AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills recently signed into law a bill to advance efforts to control invasive aquatic species. LD 1826, sponsored by Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, requires the Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species to report back to the Legislature and relevant departments their findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation related to controlling the introduction of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species in Maine.
"Growing up on Mranacook Lake in Winthrop, I have firsthand knowledge of how important our lakes are in this community and across the state," said Hasenfus. "This effort furthers collaboration with lake associations and state government to ensure Maine waters are protected for generations to come."
As amended, the new law will require the task force, in developing their findings and recommendations, to convene a stakeholder group that includes, but is not limited to, task force members, state natural resources agency staff and others with relevant experience or expertise, including representatives from local and regional lake associations and lake protection organizations.
The legislation further sets requirements for specific information to be included in the first report back, which is scheduled to be released on or before January 15, 2023. Such requirements include methods to expedite and improve the process for treating lakes infested with invasive aquatic plants with newly developed herbicide treatments or vegetation removal processes; methods to expedite and improve restrictions limiting the use of watercraft on areas of lakes infested with invasive aquatic plants; the feasibility of requiring inspections of watercraft put into or taken out of infested lakes or lakes identified to be at risk of infestation; and the permit requirements for events on infested lakes or lakes at risk of infestation.
"I live on Annabessacook Lake, which has been directly affected by the rapid growth of variable leaf milfoil and algae blooms," said Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop. "This bill gives us the opportunity to bring together the necessary stakeholders to protect our clean water and extinguish invasive species in Maine. We must protect our lakes."
The bill goes into effect 90 after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
Hasenfus is serving his first term in the Maine House and serves on the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee. He represents Readfield, Winthrop and part of Monmouth.
Hickman is serving his first term in the Maine Senate, his fifth term in the Legislature and serves as Chair of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. He represents Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, West Gardiner and Winthrop.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hasenfus], c. 812-1111
Lisa Haberzettl [Hickman], c. 207-251-3548
From Left to Right: Susan Gallo, executive director of Maine Lakes, Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, Gov. Janet Mills, Sen. Craig Hickman, Lidie Robbins, executive director of the 30 Mile Watershed Association, and Tony Pied, director of membership for the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed.