In addition to those pertaining to habitats, numerous regulations exist 

 concerning native species and their habitats (e.g., the Endangered Species 

 Act, Migratory Bird Conservation Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act). 

 These laws, and their application to coastal Maine, are covered in the 

 discussion of the species or group of species involved (chapters 11 to 20). A 

 list of Federal laws and treaties that affect sport fish and wildlife is 

 included in appendix D. A summary of State laws and administrative agencies 

 pertaining to the regulation of activities in coastal systems is given in 

 table 3-8. 



Regulations Pertaining to Palustrine, Lacustrine, and Riverine Systems 



In Maine, limited direct Federal and State controls exist over palustrine, 

 lacustrine, and riverine systems. The federal agencies with direct regulatory 

 authority over Maine's freshwater aquatic habitats are the Environmental 

 Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). The EPA 

 controls discharge of pollutants in all waters and wetlands of the United 

 States. The EPA can rescind a State program. Any activities involving the 

 discharge of dredged or fill material in United States waters, including all 

 adjacent wetlands, are under the permit authority of the COE. 



Although it has no direct regulatory authority, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service (FWS) plays an important advisory role in the issuing of permits by 

 the COE and EPA. Under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the FWS 

 assesses the impacts on fish and wildlife of all water and water-related land 

 resource development projects that are funded by the Federal Government or are 

 constructed under a Federal permit or license. Federal permits for water- 

 related development are reviewed by the FWS to encourage avoidance of adverse 

 impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitat, particularly wetlands. Also, 

 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Program and the Land and Water 

 Conservation Program, the FWS can acquire habitat (significant migratory 

 waterfowl habitat, habitat for endangered species, important wildlife areas, 

 and recreational and wilderness areas) that may include wetlands and other 

 habitats. These acquisitions become part of the National Wildlife Refuge 

 System. 



Other Federal agencies that play an indirect role in the regulation of 

 freshwater habitats in coastal Maine are the U.S. Forest Service (research and 

 management in relation to forest practices), Soil Conservation Service 

 (technical assistance programs in relation to resource conservation) , National 

 Park Service (acquisition and management), and U.S. Geological Survey 

 (research). In addition, Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 

 11990 (Protection of Wetlands) require each agency to take steps to minimize 

 impacts on, restore, and preserve floodplain and wetland areas. 



On the State level, 11 laws exist to manage coastal resources by guiding 

 development and by conserving natural resources declared by the State 

 municipalities to be in need of protection. Of the 11 laws, eight pertain to 

 freshwater aquatic systems in organized townships and one pertains to these 

 systems in unorganized townships. The laws regulate uses of lakes, rivers, 

 streams, brooks, and wetlands adjacent to these habitats. Great ponds (lakes) 

 as defined by the State include natural lakes >10 acres (4 ha) and artificial 

 lakes >30 acres (12 ha) and owned by two or more parties. This legislation 



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