Maine Endangered Species Program/Essential Wildlife Habitat Review Process

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These are the steps a municipality or state agency must take to address Essential Habitat concerns when reviewing or proposing projects within their jurisdiction.

1. Determine if the proposed project is in or near an essential habitat.

Consult the Essential Wildlife Habitat Maps. Some piping plover and least tern areas are also depicted in greater detail on Boundary Line Detail Photos For Piping Plover And Least Tern Essential Habitats. An index by town (PDF) name lists all sites currently designated as Essential Habitat. If a town is not listed in the index, there are no Essential Habitats mapped for that town at this time. Please contact the appropriate MDIFW Regional Wildlife Biologist for assistance in verifying a project location relative to an Essential Habitat. If the proposed project is located partly or wholly within an Essential Habitat, go on to Steps 2-3. If the proposed project is clearly outside an Essential Habitat, STOP: these regulations and review procedures do not apply.

2. Consult with the MDIFW regional wildlife biologist.

Encourage the applicant to obtain MDIFW guidance during project planning and design. Municipalities and state agencies should request assistance from the Regional Wildlife Biologist during initial project reviews and before seeking final MDIFW evaluation. Early involvement of MDIFW will help to minimize or avoid potential conflicts, facilitate cooperation between all parties, and enable quick turnarounds on project evaluations.

3. Submit a "Request for Project Evaluation" to MDIFW.

If the project meets municipal or state review standards and is recommended for approval by the town or state agency, an evaluation of the final proposal must be obtained from MDIFW before a formal decision can be issued. Town or state officials request an evaluation by submitting a "Request for Project Evaluation" (MDIFW Form EHR4/03) with information and required attachments provided by the applicant.

MDIFW will evaluate the final project proposal according to review standards established for Essential Habitats, and determine if the project would significantly alter the habitat or violate protection guidelines. Conditions agreed to as safeguards for the Essential Habitat must be itemized in the permit application, site plan, or other project documentation. Site visits and discussions with the project applicant may be necessary if they have not previously occurred.

MDIFW will notify the town or state agency of the results of its evaluation. The town or state agency issues a decision based on the Department's evaluation and notifies the project applicant.

Request for Project Evaluation (PDF)

Questions, suggestions, and comments about the Essential Wildlife Habitat Maps or the Internet Mapping Service can be directed to: essential.habitat@maine.gov. (Please include “EH” or “Essential Habitat” in the subject line of your message.)

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Maine Endangered Species Program/Essential Wildlife Habitat Review Process