§202. Mission; guiding principles

1.  Mission.  The mission of the department is to serve as a steward of Maine's agricultural and natural resources. The department shall implement public policy that:

A. Supports the work of citizens who derive their livelihood through agricultural, conservation and forest-based interests and supports those who enjoy parks and conservation lands;   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

B. Through education, technical assistance, research, regulation and land conservation, promotes and protects the public health, the well-being of domestic animals, wise land usage and the preservation of the State's key conservation assets; and   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

C. Assists in creating added value for land-derived and forest-derived products as well as creating outdoor-based recreational experiences for local, national and international markets.   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

[PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

2.  Guiding principles.  The following principles are adopted to guide the department in the performance of its duties:

A. Forestry, farming, conservation, public lands and other natural resource-based economic activity are important to the State's economy and quality of life;   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

A-1. The State's rural jobs and multifaceted natural resources are at the same time a rich heritage to be carefully passed to successive generations and an evolving economic engine driving the recreation, food and fiber components of the State’s workplaces;   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

B. Strengthening farming, forestry, conservation, recreation, state parks, public lands and public access to the State's natural resources is vital to enhancing the State's natural resources economy; and   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

C. The State's land and water are the common denominators for fresh, locally grown food, processed food, horticulture, livestock, sustainably managed forest products and the State's internationally recognized outdoor recreation and conservation areas.   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (NEW).]

[PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. V, §1 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. V, §2 (AFF). PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §9 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).