e-News Update from Rep. Barbara Bagshaw

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How to Find the Fishing Regulations for the Water You Want to Fish

General Fishing Laws apply to all inland waters. See General Fishing Law Seasons and Bag Limits and General Fishing Laws.

Check if the water you want to fish is listed in the alphabetical Special Fishing Laws.

If water is listed - Any exceptions to the General Fishing Laws will be designated by text or Special Season or Law Codes.

If water is not listed - Only General Fishing Laws apply. Unlisted Tribal Waters located in Passamaquoddy or Penobscot Indian Territory are an exception. See Tribal Water Laws.

Keep in Mind: Some waters (tributaries, outlets, connected waters) are not listed individually and may be listed with the main waterbody, or waters with an S-3 code (tributaries closed to taking smelts).

Some waters are collectively listed under one of the following area listings: Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park.

seeds
The first annual seed swap and gardening tips exchange was a whole lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who came and for everything you shared! 

Wildfire Awareness Week April 16th – 27th

Governor Mills recently proclaimed April 16th- 27th, Wildfire Awareness Week.  For access to the full proclamation, click here.

Fire Safety Tips for the Spring Season

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Forest Protection Division urges caution and preparedness for spring wildfire season. Maine has already experienced over 40 wildfires, consuming over 100 acres, in 2023. Spring weather conditions are extremely conducive to wildfires. Ninety percent of all wildfires are caused by people, destroying natural resources and property and threatening human life.

Wildfire safety starts with knowing and obeying local laws and regulations.

Everyone is asked to check with their town hall, local fire service, or the Maine Forest Service before burning. Refer to maineburnpermit.com for open burning permits. 

Other critical steps to preventing wildfires include mindfulness of weather conditions, particularly wind, and using only easily controlled locations for burning.

Allow woodstove and fireplace ashes to cool before disposing of them. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings. Never empty the ashes directly into a trash can. 

Most importantly, never use flammable gas-propellants. 

Maine Wildfire Prevention Resources: 

Maine Forest Service Website

Local MFS Ranger Contact List 

Burning and Campfire Permits  

Wildfire Danger Report

FireWise USA Training and Tips 

One in Three Mainers Believe They Have Too Much Debt

Augusta – According to the 2021 National Financial Capability Study conducted by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation®, thirty percent of people in the United States are feeling financially fragile and one-third of Mainers believe they have too much debt. To help, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has expanded its financial wellness efforts and outreach, including free online financial education resources and in-person events. These tools are designed to help individuals make better financial decisions, so they are more secure throughout their lives. Additionally, these resources can be used by Maine businesses and educators to teach and nurture students to understand and use good financial skills.

Financial wellness refers to a person’s overall financial well-being and ability to meet both current and future financial obligations in order to achieve financial security and freedom of choice. Financial wellness is an important part of our health and well-being.

Three prominent features of FAME’s financial wellness offerings include:

Steps to Financial Wellness: For those who are ready to start on a path toward financial wellness but might be unsure where to begin.

Online Financial Wellness: for all Mainers, including a financial wellness check-up to assess your finances and recommend tools, content, and courses, including a money personality tool to help you understand what drives your financial decision-making.

Upcoming Public Hearings

Now that the First 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.