§12911. Recreational use limits

1.  Findings and goals.  Increased use has resulted in increased environmental impact on the Kennebec River and the West Branch Penobscot River, as well as on their valleys, nearby roads and the social structure of the areas. Recreational use limits are necessary to allow for rafting use and other competing uses, such as fishing, camping and canoeing, while minimizing detrimental impacts and maintaining the opportunity for a quality wilderness experience for rafters and for other users.

[PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2.  Kennebec River.  The recreational use limit on the Kennebec River between Harris Station and West Forks is 1,000 commercial passengers per day. Noncommercial recreational use is not limited.

[PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

3.  West Branch Penobscot River.  The recreational use limit of the West Branch Penobscot River between McKay Station and Pockwockamus Falls is 560 commercial passengers per day. Noncommercial recreational use is not limited.

A. In order to allow free time for other uses, a person may not conduct a whitewater trip on the West Branch Penobscot River between McKay Station and Pockwockamus Falls between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.   [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §335 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

B. The following penalties apply to violations of paragraph A.

(1) A person who violates paragraph A commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

(2) A person who violates paragraph A after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.   [PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §335 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

[PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §335 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2003, c. 414, §A2 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 414, §D7 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 655, §B335 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 655, §B422 (AFF).