Whereas, Maine's lakes and ponds are some of the State's most valuable resources for the economy, tourism and the enjoyment of residents and nonresidents alike; and

Whereas, the water quality of Maine's lakes and ponds is among the best in the nation; and

Whereas, the proliferation of invasive plants and animals from outside the State has already become a major problem for the water quality, productivity and enjoyment of the State's lakes and ponds; and

Whereas, the protection of the lakes and ponds in the State from invasive plants and animals is most important in the summer when boaters from outside the State travel to Maine to enjoy the lakes and ponds; 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:

Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §1862, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 434, Pt. A, §7, is amended to read:

§1862. Program to prevent infestation of and to control invasive

aquatic plants

1. Program. The commissioner and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife jointly shall implement a program to inspect watercraft, watercraft trailers and outboard motors at or near the border of the State and at boat launching sites for the presence of invasive aquatic plants and to provide educational materials to the public and to watercraft owners regarding invasive aquatic plants.

2. Other inspection stations allowed. The program established under this section also may include inspections at boat launching sites on inland waters that are already infested and at boat launching sites on the inland waters that have been identified as most at risk of introduction of invasive aquatic plants.