9069-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Laws You Need to Know About

Clean, Drain, Dry M ainers and visitors alike treasure our beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are the heart of our unforgettable summers, whether it’s diving in to cool off on a hot day, paddling away the stress of life, listening to a loon call, or reeling in a fish. That’s why boaters in Maine are proud to take the extra steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species: CLEAN - Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access. Dispose of debris in a trash receptacle or a responsible location away from the water. B oats may be registered in-person at a Recreational Vehicle Agent. Go to www. Maine.gov/Boat Registration Renewal to see if your town allows online boat registration renewals for Rapid Renewals. Nonresidents Non-Maine registered watercraft that are properly registered in another state and display a valid Boater Safety and Education P articipating in a recreational boating safety education course will teach you how to safely operate and maintain a boat and introduce you to Maine boating laws and resources. Courses are available online and in-person. Individuals born after January 1, 1999, are required to complete a boater safety course to operate

DRAIN - Prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters are required to remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast

tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state. DRY - Dry completely before reuse.

Our waters, and the memories we make on them, are worth protecting. Boat Registration

registration do not need to be registered in Maine, provided the watercraft is not kept in Maine for more than 60 consecutive days after a change in the state of principal use. However, these watercraft are still required by law to have a Lake and River Protection Sticker. In-person purchases can be made at Gray and Windham Town Offices.

certain watercraft, or to supervise a young person, learn more. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recommends the course for all boaters. Boater Safety Courses can be found at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/ educational-programs/safety-courses/boating-safety.html

10 LittleSebagoLake.com | Spring 2025