LD 1661 Is Now Chaptered Law
LD 1661 was allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature.
LAW WITHOUT GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE APRIL 25, 2026 CHAPTER 174 RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX
H.P. 1102 - L.D. 1661
Resolve, Requiring a Review and Assessment of the State's Invasive Species Management Efforts
Sec. 1. Review and assessment of State's invasive species management efforts. Resolved: That, within existing budgeted resources, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, referred to in this resolve as "the departments," shall conduct a review and assessment of the State's invasive species management efforts. The departments shall collaborate with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Marine Resources, other state agencies and local units of government and nongovernmental organizations in conducting the review and assessment. The review and assessment must include a summary of existing interagency working groups and other collaborative efforts focused on invasive species, including, but not limited to, invasive aquatic species and invasive terrestrial plants. In conducting the review and assessment, the departments shall explore opportunities for increased collaboration and efficiency and funding opportunities for projects related to the control and management of invasive species, education and outreach efforts and projects aimed at early detection and prevention of invasive species.
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, by January 31, 2027, the departments shall submit a report detailing the results of the review and assessment under section 1, including any findings and recommendations, to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and forestry matters; inland fisheries and wildlife matters; marine resources matters; and environment and natural resources matters. Each joint standing committee may submit legislation to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
2026 General Meeting
The 2026 Maine Invasive Species Network Meeting was held at Wells Commons on the University of Maine campus in Orono on April 1. The meeting was attended by a diverse group of 167 people. Our special thanks go to meeting's sponsors, whose generosity allowed us to keep the registration fee down to $25.
Proposed State Bill on an Invasive Species Advisory Council
The Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee will have a work session on January 8. Among other bills, it will consider LD 1661, An Act to Establish a Comprehensive and Interagency Approach to Invasive Species Management. The work session will take place in Room 214 at the Cross Office Building, located next to the State House. It is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM. People interested in supporting this bill should consider attending.
2024 General Meeting
The 2024 Maine Invasive Species Network Meeting was held at Wells Commons on the University of Maine campus in Orono on April 11. With 226 registered participants, it was the biggest one so far.
2023 General Meeting
The 2023 Maine Invasive Species Network Meeting was held at Wells Commons on the University of Maine campus in Orono on March 23. The meeting was attended by 93 participants from all walks of life and included 12 oral presentations, two posters, and a moderated discussion.
2021 General Meeting
The 2021 Maine Invasive Species Network Meeting was held virtually (in an attempt to manage the invasive SARS-CoV-2 virus) via Zoom from 9-11am on February 23 & 24.