Whereas, milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species are infesting lakes to the south, west and north of the State and are now beginning to spread into the State; and

Whereas, the most common method of spreading milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants is on recreational boats, boat trailers and fishing equipment; and

Whereas, Maine's 2,800 great ponds face an immediate threat of infestation by milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants during the 2001 summer boating season; and

Whereas, the 90-day period will expire toward the end of the 2001 summer boating season; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. 5 MRSA §12004-D, sub-§6 is enacted to read:

6.__Great Ponds Expenses 38 MRSA__1852

Protection Council Only

Sec. A-2. 38 MRSA c. 20-A is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 20-A

MAINE AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES ACT

§1851.__Short title

This chapter may be known and cited as the "Maine Aquatic Nuisance Species Act."

§1852.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.