Bill > LD2063

This bill amends the Natural Resources Protection Act to make several key changes. It adds three new categories of activities that do not require a permit: hand planting of native vegetation near water bodies (with specific detailed conditions like using only native plants, avoiding machinery, and limiting soil disturbance), hand planting of native dune vegetation (with restrictions on area and timing), and corrective actions to resolve existing violations (with department approval). The bill clarifies emergency flood alleviation provisions by allowing the department to create technical rules for restoring rivers, streams, and brooks after emergency activities. It expands the department's compensation program to include great ponds and habitat for state endangered and threatened species as protected areas. Additionally, the bill grants the department third-party enforcement rights for deed restrictions or conservation easements related to its compensation program. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for environmental restoration and conservation activities while maintaining environmental protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2063&snum=132