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Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment
ADVERTISE: June 21, 2023
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 1. Open Water and Ice Fishing Regulations; Chapter 1-A. State Heritage Fish Waters
BRIEF SUMMARY: The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing regulation changes for the upcoming ice fishing and open water fishing seasons. These regulations are needed to provide for the effective conservation of Maine’s inland fisheries and to enhance fishing opportunities throughout the State. This rule-making packet includes 24 individual proposals presented in the following “theme” categories: State Heritage Fish Waters; Special Need; North Zone Bass Management; Errors, Conflicts, and Confusion; Endangered and Threatened Species Clarification; and Recreational Baitfish and Smelt Clarification. The complete list of proposals may be obtained from the Agency Contact Person or online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/news-events/rulemaking-proposals.html. The proposals, if adopted, will become effective January 1, 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposals and provide comments by submitting written comments by mail or email to the contact person for this filing or by participating in the public hearing. (All comments must be related to this rulemaking packet.) Note: Written comments are given equal consideration to testimony given at the public hearing.
Date, time, and location of PUBLIC HEARING: Monday, July 10, 2023 @ 4:00pm – IFW, 353 Water Street, Room 400, Augusta, ME
COMMENT DEADLINE: July 20, 2023
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 353 Water Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT: Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 353 Water Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: None anticipated.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 12 MRS Sections 10104, 12452 & 12461
SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED:
AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw
E-MAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULE-MAKING LIAISON: Becky.Orff@maine.gov
View the MDIFW Fishing Regulation Proposals for the 2024 Fishing Season (PDF)
Learn how Fishing Regulations are Developed and How You Can Be Involved
ADVERTISE: June 21, 2023
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 2. Rules Pertaining to Commercial Fishing, Fish Culture, and Fishing Derbies and Tournaments
BRIEF SUMMARY: The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing amendments to Chapter 2 rules as they apply to Fishing Derbies and Bass Tournaments to simplify and consolidate existing rules, capture items as rule that are currently being applied as permit conditions and incorporate strategic planning and other administrative needs. A complete copy of the proposal may be obtained from the Agency Contact Person or online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/news-events/rulemaking-proposals.html. The proposal, if adopted, will become effective January 1, 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposal and provide comments by submitting written comments by mail or email to the contact person for this filing or by participating in the public hearing. (All comments must be related to this rulemaking packet.) Note: Written comments are given equal consideration to testimony given at the public hearing.
Date, time, and location of PUBLIC HEARING: Monday, July 10, 2023 @ 4:00pm – IFW, 353 Water Street, Room 400, Augusta, ME
COMMENT DEADLINE: July 20, 2023
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 353 Water Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT: Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 353 Water Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; becky.orff@maine.gov
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: None anticipated.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 12 MRS Sections 10104, 12504, 12504-A, & 12505
SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED:
AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw
E-MAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULE-MAKING LIAISON: Becky.Orff@maine.gov
View the Bass Fishing Tournament and Derby Rule Proposals for 2024 (PDF)