Bill > LD402

This bill moves the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and makes several significant changes to how natural areas, endangered species, and conservation are managed in the state. The bill establishes a new Natural Areas Conservation Fund to be administered by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, creates new definitions for terms like "natural area," "endangered plant species," and "rare plant," and expands the responsibilities of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to include ongoing statewide inventory of natural areas, maintaining a natural heritage database, and promoting conservation of natural areas. The bill updates multiple sections of Maine law to reflect these changes, including modifying language about endangered species, wildlife management, and environmental protections. Key provisions include requiring the commissioner to conduct a statewide inventory of natural areas, maintain a comprehensive natural heritage database, establish an official list of endangered and threatened plant species, and promote conservation through education, technical materials, and voluntary agreements with landowners. The bill also adds new provisions for protecting sensitive information about rare species and natural areas while ensuring landowners can access information about species on their own property.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=402&snum=132