Legislative Agenda 2007

At its November 19, 2006 meeting, WAM's Board of Directors approved submittal of the following four bills as its legislative agenda for the 123rd legislature (see below). We are in need of legislative sponsors, and we ask our members to contact their legislators to ask if they would sponsor or co-sponsor any of these bills. If your legislative representative(s) would be willing to sponsor one or more bills, please contact Susan Jenssen at info@wildlifealliancemaine.org.

An Act to End Recreational Bear Trapping - LD 1635
Many believe that as a stand-alone issue, Maine voters would likely have approved the end of recreational bear trapping during the recent bear referendum. Maine is the only state in the nation that still allows bears to be trapped recreationally. The recreational trapping of bears is wholly unnecessary and serves no population management function. This bill would ban recreational trapping of bears, but would allow it to continue for purposes of bona fide scientific research, animal damage control and public safety.

An Act to Establish the William "Bill" Silliker Memorial Moose Watching Area - LD 1133
Bill Silliker has done more than any Mainer, since Governor Percival Baxter, to promote wildlife watching in Maine. He was a popular photographer and naturalist who was well known for his photographs of moose and other wildlife. He was also a proponent of establishing moose watching areas where people could observe and photograph moose that were not hunted. This bill would establish such a moose watching area in an area where moose hunting is currently permitted. The size and location of the area would be determined by IFW based upon sound biological principles (suitable habitat, large enough area, etc.) and after receipt of input from the people of Maine.

An Act to Promote Fairness on the Maine Oudoor Heritage Fund Board - LD 1080
Presently, citizen members from a "state sportsman's organization" and a "state wildlife conservation organization" can serve up to two consecutive four-year terms on the MOHFB. There is no restriction in statute prohibiting the same organizations from being represented term after term after term, ad infinitum. This bill would prohibit the same organizations from constantly being represented and would give other organizations an opportunity to participate in the awarding of MOHFB grant monies.