Freshwater Wetlands: New Legislation for Maine

"I must admit that, when first reviewing draft legislation aimed at protecting Maine's freshwater wetlands one year ago, I was a little less than enthusiastic. From the perspective of one who would be charged with its implementation, the proposed law has several weaknesses. When the bill was subsequently being considered by the Maine Legislature, I again questioned whether its enactment would, from an environmental standpoint, really be in the state's best interest. In response, Nancy Anderson, attorney/advocate for Maine Audubon Society and principal author of the bill, acknowledged that the state still has a long way to go in terms of comprehensive wetlands protection. However, she pointed out that the passage of the bill would represent the first step. Maine is indeed taking that first step, as the Freshwater Wetlands Law became effective on September 19, 1985. This recent course of events has led me to reassess where the state has been and where it should be heading on the issue of wetlands management."