Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7013, sub-§7-A, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 408, §1, is amended to read:

7-A. Animal damage control. The coordination of animal damage control functions throughout the State, including supplemental assistance for the control of coyotes and other nuisance wildlife which that exceeds normal funding and staffing level within the department;

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7035, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1999, c. 636, §1, is further amended to read:

3. Destruction of wildlife. Whenever the commissioner determines it necessary for the accomplishment of the commissioner's statutory duties, the commissioner may issue permits authorizing persons to assist the commissioner in the taking and destruction of any wildlife. Pursuant to section 7013, subsection 7-A, the commissioner shall maintain a coyote control program as follows.

A. The commissioner may employ qualified persons to serve as agents of the department for purposes of coyote control. These agents must be trained by the department in animal damage control techniques and must be utilized by the department to perform coyote control duties in areas where predation by coyotes is posing a threat to deer or other wildlife. Each agent shall execute a cooperative agreement with the department specifying the conditions and limitations of the agent's responsibilities as an agent, including any terms for reimbursement of expenses or payment of wages.

B. Agents must be trained in the use of snares and must be deployed in the unorganized townships to control coyotes during the winter months. All snaring must be carried out under the direction of department officials and with the knowledge of the local game warden. All areas of snaring activity must be adequately posted.

C. Agents may be utilized for the benefit of agricultural interests provided that the department is reimbursed annually for the cost of those efforts by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources from funds specifically appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources for that purpose.

Sec. 3. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.