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Free Fishing Weekend
Free Fishing Weekends in Maine are February 15-16, 2020 and May 30-31, 2020. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply.
For more information: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-resources/index.html
Recognition Ceremony at the Augusta Armory
On Friday, March 27th the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services will be hosting a recognition ceremony at the Augusta Armory from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. The ceremony is in correlation with National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is observed annually on March 29th in recognition of those veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam War.
All Vietnam Veterans who register to attend will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, a Vietnam War Challenge Coin, and 50th Anniversary lapel pin. The event is free.
In order to be recognized at the event, all veterans must pre-register before March 26th - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day-tickets-91050688059
Reminder: Use extra caution before heading out on the ice
1. Check the thickness of the ice. It doesn’t take very long to chop a hole in the ice with an ax or chisel. You can usually chop until you can see at least six inches of good dark ice. Six inches of ice is enough to support 4,000 pounds according to the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
2. To minimize your risk on frozen lakes you should check with the rangers or wardens who patrol the area where you plan to take a trip. They will know the current ice conditions and give you advice concerning areas that should be avoided.
3. On large, interconnected lakes, some hazard areas to avoid are thoroughfares, inlets, outlets, pressure ridges, and spring holes. Basically, anywhere there is moving water should be avoided because moving water will not freeze as easily as standing water.
4. Bring some basic safety equipment on your winter excursions on frozen lakes. Most emergency equipment includes a throw bag for pulling someone else out of the water and the “picks of life” for pulling myself out of the water. These are nothing more than ice picks with a retractable cover over the sharp end. A couple of good-sized spikes will serve the same propose. Also pack matches in a watertight container, a compass, and a small first aid kit.
5. One of the most important things you can do for your safety when embarking on any outdoor adventure is -- tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. This will help rangers and wardens find you when you really need help.
If you break through the ice, remember:
• Don't panic.
• Don't try to climb out immediately - you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.
• Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DONT WALK, to safety.
• To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don't stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backward to the solid ice.
Petitions for Energy Transmission Project Citizens' Initiative
The Secretary of State has received petitions for the citizens' initiative "To Reject the New England Clean Energy Connect Transmission Project."
Proponents of the initiative submitted an estimated 17,000 petition forms to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions.
The Secretary of States Office has 30 days to certify the petitions and determine if the threshold of registered voters signatures has been met. Proponents must submit at least 63,067 valid signatures of registered Maine voters. The petitioners report an estimated 75,253 signatures certified by municipalities.
If this effort is certified to have the required number of valid signatures, it will go before the Legislature for consideration. If the Legislature declines to enact it without change, Sec. Dunlap will draft the ballot question and accept public input on the wording. The finalized question would then go before voters at the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
Visit the Maine Department of the Secretary of States webpage for more information about the citizens initiative process in Maine visit: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/citizens/index.html
Maine Senior FarmShare Program
Program aims to connect food-insecure seniors
AUGUSTA- The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Division of Agricultural Resource Development (ARD) announced that the application period for new farms is now open for the 2020 Maine Senior FarmShare Program. Applications, including the full details for new farms and eligibility criteria, are available on the ARD website.
New for 2020, the Maine Senior FarmShare Program is welcoming more farms from throughout the state. Also, the USDA provided additional funding for 2020 that will help increase the number of participating farms from across Maine.
The Maine Senior FarmShare Program is administered by ARD and funded by the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service Program. Following the Community Supported Agriculture model, a Senior FarmShare is an agreement between a participating farmer and a qualified senior for $50 of fresh produce.
Eligible farms must have one or more acres of mixed produce and the ability to offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, over 8 weeks. The application deadline is end of business, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, and farms are encouraged to apply early as openings are limited.
For program information or to apply, farmers should contact Donna Murray, Program Manager with Maine Senior FarmShare Program, 207-287-7526 and donna.murray@maine.gov. Farms are invited to apply now on the Maine Senior FarmShare website.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Now that the Second Regular Session is in full swing, legislative committees are busy holding public hearings and work sessions. Visit here for a complete list of scheduled committee work: http://legislature.maine.gov/bills/phwkSched_ps.asp?snum=
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