JOINT STUDY ORDER ESTABLISHING THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY ACCESS TO PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS IN MAINE
WHEREAS, this joint study order establishes the Committee to Study Access to Private and Public Lands in Maine; and
WHEREAS, the charge of this committee is vital to the interests of Maine citizens and camp and business owners in this State; and
WHEREAS, the spring and summer months begin the seasons of peak use of the Maine woods for Maine citizens and tourists and, therefore, are the optimal time for the committee to gather information and study issues related to access to lands; now, therefore, be it
ORDERED, the Senate concurring, that the Committee to Study Access to Private and Public Lands in Maine is established as follows.
1. Committee established. The Committee to Study Access to Private and Public Lands in Maine, referred to in this order as the "committee," is established.
2. Committee membership; chairs. The legislative members appointed to the Committee to Study Access to Private and Public Lands in Maine pursuant to Joint Order 1999, House Paper 1951 shall continue to serve on that committee. The Legislators serving as chairs shall continue to serve in that capacity.
3. Meetings. The chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the committee within 30 days of adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 120th Legislature. The committee shall hold not more than 4 meetings.
4. Duties. The committee shall fulfill all the duties required by Joint Order 1999, House Paper 1951 and shall:
A. Determine the status of public access to flowed lakes in the State;
B. Review and report on the issue of the division and sale of land by timber companies and the private acquisition of large tracts of undeveloped land surrounding the State's great ponds;
C. Consider policy options to promote continued access to public and private land; and
D. Work with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Forestry to develop a map that shows significant areas in the State where public access is restricted, prohibited or permitted with the payment of a fee.
5. Report. The committee shall submit its report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry not later than December 5, 2001. The committee is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature not later than December 5, 2001. If the committee requires a limited extension of time to make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension.
6. Staff assistance. Upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide staffing assistance to the committee.
7. Compensation. Members of the committee are entitled to receive the legislative per diem as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2 and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the committee.
8. Budget. The chairs of the committee, with the assistance from the committee staff, shall administer the committee's budget. The committee may not incur expenses exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the committee, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the committee and its staff with a status report on the committee's budget, expenditures incurred and remaining available funds.
Passed by the House of Representatives June 20, 2001 and the Senate June 21, 2001.
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