BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 10, 2023
The state this year passed a tougher law to reduce the chance of introducing potentially damaging plant species into Maine waters. The emergency legislation, which went into effect immediately after receiving the governor’s signature, makes it illegal for boaters to “drain or release water held on or within a watercraft, allowing that water to enter any inland water body of the state.” The intention is to prevent boaters from introducing water, plants or other pollutants into a lake or pond. There are 11 invasive aquatic species that have been identified under Maine law as illegal to import, sell or transport. Those can disrupt or displace native plants and animals and cause irreparable harm to water bodies.