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ME LD1882
ME LD1882Resolve, Directing the Department of Environmental Protection to Conduct Rulemaking Regarding Significant Vernal Pools
summary
Introduced
05/01/2025
05/01/2025
In Committee
05/01/2025
05/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This resolve directs the Department of Environmental Protection to amend its rules under the Natural Resources Protection Act regarding enhanced protection for significant vernal pools. This rulemaking must include: 1. Updating definitions to include "significant vernal pool buffer" as the portion of the critical terrestrial habitat within 100 feet of the spring or fall high-water mark of the vernal pool depression; 2. Updating the habitat management standards for significant vernal pool habitat to include no disturbance within the significant vernal pool buffer; 3. Updating the habitat management standards for significant vernal pool habitat so that critical terrestrial habitat bisected by property boundaries is afforded the same protections as properties where vernal pool depressions are present; and 4. Adjusting dates related to drying under significant vernal pool habitat identification criteria to July 15th for vernal pools located in northern Maine and July 1st for vernal pools located in southern Maine.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to update its rules regarding significant vernal pools, which are temporary woodland water bodies that are critical habitats for certain amphibian and wildlife species. The proposed changes include establishing a new definition for a "significant vernal pool buffer" as the area within 100 feet of the pool's high-water mark, implementing strict protections by prohibiting any disturbance within this buffer zone, and ensuring that critical habitat protections remain consistent even when a vernal pool crosses property boundaries. Additionally, the bill modifies the identification criteria for these habitats by adjusting the dates related to pool drying - setting July 15th as the benchmark for northern Maine and July 1st for southern Maine. These rule changes will be implemented under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, section 480-BB, and will be considered routine technical rules. The overall goal is to enhance environmental protections for these ecologically important woodland water features by creating more comprehensive and consistent management standards.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (10)
Sally Cluchey (D)*,
Dan Ankeles (D),
Art Bell (D),
Dick Campbell (R),
Anne Carney (D),
Vicki Doudera (D),
Traci Gere (D),
Cheryl Golek (D),
Lori Gramlich (D),
Denise Tepler (D),
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/27/2025)
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1882&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1253&item=1&snum=132 |
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