AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, to advance efforts to control invasive aquatic species. LD 1826 would require 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 bill will further collaboration with lake associations and state government to ensure Maine waters are protected for generations to come."
As amended, the bill requires 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 bill 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.
The measure faces further votes in both the House and Senate.
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.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hasenfus], c. 812-1111