The Legislature’s Second Regular Session Coming to a Close

Activity at the State House has increased exponentially, as lawmakers make preparations to conclude their work by the statutory adjournment date of April 17.  Having convened in early January to take up hundreds of bills carried over from the First Regular and First Special Sessions, along with more than 100 new measures accepted by the Legislative Council, major issues remain to be resolved, including the supplemental budget.

If you wish to follow legislative proceedings online as they unfold, please click here:

https://legislature.maine.gov/

Advisory from the Maine Forest Service

**Responsible Storm Cleanup**

Augusta, MAINE - After power and other utilities have been restored, property owners often face the challenge of what to do with storm-damaged trees. To assist with this, Project Canopy, a Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Forest Service (MFS) program, offers valuable guidance and helpful tips to property owners with questions about handling downed trees, limbs, and branches.

Trees and Branches Around Homes and Power Lines:

• Homeowners are encouraged to promptly address downed trees and branches, especially those affecting homes and power lines.
• For trees entangled with power lines, it is essential to contact local power companies for assistance. Even if a fallen limb is not near power or utility wires, it's advisable to rely on professionals to assess the extent of the damage before attempting repairs or removal.
• For trees or large branches threatening or impacting homes or businesses, enlist the help of a reputable licensed arborist to take care of cleanup.

Injured Trees Requiring Climbing or Chainsaw Work:

• In cases where storm-damaged trees require climbing or chainsaw work, homeowners are urged to work with licensed arborists. Arborists in Maine are required to be licensed. A license indicates that an individual is properly trained, has passed exams, and holds the required insurance. Arborists are trained tree care professionals with the skills to evaluate and rectify storm-damaged trees. They can determine how much of a tree can or should be salvaged.
• Beware of fly-by-night emergency tree-cutting services, and always request proof of licensing, insurance, and references. The DACF Division of Animal and Plant Health Arborist Program provides more information about working with arborists.

Licensed Arborists

To hire an arborist use this list:  https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/arborist/ArboristList.shtml

April Vacation Week at the Children’s Museum and

Theatre of Maine!

April 12-22, 2024

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

250 Thompsons Point Road

Portland, ME 04102

The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine (CMTM) offers the ideal destination for indoor, educational fun during April Vacation Week. Unleash your energy in the indoor climber, enjoy a captivating theatrical performance in Maddy’s Theatre, engage in creative activities in MakerSpace or encounter real ocean and freshwater creatures from the Maine Watershed!

Visits run in three-hour session from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

New this year: CMTM will be open on Tuesday during April Vacation Week!

Each day highlights a variety of educational services in addition to exploring the exhibits.

Check the chalkboard upon arrival for program times.

Learn more at: www.kitetails.org

From the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife:  The application period for the annual moose permit lottery is now open and can be completed online quickly and easily!

To apply, just visit mefishwildlife.com and fill out the online moose permit application. There, you will be able to indicate several preferences, including which wildlife management districts (WMD) you are willing to accept a permit in, and if you would accept a permit in another WMD if your name is drawn and all of your top choices are filled. You will also be able to select your preferred hunting season, whether or not you would accept an antlerless permit, and your choice of a sub-permittee. You will also be asked if you want to apply for the Adaptive Unit Hunt (WMD 4A).

Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on May 15, 2024.

The 2024 moose lottery permit drawing will take place Saturday, June 15 at Fort Kent. Additional details about the event will be available soon!

For more information about moose hunting in Maine and the moose permit lottery, please visit: mefishwildlife.com