the club. That list must identify a member as the president of the club and must identify any other officers or board members of the club. A commercial whitewater outfitter or a licensed whitewater guide is ineligible to be an officer or a board member of the club. The commissioner may not accept more than one amended membership list from a club between April 1st and November 1st; [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A statement signed by all board members, if any, and all officers of the club swearing that: (1) The sole purpose of the club is to provide noncommercial whitewater rafting opportunities to its members; (2) No member of the club, including officers and board members, receives any form of compensation from the club at any time, either while a member of the club or afterwards; (3) The club will use its own rafting equipment, and all fees or dues collected from club members are used only to provide insurance and to purchase and maintain rafting equipment for use solely by the club; and (4) The club will not employ or otherwise compensate any person for any service relating to rafting or accept any gifts of products or services from any commercial whitewater outfitter or licensed whitewater guide; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Any other information the commissioner determines necessary. If the club is an incorporated entity, the commissioner shall require the club to submit a copy of the club's articles of incorporation. The commissioner may not consider any incorporated entity other than a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation as a noncommercial whitewater rafting club. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

3. Limits placed by commissioner. When authorizing a noncommercial organization under this section to conduct whitewater rafting trips without a commercial license, the commissioner shall, when the commissioner determines necessary, place limits on that organization's whitewater rafting activities, including limits on the time and location of rafting activities, the number of persons that may participate in those rafting activities and the safety equipment required for rafting trips. A. A person who violates limits imposed under 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, §328 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates limits imposed under 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, §328 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

4. Rejection of request. The commissioner may reject a request under this section if the commissioner determines that granting the request would conflict with the river management objectives set forth in section 12903 . [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §328 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6725 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6725
12 §6725. Possession of illegal scallops
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not possess, ship, transport, buy or sell scallops taken in violation of this subchapter. [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §7 (RPR).]

2. 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. 695, Pt. I, §7 (RPR).] B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §7 (RPR).] 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. 695, Pt. I, §7 (RPR).] [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §7 (RPR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6729 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6729
12 §6729. License surcharges
Status: in_force

1. License surcharges. The following surcharges are assessed on licenses issued by the department: A. For a hand fishing scallop license, $100; [PL 2003, c. 319, §2 (NEW).] B. For a scallop draggers license, $100, plus an additional $250 to sponsor an apprentice pursuant to section 6702, subsection 7 ; [PL 2019, c. 107, §3 (AMD).] C. For a sea urchin and scallop diving tender license, $50; [PL 2009, c. 561, §24 (AMD).] D. For a noncommercial scallop license, $40, except as provided in section 6703, subsection 4-A ; and [PL 2019, c. 575, §5 (AMD).] E. For a hand fishing scallop license with tender, $100. [PL 2009, c. 561, §26 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 575, §5 (AMD).]

2. Deposit. The commissioner shall deposit surcharges assessed in this section in the Scallop Research Fund under section 6729-A , except that fees collected under subsection 1, paragraph C must be divided equally between the Scallop Research Fund and the Sea Urchin Research Fund established in section 6749-R . [PL 2009, c. 561, §27 (AMD).] Revisor's Note: §6729. Shell size minimum (As enacted by PL 2003, c. 63, §2 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 12, SECTION 6728-A AND THEN TO TITLE 12, SECTION 6721-A)
12 M.R.S. § 13060-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13060-A
12 §13060-A. Temporary registration certificate
Status: in_force

1. Twenty-day certificate. The commissioner may issue temporary registration certificates to a registered dealer, who may, upon the sale or exchange of a boat, issue a temporary registration certificate to a new owner in order to allow the new owner to operate the boat for a period of 20 consecutive days after the date of sale in lieu of a permanent number as required by this chapter. The fee for each temporary registration certificate is $1. [PL 2011, c. 533, §9 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who operates a boat with an expired temporary registration certificate commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $250 may be adjudged. [PL 2011, c. 533, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1859 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1859
12 §1859. Funding for educational programs related to logging and forestry
Status: reserved

1. Legislative findings. Whereas expenditures from the Public Reserved Lands Management Fund established under section 1849, subsection 2 must be consistent with the public trust limitations embodied in the Constitution of Maine, Article X; and the Constitution of Maine, Article X designates the public lots for the benefit of the schools in this State; and educating new loggers and foresters in the State will help to ensure that the public reserved lands continue to be managed to demonstrate exemplary land management practices, the Legislature declares that authorizing grants under this section is consistent with the Legislature's responsibility as trustee. [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]

2. Educational grant program established; eligibility. The bureau shall establish, maintain and administer an educational grant program, referred to in this section as "the grant program," and an application system for the grant program to allow an eligible public secondary program, career and technical education program and public postsecondary educational program to apply for an educational grant under the grant program. Only an educational program at a public secondary or public postsecondary educational institution or career and technical education center that is related to logging or forestry, referred to in this section as "an eligible educational program," is eligible to receive funding under the grant program. [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]

3. Grants; source of funds; limits. An approved eligible educational program may receive grants of up to $50,000, if available, from the grant program. The source of the funds for the grants is the Public Reserved Lands Management Fund established under section 1849, subsection 2 . Total distributions from the Public Reserved Lands Management Fund under the grant program may not exceed $300,000 in the 2 fiscal years of the state budget biennium. [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]

4. Permitted use of funding. An eligible educational program that receives a grant under the grant program may use the grant in more than one year if such an extended use is approved by the bureau during the application process. Grants received through the grant program may be used only for educational purposes, including but not limited to upgrading existing logging equipment. Any grants issued to an eligible educational program must supplement, not supplant, existing school funding. [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]

5. Participation of regional managers. The bureau shall include managers of any regional public reserved lands units established by the bureau in the process established for approving the distribution of funds to eligible educational programs under the grant program and shall ensure that the managers are involved with, or have the option to be involved with, any eligible educational program that receives funding through the grant program. [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]

6. Rulemaking. The bureau shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 289, §9 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6136 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6136
12 §6136. Maine Coast Environmental Trust Fund
Status: in_force

1. Creation of trust fund. There is established the Maine Coast Environmental Trust Fund, referred to in this section as "the trust," as an Other Special Revenue Funds account within the Department of Marine Resources. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).]

2. Purpose of trust. The purpose of the trust is to protect and improve the quality of the State's marine environment by providing grants to qualifying organizations for activities to advance scientific research concerning the nature, magnitude and effect of pollution of the State's estuarine, near-shore and off-shore marine environments and the means to abate pollution or preserve and enhance estuarine, near-shore and off-shore marine habitats. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).]

3. Sources for trust. Money obtained from the following sources must be paid to the Treasurer of State for the benefit of the trust: A. Gifts, bequests and donations to the trust from private individuals or corporations desiring to protect and improve the marine environment through applied research; [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] B. Grants to the trust from private or public foundations desiring to protect and improve the marine environment through applied and basic research; [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] C. Funds stipulated for deposit in the trust as part of the terms of settlement of legal actions against corporations, partnerships or individuals for violations of environmental laws, rules or regulations; [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] D. Funds for research received under any federal oil spill trust fund; [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] E. Revenues that may be from time to time realized through public bond issues; [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] F. Federal grants and loans; and [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] G. Appropriations and transfers authorized by the Legislature. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).]

4. Use and administration of trust. Trust funds must be used to provide grants to meet the purposes of this section. The department shall administer the trust as follows. A. Unless otherwise specified by the source of a contribution to the trust, 50% of a contribution to the trust must be deposited in a principal account and maintained as a permanent endowment. The income earned on funds held in this account, combined with the remaining 50% of funds contributed to the trust, must be deposited in an operating account and made available for disbursement as grants to accomplish the purposes of this section and as expenditures for purposes of administering the trust. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] B. An executive agency is not eligible to receive funding from the trust unless the agency jointly undertakes a research proposal with another entity that is not an executive agency. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] C. The department shall give preference to institutions, organizations and entities located and operated in the State. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] D. Principal, or interest earned from principal, with special instructions from contributors must be awarded in accordance with the contributors' instructions. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] E. All money in the trust not immediately required for payment, pursuant to the provisions of this section, must be invested by the Treasurer of State as authorized by Title 5, section 138 , except that the securities in which the trust money is invested must remain part of the trust until exchanged for other securities and the income from all investments must remain a part of the trust unless prohibited by federal law. [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 641, §1 (NEW).]

5. Amendment and termination of trust. The department shall make recommendations as follows. A. [PL 2011, c. 598, §13 (RP).] B. In the event the department determines that the provisions of the trust should be amended, the department shall make appropriate recommendations to the Legislature. [PL 2011, c. 598, §13 (AMD).] C. The department may recommend that the trust be terminated if termination is determined to be appropriate. In the event that the Legislature terminates the trust, the principal and operating funds must be disbursed in a manner consistent with the purpose of the trust. [PL 2011, c. 598, §13 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 598, §13 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 11204 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11204
12 §11204. Criminal trespass
Status: in_force

A person may not possess a wild animal or wild bird taken while criminally trespassing as described in Title 17‑A, section 402 , except as otherwise provided in this Part. 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. § 6205 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 609 / Section 6205
12 §6205. Certificate as evidence
Status: in_force

A certificate of the commissioner, deputy commissioner or Chief of the Bureau of Marine Patrol stating what the records of the department show is admissible as evidence in all courts as proof of the department records. A certificate stating that the records do not show that a person held a license is prima facie evidence that the person did not hold the license on the date specified in the certificate. The certified copy is admissible in evidence on the testimony of an officer that the officer received the certificate after requesting it by telephone or otherwise from the department. A further foundation is not necessary for the admission of the certificate. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §37 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 5302 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 433 / Section 5302
12 §5302. Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program
Status: in_force

1. Program established. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service shall establish and administer the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program to support immersive outdoor education and to assist school administrative units in partnering with outdoor education programs. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]

2. Grant requirements. Beginning in school year 2025-2026, except as otherwise provided in section 5304, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service shall provide grants to implement the program in order to assist school administrative units in partnering with outdoor education program providers. Grants under the program must be: A. Distributed to an outdoor education program provider that meets the requirements of section 5303; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] B. Used to serve publicly funded students enrolled in grade 4 to grade 8 in schools operated by tribal school committees or students enrolled in grade 4 to grade 8 in publicly funded schools in the State, as determined by the sending school administrative unit and the outdoor education program provider based on community needs and the curriculum. A student receiving home-school instruction is eligible to participate in the program as provided by Title 20‑A, section 5021 . For purposes of this paragraph, "publicly funded school" means a school required to participate in the system of learning results established in Title 20‑A, section 6209 ; [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] C. Provided to the same school grade each year to ensure that students in subsequent years have an opportunity to participate in the program; and [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] D. If program funds are limited, prioritized for schools and communities that are historically underserved by outdoor education, including, but not limited to, Indian tribes and nations, migrant students, schools with high numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches, rural and remote schools, students in alternative education programs, students of color, English language learner students and students receiving special education services. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6505-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6505-C
12 §6505-C. Eel harvesting license
Status: in_force

1. License required. A person may not fish for or take eels in the coastal waters of the State or possess, ship, transport or sell eels that the person has taken in the coastal waters of the State without an eel harvesting license. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §31 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

2. Exemptions. A person may fish for or take for personal use eels in the coastal waters of the State by speargun, harpoon, trap or hook and line and may possess or transport eels that person has taken pursuant to this subsection. The department shall adopt rules establishing a limit on the number of eels that a person may fish for, take, possess or transport pursuant to this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 2001, c. 187, §1 (AMD).]

3. Eligibility. An eel harvesting license may be issued only to an individual. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §31 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]

4. License fees. The fee for an eel harvesting license is $50. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. EEEEE, §12 (AMD).]

4-A. License surcharge. In addition to the license fee established in subsection 4 , the commissioner shall assess a $75 surcharge on each license issued under this section. 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, §13 (NEW).]

5. Disposition of fees. All fees collected under this section accrue to the Eel and Elver Management Fund established in section 6505‑D , except that $50 must accrue to the General Fund for each license sold under this section. [PL 2009, c. 561, §19 (AMD).]

6. Violation. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. [PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. B, §31 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 421, Pt. C, §1 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 9337 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9337
12 §9337. Primary processors
Status: in_force

All primary processors of wood products, including, but not limited to, sawmills, except a person processing for that person's own domestic use, and owners of lands on which those processing plants are located shall keep any slash resulting from cutting forest growth removed for a distance of 50 feet in all directions from the mill, sawdust pile and any open incinerator. Live trees need not be removed from the 50-foot cleared area but coniferous trees must be pruned to a height of 10 feet above the ground and dead snags must be removed. The sawdust pile must be clear of all trees, free of slabs and edgings and located not less than 25 feet from any open incinerator and mill. All such processors and owners shall observe the slash provisions of this Article when on, or after change of, location. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §71 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12702 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12702
12 §12702. Rule violations; state-owned wildlife management areas
Status: in_force

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating state-owned wildlife management areas. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §291 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

1. Civil violation. Notwithstanding section 10650 , a person who violates a rule regulating state-owned wildlife management areas 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, §291 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Criminal violation. A person who violates a rule regulating state-owned wildlife management areas 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, §291 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 13067 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 935 / Section 13067
12 §13067. Waste water discharge in inland waters
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not launch a watercraft into or operate a watercraft on inland waters when that watercraft has a marine toilet, shower or sink unless: A. The waste water from the toilet, shower or sink is fed directly into a holding tank; and [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The holding tank for sanitary waste water is not in any way connected to any through-hull fittings. [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).]

2. Penalty. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §378 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §378 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §378 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 8906 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 8906
12 §8906. Other authority
Status: in_force

1. Administrative units. The director shall have the authority to divide the State into administrative units so as to most effectively provide for protection against loss or damage by forest fires. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

2. Equipment. The director may establish lookout stations connected by telephone and radio, and construct, equip and maintain office-storehouse headquarters for necessary supplies, tools and equipment and provide for any other facilities essential for forest fire control. All fire lookout towers must be staffed during periods of fire danger. The director shall notify the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy and natural resources and appropriations and financial affairs in writing prior to implementing any major policy changes in the operation and staffing of the fire lookout tower system. Within the unorganized territory, the director may, in addition to this subsection, construct and maintain roads and trails. In the event the director determines that any currently active fire tower should not be reopened for the subsequent fire season, the director shall provide notice to the Legislature of intended action by January 15th. This notice must include the location of the fire towers affected and the justifications for the closures. Notice of closures must be reviewed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources. Unless the Legislature determines otherwise, the director may close towers so indicated. If any fire tower is not reopened, the department shall work closely with the municipality in which the fire tower is located to minimize the impact that action will have on the municipality's responsibility to control forest fires. [PL 1991, c. 9, Pt. Y, §2 (AMD).]

3. Contingency. If the funds available for forest fire control are not sufficient to meet actual suppression costs in any year, the Governor may make additional funds available from the treasury not otherwise appropriated. [RR 2011, c. 2, §11 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 12252 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 917 / Section 12252
12 §12252. Unlawful trapping methods
Status: in_force

1. Unlawfully rigging traps. A person may not use auxiliary teeth on any leg-hold trap set on land. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Use or possession of prohibited implements or aids. A person may not: A. Set or tend a snare for the purpose of trapping any wild animal or wild bird, except as provided in section 10105, subsection 1 and section 12259 ; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Set or tend a set gun for the purpose of killing, taking, catching, wounding, harming or molesting any wild animal or wild bird; [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. Deposit any medicinal, poisonous or stupefying substance for the purpose of killing, taking, catching, wounding, harming or molesting any wild animal or wild bird, except that a landowner or member of the landowner's immediate family may use gas cartridges on the landowner's own land for woodchuck control; or [PL 2015, c. 301, §31 (AMD).] D. Sell, advertise, give notice of the sale or keep for sale any set gun or poisonous substance for the taking of wild animals or wild birds, except that a person may sell, advertise, give notice of sale of or keep for sale rodenticide for orchard mouse control and gas cartridges for woodchuck control. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 301, §31 (AMD).]

3. Use of pole traps. A person may not use or set any steel trap on the top of a pole, constituting a device commonly known as a "pole trap" for the purposes of catching any wild bird. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §214 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6814 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6814
12 §6814. Sea cucumber rules
Status: in_force

The commissioner may adopt rules under chapter 607, subchapter 1 to promote the conservation and propagation of sea cucumbers. Those rules may include, but are not limited to, the establishment of management areas in which the harvest of sea cucumbers will be permitted, limits on the number of licenses associated with those management areas and annual limits on total harvest from each of those management areas. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2005, c. 27, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6081 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6081
12 §6081. Aquaculture Research Fund
Status: in_force

The Aquaculture Research Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the department. In addition to the fees derived from the limited-purpose aquaculture license, the commissioner may receive on behalf of the fund funds from any source. The commissioner shall use all money received into the fund for research and management related to the aquaculture industry. 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 fund. [PL 1999, c. 567, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6691 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6691
12 §6691. Water quality samplers
Status: in_force

A commercial shellfish license holder who complies with the shellfish sanitation program's quality assurance and quality control training and certification requirements as administered by the department may serve as a volunteer water quality sampler for the department. [PL 2001, c. 587, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6140-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 605 / Section 6140-A
12 §6140-A. Atlantic salmon; method of fishing; season
Status: in_force

Unless more restrictive rules are adopted by the department, the following restrictions apply to methods of fishing and the season for Atlantic salmon. [PL 2019, c. 225, §5 (AMD).]

1. Catch and release only. All fishing for Atlantic salmon is catch and release, except for Atlantic salmon lawfully raised by means of aquaculture. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §8 (NEW).]

2. Method of fishing. A person may not fish for Atlantic salmon in waters of the State by any means other than hook and line with an unweighted artificial fly. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §8 (NEW).]

3. Closed season. A person may not fish for Atlantic salmon from waters of the State by any means from October 16th to April 30th. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. QQ, §8 (NEW).]

4. Open season. The department may establish by rule an open season during which a person may fish for Atlantic salmon. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2019, c. 225, §6 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 8883-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 805 / Section 8883-B
12 §8883-B. Notification
Status: in_force

1. Notification required prior to harvest. Unless exempted under subsection 6 or by rule, a landowner or designated agent shall notify the bureau prior to beginning timber harvesting. A. [PL 2011, c. 532, §4 (RP).] B. [PL 2011, c. 532, §4 (RP).] When the timber harvesting is occurring within a municipality, the bureau shall send a copy of the notification form to the municipal clerk. [PL 2011, c. 532, §4 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2. Notification form. Unless an alternate form or method of reporting is provided in rule, notification must be on forms supplied by the bureau and must include the following information: A. The name, address and phone number of the landowner, any designated agent and, if known, any harvester or harvesters; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. The name and address of any licensed professional forester consulting the landowner on forest management or harvesting practices; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. The municipality or township and county of harvest; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] D. The name of the nearest public or private all-weather road; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] E. The approximate dates the harvest will begin and finish; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] F. The anticipated acreage to be harvested; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] G. An indication whether the land being harvested is taxed under the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law; [PL 2011, c. 532, §5 (AMD).] H. Whether the land is being harvested to convert to another use within 2 years and, if so, what that use is to be; [PL 2011, c. 532, §6 (AMD).] I. The signatures of the harvester when listed on the form in accordance with paragraph A and the licensed professional forester when listed on the form in accordance with paragraph B ; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] J. The signature of the landowner and the signature of the designated agent when a designated agent is listed in accordance with paragraph A . If the designated agent is a licensed professional forester who has a fiduciary responsibility to the landowner, the signature of the landowner is not required; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] K. A map locating the harvest site in relation to known or easily identifiable terrain features such as a road junction or a stream and road junction. The map must be a copy of a 7.5 or 15 minute series topographical map produced by the United States Geological Survey or a map of equivalent or superior detail in the location of roads; and [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] L. The date of notification. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2011, c. 532, §§5, 6 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

3. Harvest reporting forms. Upon receipt by the bureau of the form required under subsection 2 , the bureau shall mail forms to the landowner or designated agent for reporting harvest information pursuant to this subchapter. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

4. Notification form on file; posted. The landowner or designated agent shall retain a copy of the notification form and produce it upon request of agents as specified in section 8888 . The landowner or designated agent shall post the notification number at the harvest site in a clearly visible location. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

5. Duration. A notification shall remain valid for 2 years from the date of issue or upon completion of the harvest, whichever occurs first. If the harvest extends beyond 2 years, a new notice under this section must be filed. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

6. Notification exemption. The following activities are exempt from the notification requirement under this section: A. Activities when forest products are harvested for an owner's own use and are not sold or offered for sale or used in the owner's primary wood-using plants; [PL 2011, c. 532, §7 (AMD).] B. Precommercial silvicultural forestry activities; and [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. F, §44 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] C. Harvesting performed by the landowner within a 12-month period when the total area harvested on land owned by that landowner does not exceed 2 acres. [PL 2011, c. 532, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 532, §7 (AMD).]

6-A. Alternative notifications. The bureau may develop alternative notification forms and methods for reporting: A. A timber harvesting operation 10 acres or less in area; and [PL 2011, c. 532, §8 (NEW).] B. Timber harvesting for the purpose of converting the land to another use when a person certified in erosion control practices by the Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for management of erosion and sedimentation control at the harvest site. [PL 2011, c. 532, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]

7. Penalties. The following penalties apply to the failure to notify the bureau pursuant to this section. Each day of failure to notify is a separate offense. A. [PL 2011, c. 532, §9 (RP).] B. [PL 2011, c. 532, §9 (RP).] C. Failure to notify the bureau of a timber harvesting operation constitutes a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each occurrence may be adjudged and for which immediate cessation of the operation may be ordered by the court. Continued operation after receiving an order to cease operation constitutes a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each day the operation continues may be adjudged. [PL 2011, c. 532, §9 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).] D. Providing inaccurate information on a notification form for a timber harvesting operation is a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $1,000 for each occurrence may be adjudged. [PL 2011, c. 532, §9 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 532, §9 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

8. Confidentiality. The addresses, telephone numbers and electronic mail addresses of forest landowners owning less than 1,000 acres statewide contained in notifications filed under this section are confidential and may be disclosed only in accordance with section 8005 . [PL 2005, c. 358, §3 (NEW).]

9. Rulemaking. No later than November 1, 2012, the bureau shall adopt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 532, §10 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1891-M — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1891-M
12 §1891-M. Types of volunteer or intern services
Status: in_force

Volunteers and interns may perform work and services that are described in section 1891-B . Volunteers and interns must be placed in federal, state or local public agencies or in nonprofit organizations and perform work or services that benefit the public. The volunteer and intern positions must be sponsored by natural resource-related agencies or organizations. Volunteers or interns may not attempt to influence legislation, engage in protests, petitions, boycotts, strikes, union organizing or political campaigning or support religious activities or engage in religious proselytizing or fund-raising for private nonprofit organizations as SERVE/Maine volunteers or interns. A sponsoring agency must contribute to a volunteer or intern position by providing all necessary supervision, supplies, equipment and plans required for the position. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. NN, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1892 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1892
12 §1892. Maine Trails System
Status: in_force

The director shall establish trails on state-owned lands and encourage the establishment of trails on private lands by government agencies and private organizations. The director is authorized to negotiate and acquire any interests determined necessary to establish and protect trails and, after consultation with interested parties, to designate certain trails as components of the Maine Trails System. In order to satisfy the purposes of this subchapter, the elements of any trail corridor must include a right-of-way and may include facilities and buffer areas. The director may acquire fee or lesser interest, such as scenic easement, in the rights-of-way and less-than-fee interest in buffer areas adjacent to the rights-of-way in order to protect the trails from incompatible developments. In all cases, such interest must be acquired to ensure both access to the trail and maintenance of appropriate conditions. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

If all reasonable efforts to acquire lands or interests therein by negotiation have failed and public exigency requires it, the director, with the consent of the Governor and the commissioner, may utilize the power of eminent domain to acquire any land determined necessary to provide passage via the most direct or practicable connecting trail right-of-way across such lands; however, not more than 25 acres in any one mile may be acquired without consent of the owner and that owner and adjacent landowners may not be precluded from using motorized vehicles across such trails to maintain reasonable access to their fee or other interests in land. The right of eminent domain may not be exercised without prior review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over conservation matters. [PL 2009, c. 356, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).]

The director may enter into agreements with private organizations and government agencies to provide for the maintenance of established trails. Local and regional government agencies and private organizations are encouraged to assume the primary responsibility for the establishment, maintenance and administration of local trails. When necessary, the director shall coordinate the efforts of government agencies and private organizations to establish, maintain and administer trails that are regional in character. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

The director may adopt rules governing the use of the Maine Trails System as necessary to maintain the purposes of this subchapter and compatibility with federal regulations. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

1. Maine Trails System. The Maine Trails System consists of: A. Trails designated to provide a variety of recreation opportunities. Recreation trails may be limited to foot, horse or other nonmotorized means of transportation or motorized means of transportation or a combination, as determined appropriate by the director; [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] B. Trails providing for the appreciation of natural and primitive areas and for the conservation of significant scenic, historic, natural or cultural qualities of the areas through which the trails pass and offering primarily the experience of solitude and self-reliance in natural or near-natural surroundings. Rights-of-way and buffer areas may be established and maintained to further that experience, and no use or development is permitted that threatens the primitive character of the land. Nothing in this subchapter may be construed as excluding from a primitive trail system areas of development if such areas are determined by the director to be relatively insignificant compared to the system as a whole or if that development either is not likely to remain or leave a lasting mark or is integral to the trail system itself. Primitive trails may be restricted to foot traffic, including hiking, snowshoeing and skiing, except in those areas where the trails are on existing roads. The Appalachian Trail is included as a primitive trail in the Maine Trails System and other trails may also be included; and [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] C. Camp sites, shelters and related public-use and management facilities to the extent that they do not interfere with the nature and purposes of the trails they serve. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6811 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6811
12 §6811. Sea cucumber harvesting season
Status: in_force

Unless modified by rules adopted under section 6171-A , it is unlawful for a person to fish for or take sea cucumbers from July 1st to September 30th, both days inclusive. [PL 1999, c. 672, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 9205-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9205-A
12 §9205-A. Payment of costs in the unorganized territory
Status: in_force

Responsibility for the control of forest fires in the unorganized territory lies with the State. The unorganized territory shall reimburse the State for the costs of controlling and extinguishing forest fires up to 1/4 of 1% of the state valuation of the unorganized territory. The State may not require reimbursement for costs of services in the unorganized territory unless a municipality would be required to pay for the service under sections 9204 and 9205 . [PL 1991, c. 780, Pt. MM, §3 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 689 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 206-A / Section 689
12 §689. Appeal
Status: in_force

Persons aggrieved by final actions of the commission, including without limitation any final decision of the commission with respect to any application for approval or the adoption by the commission of any district boundary or amendment thereto, may appeal therefrom in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7 . This right of appeal, with respect to any commission action to which this right may apply, is in lieu of the rights provided under Title 5, section 8058, subsection 1 . [PL 2011, c. 682, §25 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 9706 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 809 / Section 9706
12 §9706. Jurisdiction for prosecutions
Status: in_force

The District Court shall have original and concurrent jurisdiction with the Superior Court in all prosecutions under this Part. Any person arrested as a violator may, with reasonable diligence, be taken before the District Court in the division nearest to where the offense is alleged to have been committed for a warrant and trial or to the District Court in adjoining divisions to the division, jurisdiction to be exercised in the same manner as if the offense had been committed in such division. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

If such person fails to appear in court on the day specified, either in person or by counsel, the court shall order the recognizance and money deposited forfeited and may take any other action considered necessary. [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 9201 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 11 / Chapter 807 / Section 9201
12 §9201. Responsibility for control of forest fires
Status: in_force

Responsibility for the control of forest fires in municipalities lies in the first instance with the town forest wardens appointed for these municipalities by the director. When in the judgment of a forest ranger the situation so warrants, the forest ranger may relieve a town forest fire warden of responsibility for control of a forest fire within a municipality and assume responsibility therefor. Final authority and responsibility for the control of a forest fire shall be that of the forest ranger. [PL 1983, c. 556, §8 (AMD).]

Municipal fire department personnel and equipment shall not be moved within or without municipal limits upon the order of a town forest fire warden or a forest ranger, except with the approval of the fire chief or proper municipal official having authority to grant such approval. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. A, §18 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6310-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6310-A
12 §6310-A. Appeal of license denial; Armed Forces or Coast Guard service
Status: in_force

1. Appeal of license denial. A person who is denied a license for a limited entry fishery because that person does not meet the eligibility requirements due to service in the United States Armed Forces or the United States Coast Guard precluding that person from participating in the fishery may appeal to the commissioner under this section for a review of that license denial. A license may be granted by the commissioner under this section only if the person: A. Documents that the person harvested the relevant species while in possession of a fishing license for that species within one year prior to entering the service; [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).] B. [PL 2017, c. 161, §1 (RP).] C. Has not been dishonorably discharged from service; and [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).] D. Requests an appeal under this section within one year of discharge from service. [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 161, §1 (AMD).]

2. Limited entry fishery. For purposes of this section, "limited entry fishery" means a fishery in which licenses are limited to individuals who have held a license in the previous year or a fishery that is otherwise restricted by a limited entry system. [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).]

3. Appeals process. A person appealing a license denial under this section must request the appeal in writing. The commissioner shall hold a hearing on the appeal if a hearing is requested in writing within 10 days of the initial request for appeal. If a hearing is requested, it must be held within 30 days of the request unless a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing, and it must be conducted in the Augusta area. A hearing held under this subsection is informal. At the hearing, the appellant may present any evidence concerning the criteria listed in subsection 1 that might justify issuing a license to the person, and the commissioner may request any additional information the commissioner considers necessary. [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).]

4. Issuance on appeal. Issuance of a license on appeal is at the discretion of the commissioner, except that a license may not be issued unless the criteria in subsection 1 are met. Decisions of the commissioner must be in writing. [PL 2013, c. 319, §2 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12459 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12459
12 §12459. Fly-fishing by person who has loss of arm
Status: in_force

A person who possesses a valid fishing license and has suffered the loss of an arm may use any type of rod and reel to fish with a fly on waters open to fly-fishing. For the purposes of this section, "loss of an arm" means the physical loss of the arm at the wrist or above. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6481 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6481
12 §6481. Swans Island Lobster Conservation Area
Status: in_force

1. Swans Island Lobster Conservation Area. The following territorial waters of the State in the vicinity of Swans Island are known as the Swans Island Lobster Conservation Area: Beginning at the northern tip of Long Point, Marshall Island, Hancock County, Maine; then northerly to the navigational buoy at the western entrance to Toothacker Bay, located at 68°30.657' W. Longitude, 44°08.063' N. Latitude; then northeasterly to West Point, Swans Island, Hancock County, Maine; then from Phinney Point on the northeastern shore of Swans Island southeasterly to 68°22.40' W. Longitude, 44°08.79' N. Latitude, Hancock County, Maine; then southwesterly to 68°23.6' W. Longitude, 44°06.4' N. Latitude; then south-southwesterly to 68°24.01' W. Longitude, 44°04.8' N. Latitude; then southerly to 68°23.9' W. Longitude, 44°03.1' N. Latitude, and the intersection with the 3-nautical-mile line of the territorial waters, as shown on United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey Chart #13312; then southwesterly along the 3-nautical-mile line of the territorial waters approximately 3.5 miles to a point where a line drawn southeasterly 165° True from the center of Black Ledges intersects the 3-nautical-mile line of the territorial waters at 68°28.6' W. Longitude, 44°01.9' N. Latitude; then northwesterly 345° True to the center of Black Ledges; then northwesterly to the most southerly point of Marshall Island; then along the westerly shore of Marshall Island to the point of beginning. [PL 2015, c. 68, §8 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 12758-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12758-A
12 §12758-A. Fish stocking; public notification
Status: in_force

When the Bureau of Resource Management plans to stock an inland water for the first time or to stock a new fish species or permanently stop stocking a fish species that is currently being stocked in an inland water, the department shall notify the public as provided in this section and allow for public comments on the stocking plan prior to implementing that plan. The department shall include on its publicly accessible website, in a manner that is easily identifiable and accessible by the public, notice of fish stocking plans identified under this section and allow public comment within a reasonable period of time. The department shall also provide notice by e-mail to organizations and individuals who have requested such notice. The department shall provide notification as provided in this section at the same time the stocking plan becomes a Bureau of Resource Management proposal. This section does not apply to a private pond or a fishing program for children. [PL 2009, c. 216, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1894 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1894
12 §1894. Duties of director relating to public facilities for boats
Status: in_force

The director shall acquire, construct and maintain, within the funds available, public facilities for boats in the waters of the State, including but not limited to launching ramps, parking sites and access roads. Waters of the State include any waters within the territorial limits of the State and the marginal sea adjacent to the State. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

The director shall decide where to locate the facilities and which facilities the Department of Transportation shall construct. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

The director shall decide when hazards to boating exist and mark the waters of the State, within the funds available, by placement of aids to navigation and regulatory markers on the waters consistent with the rules provided in this section and section 1803, subsection 4 . [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, the bureau and its authorized agents and employees may enter upon any lands or waters in the State to make surveys and examinations it determines necessary or convenient, and such entry is not considered trespass. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

The director may make rules for the uniform marking of the water areas of this State that are not otherwise regulated through the placement of aids to navigation and regulatory markers. No city, county or person may mark the waters of this State in any manner that conflicts with the marking system prescribed by the director. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]

The director shall remove, within the funds available, minor hazards to boating when the director determines that removal of the minor hazard or obstacle is necessary for the safe passage of watercraft. The bureau and its authorized agents and employees, in carrying out the purpose of this paragraph, may enter upon any lands with the owner's permission, waters and premises in the State for the purpose of removing minor hazards or obstacles as it determines necessary or convenient in the discharge of its duties, and such entry is not considered trespass. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

If, after written request from the governing body of any city or town, the bureau either declines to mark a waterway or is unable to mark a waterway, then the governing body of the city or town may mark hazards to boating on waterways within its jurisdiction. The bureau is deemed to have declined to mark a particular waterway if the bureau does not respond to a request within 30 days. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

The bureau may at any time reverse a decision not to mark a certain waterway or portion of that waterway and replace any existing markings in accordance with rules of uniform marking adopted by the bureau. [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. § 6440 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6440
12 §6440. Closed periods
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to raise or haul any lobster trap: [PL 2001, c. 123, §1 (AMD).]

1. Summer. During the period 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise from June 1st to August 31st, both days inclusive, and during the period 1/2 hour after sunset until 4 a.m. from September 1st to October 31st, both days inclusive; and [PL 2021, c. 498, §1 (AMD).]

2. Weekends. During the period from 4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Saturday, to 1/2 hour before sunrise the following Monday morning from June 1st to August 31st, both days inclusive, except that it is lawful to raise or haul traps during this period if a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for any coastal waters of the State. [PL 2001, c. 123, §1 (AMD).]

Notwithstanding subsection 1 , a person may raise or haul any lobster trap from September 1st to October 31st, both days inclusive, during any time of the day in an area in the Bay of Fundy that encompasses approximately 210 square miles around Machias Seal Island where there are overlapping claims of sovereignty by the United States and Canada if that person is authorized to fish in the lobster management zone established pursuant to section 6446 in which the area described is located. The commissioner shall define this area in rule to ensure that the boundaries of this area are clearly delineated. Rules adopted pursuant to this section regarding the boundaries of the area are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 568, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11202 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11202
12 §11202. Unity Utilities District; closed season
Status: in_force

There is a perpetually closed season on all wild animals and wild birds on property owned by the Unity Utilities District located on Route 139 and Prairie Road in the municipality of Unity in Waldo County. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12754 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 925 / Section 12754
12 §12754. Fish spawning areas
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner's authority. The commissioner may by rule, pursuant to section 10104, subsection 1 , designate any inland waters of the State as fish spawning areas. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Hearing. The commissioner shall institute a public hearing, in conformity with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, if so requested by any state agency. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11151-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11151-A
12 §11151-A. Nonresident late season bear hunting permit
Status: in_force

1. Permit required. Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part or for a nonresident who holds a valid bear hunting permit under section 11151 , a nonresident may not hunt for bear during the regular firearm season on deer under section 11401 without a valid permit issued pursuant to this section. Each day a person violates this subsection, 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 2007, c. 168, §4 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 168, §8 (AFF).]

2. Eligibility; nonresident late season bear hunting permit. A person who possesses a valid nonresident hunting or archery hunting license may obtain a permit to hunt for bear from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent. [PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. E, §8 (AMD).]

3. Issuance; permit fee. The commissioner, through the commissioner's authorized agent, shall issue a nonresident late season bear hunting permit or permits to an eligible person. When the bag limit on bear is more than one, a bear hunting permit is required for each bear. The annual fee for each permit issued is $40. [PL 2021, c. 100, §4 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 12404 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 921 / Section 12404
12 §12404. Specific animals
Status: in_force

1. Bear. This subsection applies to the taking or killing of bear found doing damage. A. Section 12402 does not prohibit the taking or killing of bear found doing damage to blueberry land. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. The commissioner may issue a permit to any licensed beekeeper, or to a person entrusted with the custody of the beehives of a licensed beekeeper, authorizing that person to protect beehives from damage by bear. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. The commissioner may suspend the game laws relating to bears in such restricted localities and for such periods of time as the commissioner finds it advisable to relieve excessive damage being done by bears to sweet corn or other crops. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] D. The commissioner may suspend subsection 6 for the purpose of allowing dogs to be used in hunting and killing bears, providing the dogs are under the personal supervision of the owner at all times, for such periods of time as the commissioner finds it advisable. [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).]

2. Beaver. Except as provided in paragraph A , a person may not take or kill beaver under sections 12401 and 12402 . A. In accordance with section 10105, subsection 1 , the commissioner may at any time authorize a landowner, a person on behalf of the landowner or an agent of the department to take or kill nuisance beaver. [PL 2021, c. 60, §1 (NEW).] A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2021, c. 60, §1 (AMD).]

3. Birds. A person may not take or kill wild birds, with the exception of English or European house sparrows, European starlings, rock pigeons, also known as rock doves, and wild turkeys under sections 12401 and 12402 . A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. [PL 2019, c. 355, §7 (AMD).]

4. Coyotes. The commissioner may cause department personnel to take coyotes at any time and in any manner that the commissioner may prescribe. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

5. Deer. This subsection applies to the control of nuisance deer in orchards and crops. A. Whenever deer are doing damage to orchards and crops, including legumes, but excepting grass, the department shall furnish to the owner or agent of the orchards and crops suitable repellants without cost to the owner or agent. The commissioner may follow other good conservation practices to alleviate the damage. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Whenever the commissioner determines it impossible to keep deer from doing damage to young orchards, the commissioner may enter into an agreement with the owner of a young orchard in which the department assumes 1/2 the cost of fencing the orchard. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §242 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

6. Dogs. This subsection applies to nuisance dogs. A. A game warden may kill a dog outside the enclosure or immediate care of its owner or keeper when the game warden finds that dog: (1) Chasing, killing, wounding or pursuing a moose or deer at any time; (2) Chasing, killing, wounding or pursuing any other wild animal in closed season; or (3) Worrying, wounding or killing a domestic animal, livestock or poultry. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §243 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. An owner of domestic animals, livestock or poultry, a member of the owner's family or a person to whom is entrusted the custody of domestic livestock or poultry may kill any dog killing or attacking the domestic animals, livestock or poultry. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] C. A person having evidence of a dog chasing, killing, wounding or pursuing moose or deer or any other wild animal in closed season may present that evidence to the commissioner or any game warden. (1) The commissioner or game warden shall give notice in writing to the owner or keeper of the dog, stating the acts committed by the dog. (2) After the owner or keeper of the dog has received written notice that the dog has committed any act prohibited by paragraphs E‑1 , E‑2 , F and G , anyone may kill the dog when it is found committing any of those prohibited acts. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §243 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] D. [PL 2003, c. 552, §14 (RP); PL 2003, c. 552, §15 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. C, §§2, 6 (AFF).] E. [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §243 (RP); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] E-1. Except as provided in paragraphs F and G , the owner or keeper of a dog is in violation of this paragraph if that owner's or keeper's bird dog, retrieving dog or hound dog is found killing or wounding a moose, deer or wild turkey during a period in which it is lawful to train dogs, as provided for in section 12051, subsection 1 , while the dog is at a licensed dog training area or at a licensed trial for retrieving dogs. (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, §243 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] E-2. Except as provided in paragraphs F and G , the owner or keeper of a dog is in violation of this paragraph if that owner or keeper has been notified under paragraph C and that owner or keeper permits any dog mentioned in the notice to leave the owner's or keeper's immediate control. (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, §243 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] F. The owner or keeper of a dog is in violation of this paragraph if that owner's or keeper's dog is found chasing or pursuing a moose, deer or wild turkey at any time or any other wild animal in closed season. (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. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §243 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] G. The owner or keeper of a dog is in violation of this paragraph if that owner's or keeper's dog is found killing or wounding a moose, deer or wild turkey at any time or any other wild animal in closed season. (1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 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 2005, c. 477, §14 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 477, §14 (AMD).]

7. Muskrat. The commissioner may declare an open season on muskrats that are polluting water supplies or damaging property if the owner makes a written complaint to that effect to the commissioner. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

8. Raccoons. The commissioner may suspend the game laws relating to raccoons in such restricted localities and for such periods of time as the commissioner finds it advisable to relieve excessive damage being done by raccoons to sweet corn or other crops. The commissioner may suspend subsection 6 for the purpose of allowing dogs to be used in hunting and killing raccoons, providing the dogs are under the personal supervision of the owner at all times, for such periods of time as the commissioner finds it advisable. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6421-C — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 619 / Section 6421-C
12 §6421-C. Application of student and noncommercial license age requirements
Status: in_force

1. Student licenses. Notwithstanding the age requirements of section 6421, subsection 3‑A, paragraph E and section 6421, subsection 5‑A , a person who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 may continue to be issued a student license until that person reaches 23 years of age. Notwithstanding the trap limits under section 6421, subsection 3‑A, paragraph E , a person who is 8 years of age or older and who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 may not submerge at any one time more than 150 lobster traps in the coastal waters of the State. A person who holds a student license and is less than 8 years of age on October 31, 2003 may not at any one time submerge more than 10 traps in the coastal waters of the State and upon reaching 8 years of age is subject to the trap limits provided in section 6421, subsection 3‑A, paragraph E . A person who holds a student license on October 31, 2003 must comply with the full-time student requirement of section 6421, subsection 5‑A and the apprenticeship program and sponsor requirements of section 6421, subsection 3‑A, paragraph E . [PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).]

2. Noncommercial licenses. Notwithstanding the age requirements of section 6421, subsection 5‑B , a person who holds a noncommercial license and is less than 8 years of age on October 31, 2003 may continue to be issued a noncommercial license subject to the examination and licensure requirements of section 6421, subsection 5‑B . [PL 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).]

3. 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 2003, c. 468, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 6575-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 621 / Section 6575-B
12 §6575-B. Method of elver fishing; limits on gear
Status: in_force

1. Gear. It is unlawful for a person to fish for or take elvers by any method other than by dip net, elver fyke net or Sheldon eel trap. [PL 1995, c. 536, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

2. Number of elver fyke nets and Sheldon eel traps. [PL 1999, c. 7, §9 (RP).]

2-A. Number of nets and Sheldon eel traps. [PL 1999, c. 534, §4 (RP).]

2-B. Type and amount of gear. It is unlawful for a person to immerse elver fishing gear other than the types and amounts listed on the person's license pursuant to section 6505‑A, subsection 5 . A person may not immerse an amount of elver fishing gear that exceeds the amount of elver fishing gear listed on the person's license for the previous elver fishing season. A person may elect which types of gear are listed on the person's license prior to the issuance of the license for that elver fishing season. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . A. [PL 2015, c. 391, §12 (RP).] B. [PL 2005, c. 533, §3 (RP).] C. [PL 2005, c. 533, §3 (RP).] [PL 2015, c. 391, §12 (AMD).]

3. Rebuttable presumption. It is a rebuttable presumption that an elver fyke net, Sheldon eel trap or elver dip net immersed in any waters of the State at any time of the year is immersed for the purpose of fishing for or taking elvers. [PL 1999, c. 7, §11 (AMD).]

4. Prohibition on fishing from boats. It is unlawful for a person to set or tend an elver fyke net or a Sheldon eel trap from a boat or to fish for or take elvers from a boat. A person may transport an elver fyke net, a Sheldon eel trap or a dip net by boat. [PL 1995, c. 536, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

5. Use of dip nets. It is unlawful for a person to use a dip net to fish for or take elvers while standing in the coastal waters of the State. [PL 1997, c. 575, §4 (AMD).]

6. Prohibition on fishing from artificial platforms. A person may not build or use an artificial platform to fish for elvers. This subsection does not prohibit fishing for elvers from piers or floats established for purposes other than elver fishing. [PL 1999, c. 7, §12 (NEW).]

7. Bycatch release. A person immediately shall return alive into the waters of the State any species other than elver that is caught in an elver fyke net. [PL 1999, c. 7, §12 (NEW).]

8. St. Croix River; use of fyke nets prohibited. [PL 2015, c. 391, §13 (RP).]
12 M.R.S. § 6722 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 623 / Section 6722
12 §6722. Scallop season
Status: in_force

1. Scallop dragging season. Unless modified by rules adopted under section 6171-A , a person may not fish for or take scallops by dragging in the territorial waters from April 16th to November 30th, both days inclusive. [PL 2017, c. 222, §3 (AMD).]

2. 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. 695, Pt. I, §6 (RPR).] B. For the 2nd offense, a mandatory fine of $750 is imposed and all scallops on board may be seized; and [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §6 (RPR).] 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. 695, Pt. I, §6 (RPR).] [PL 2007, c. 695, Pt. I, §6 (RPR).]
12 M.R.S. § 6023 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 603 / Section 6023
12 §6023. Deputy commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall designate a deputy commissioner, who serves at the pleasure of the commissioner. The deputy commissioner is responsible, under the direction of the commissioner, for the administration and enforcement of the marine resources' laws and has all the powers of a marine patrol officer. The deputy commissioner serves as the commissioner in the commissioner's absence or disability or if the office of the commissioner becomes vacant. The commissioner may appoint an appropriate administrative officer in the department to perform the functions of the commissioner if both the commissioner and deputy commissioner are disabled or absent. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §26 (COR).]
12 M.R.S. § 5301 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 8 / Chapter 433 / Section 5301
12 §5301. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]

1. Fund. "Fund" means the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program Fund established within the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service in section 5304 . [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]

2. Immersive outdoor education. "Immersive outdoor education" means experiential, holistic and interdisciplinary education that uses the outdoor setting to engage students in educational opportunities about the outdoors and natural resources industries and supports the health and wellness of students. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]

3. Outdoor education program provider. "Outdoor education program provider" means an organization that offers immersive outdoor education. [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]

4. Program. "Program" means the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program established by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service pursuant to section 5302 . [PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 12606 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 923 / Section 12606
12 §12606. Ice fishing; waters closed to fishing
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not ice fish in inland waters closed to ice fishing, except that person may fish for river herring and smelts in the manner provided under the laws regulating marine resources. [PL 2017, c. 150, §6 (AMD).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime. The court shall also impose a fine of $20 for each fish unlawfully possessed, none of which may be suspended. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 1833 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1833
12 §1833. Management of nonreserved public lands
Status: in_force

1. Purpose. The bureau shall manage nonreserved public lands in a manner consistent with the principles of multiple use and shall produce a sustained yield of products and services in accordance with both prudent and fair business practices and the principles of sound planning. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

2. Management plans. The bureau shall prepare for review by the commissioner and revise from time to time plans for the management of nonreserved public lands in accordance with the principles of multiple use and shall compile and maintain, to the extent practicable, an inventory of the diverse resources of those lands. The bureau must receive the full cooperation of the other agencies and instrumentalities of the State in the preparation and maintenance of such a resource inventory. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §24 (REV).]

3. Actions. The director may take actions on the nonreserved public lands with respect to management of the lands consistent with the management plans for those lands and upon terms and conditions and for consideration the director considers reasonable. [PL 1997, c. 678, §13 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11219 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11219
12 §11219. Hunting on state game farm
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not hunt on a state game farm at any time. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 1 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, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §152 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 6307 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 615 / Section 6307
12 §6307. Misstatement or misrepresentation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to intentionally or knowingly make a misstatement or misrepresentation on an application for a license or certificate. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 11205 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11205
12 §11205. Hunting on Sunday
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not: A. Hunt wild animals or wild birds on Sunday; or [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] B. Possess any wild animal or wild bird taken in violation of paragraph A except as otherwise provided in this Part. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §137 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

2. Penalties. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §137 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 10251 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 903 / Section 10251
12 §10251. Lifetime License Fund; establishment; management
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Lifetime License Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established in the department to accept all revenue derived from the sale of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses under section 10851 . The Treasurer of State shall administer the fund and shall invest the fund, subject to the limitations of this section, for growth and income in a manner consistent with the Treasurer of State's fiduciary responsibilities. Money in the fund may not be expended for any purpose except as provided in this section. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2. Treasurer of State. The Treasurer of State shall contract with investment firms as necessary to manage the fund; may agree to the payment of reasonable management fees to those firms, using money in the fund; and may direct those firms to purchase or sell investment opportunities as necessary to prudently manage the fund. The Treasurer of State annually may reimburse the State for costs incurred to oversee the fund from earnings of the fund. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3. Commissioner. The commissioner may accept donations to the fund but may not use any principal or earnings of the fund except upon the approval of the Treasurer of State and for the purposes set forth in this section. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

4. Uses of fund. Prior to July 1, 2010, the Treasurer of State continuously shall reinvest all earnings of the fund and may not authorize any payments from the fund or use any earnings of the fund, except those necessary to pay the costs of administering the fund. On July 1, 2010, and on July 1st of each year thereafter, the Treasurer of State shall transfer to the department an amount determined by the department, not to exceed 5% of the fund principal. Additional interest earned by the fund, if any, must be reinvested. Unexpended balances from funds transferred to the department in any fiscal year may be carried forward to the next fiscal year to be used for the same purpose. [PL 2017, c. 2, Pt. H, §1 (AMD).]

5. Report. The Treasurer of State shall report quarterly to the commissioner and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters on the status of the fund, including the sources and amount of revenue deposited into the fund, interest earnings and payments from the fund. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
12 M.R.S. § 11213-A — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 13 / Chapter 915 / Section 11213-A
12 §11213-A. Shooting at or near decoys
Status: in_force

1. Shooting at or near migratory waterfowl or wild turkey decoys. A person may not with a firearm, a bow and arrow or a crossbow shoot or shoot at a migratory waterfowl or wild turkey decoy of another person. 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, §145 (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, §145 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 94, §1 (AMD).]

2. Shoot within area of another person's decoys. A person may not with a firearm or archery equipment shoot within an area encompassed by a set of another person's migratory waterfowl or wild turkey decoys, including the area 50 yards away from the outer perimeter of the set of decoys. 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, §145 (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, §145 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).] [PL 2023, c. 239, §25 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6191 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 607 / Section 6191
12 §6191. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

1. Procedures. In adopting or amending any rule, the commissioner shall use the procedures required for rulemaking under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act and the additional requirements of this subchapter. [PL 2011, c. 527, §3 (AMD).]

2. Other requirements. A. A public hearing may be held but is not required unless it is requested by an interested person. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] B. The person conducting the hearing shall record and retain all relevant evidence provided at the hearing. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).] C. A rule may not be adopted or amended without the advice and consent of the advisory council, except as provided in section 6192, subsection 2 . [PL 2011, c. 527, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2011, c. 527, §4 (AMD).]
12 M.R.S. § 6951 — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 9 / Chapter 627 / Section 6951
12 §6951. Fishing with dynamite or poison
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to: [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

1. Use dynamite or poison. Use dynamite or any poisonous or stupefying substance for the purpose of destroying or taking fish in the coastal waters; [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

2. Possess dynamite or poison. Possess or carry dynamite or other explosives or poisonous or other stupefying substance while engaged in fishing in a boat; and [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]

3. Possess dynamited or poisoned fish. Possess, buy or sell fish taken by use of dynamite or other explosives or poisonous or other stupefying substance. [PL 1977, c. 661, §5 (NEW).]
12 M.R.S. § 1890-B — ME Code / Title 12 / Part 2 / Chapter 220 / Section 1890-B
12 §1890-B. Allagash Wilderness Waterway Permanent Endowment Fund (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 1891-A)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 12, SECTION 1891-A)

The Treasurer of State shall establish a dedicated, nonlapsing unit called the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Permanent Endowment Fund as a separate unit within the Allagash Waterway account and shall manage the account as a state-held trust. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the commissioner may accept funds from any source and may accept gifts in trust to be credited to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Permanent Endowment Fund, except that a gift may not be accepted with any encumbrances or stipulations as to the use of the gift. Interest earned on investments in the fund must be credited to the fund. With the advice of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Advisory Council under section 1890-A , the director may expend money from the fund for purposes consistent with section 1871 and an approved waterway management plan. [PL 2019, c. 343, Pt. AA, §1 (AMD).]