This bill repeals the laws governing the Natural Areas Program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and reassigns certain responsibilities under the program to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The bill updates relevant definitions in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12 and cross-references in Titles 36 and 38 to reflect these changes. The bill also establishes the Natural Areas Conservation Fund, which is administered by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It also replaces the coordinator of the Natural Areas Program with a person appointed by the commissioner who is responsible for monitoring natural areas.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 402, HP 256: 12.541, 12.544, 12.10001, 12.10053, 12.10105, 12.10108, 12.10309, 12.12803, 12.12804, 12.12805, 12.12806, 12.12808, 12.12810, 36.1109, 38.480, 38.490