Your Input on a Possible Legislative Session is Needed
House Republicans have been pushing for legislative action to modify the Governor’s emergency powers and legislative involvement in decisions to safely reopen Maine economically and socially.
Your Opinion Matters
Participation in this short survey will help guide the Caucus in the event the Legislature is able to return to Augusta, provided that an agreement limiting the scope of work to essential items is reached.
>>SURVEY HERE<<
Maine Deadline to Apply for Any-Deer Permits August 17, 2020
You are able to enter the Maine Any-Deer Permit Lottery using this online service. From the list of lottery applicants, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) will administer a chance drawing to select winners for an any-deer hunting permit. To hunt any deer in Maine, hunters must have one of these special any-deer hunting permits.
Please note, you may only supply the MDIF&W with one application for the lottery per year. If it is found that an applicant has applied more than one time in a year, that applicant will be disqualified.
- Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on August 17, 2020.
- A chance drawing will be held on September 11, 2020.
Who can use this service?
- You are eligible to apply if you have a current valid Maine big game hunting license (complimentary and lifetime licenses are acceptable). Note -- landowners planning to hunt on their own land without a license can apply online without a hunting license.
and
- You are a resident of the United States or Canada (foreign residents must contact the MDIF&W for help in applying for an any-deer permit).
What will I need?
To complete the application you will need:
- current big game hunting license (or complimentary or lifetime license). Note -- landowners planning to hunt on their own land without a license can apply online without a hunting license;
- districts wishing to hunt in;
- personal information (name, address, age, etc.); and
- landowner information (if applicable -- including acres and town).
Fees
There are no fees to apply for the Any-Deer Permit Lottery.
Secretary Of State Finalizes Wording of Energy Corridor Ballot Question
Maine’s Secretary of State has reviewed the public comments and finalized the wording for the energy transmission project citizens' initiative question that is slated to go before voters on the November 3, 2020 general election referendum ballot.
Since presenting the proposed language on May 22, the Secretary received 161 comments regarding the questions form and content. The comment period closed Monday, June 22.
Following a thorough review of the comments, the Secretary has finalized the ballot question as:
"Do you want to require the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reject a previously-approved proposal to construct the New England Clean Energy Connect electrical power transmission line through western Maine?"
State law requires the Secretary to present ballot questions concisely and intelligibly while also ensuring that the language does not introduce any bias and accurately reflects the proposed legislation.
The original proposed language for this initiative was, “Do you want to adopt a Resolve directing the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reverse its approval of the proposed New England Clean Energy Connect power transmission line?”
The energy transmission project citizens’ initiative is the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, and the Maine Supreme Judicial Court is expected to rule on whether it will ultimately appear on the November 3 ballot. The decision is expected prior to the late August ballot-printing deadline.
Explore Maine’s Scenic Byways
Boasting one of the oldest scenic byway programs in the country, Maine offers travelers diverse landscapes, such as the western mountains and the rugged Downeast coastline. Maine's byways feature outstanding year-round recreation opportunities, well-preserved rural character, traditional arts and culture, and abundant wildlife.
Simply click on one of Maine's byways indicated on the list below for more information on these unique driving tours.
Preventing Conflicts with Black Bears
Over the past century, conflicts between bears and humans in Maine have lessened with changes in agricultural practices, the decline of farming, increased interest in bear hunting, and the species’ rise in status as a game animal. In addition, Maine has a small human population (1.3 million) that is mostly concentrated in the southern third of the State where bear densities are lower and therefore bear-human conflicts are less numerous. However, each year, primarily in the spring and early summer, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives numerous calls from homeowners when bears have destroyed bird feeders or disturbed garbage. Most conflicts with bears can be prevented by removing common food attractants around homes.
To prevent conflicts with black bears each spring (April 1-October 1):
- bring in your bird feeders, rake up and dispose of any seed left on the ground, and store unused seed inside. If you want to continue to feed birds in the spring and summer, consider using an electrified mat (MS Word);
- bring trash to the curb on the morning of trash pickup or use a certified bear resistant container;
- keep dumpster lids closed, and do not allow dumpsters to overflow. In areas experiencing bear problems, consider storing dumpsters in a secure building or behind electric fencing (MS Word); and
- clean your grills and empty the grease cup after each use. Do not discard grease on the ground. Burn-off any food residue, clean blood and grease dripping, and discard food wrappers.
To learn more about preventing bear conflicts in back yards, while camping, or hiking, see Living with Black Bears.
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