Submerged Lands Leasing Program Dan Prichard Bureau of Parks and Lands Department of Conservation

Public submerged lands Tidal waters to 3-mile limit boundary rivers great ponds

mean low water line natural low water line

Leases and Easements Leasing limited to structural development and associated berthing areas, dredging, and fill projects (piers, marinas, pipelines, cables). Permanent structures of any size, and seasonal structures >500 sq.ft. or 2000 sq.ft. for commercial fishing uses. 30-year term Exempt Uses: –Smaller seasonal structures –Moorings –Harbor Improvements by the Federal Gov’t. –Aquaculture projects approved by DMR

Review Process Notice to Town Office, Harbormaster, DMR, DEP or LURC, & Abutters Initial review period in cooperation with DEP, DMR, ACE, and Municipality Seek additional information and public meeting as needed Issue Preliminary Findings Reconsideration period Final Findings and Decision

Littoral Boundaries and Setbacks Littoral boundary is a 90 degree projection from shoreline at property boundary. Structures must be 25 feet from littoral boundary and 50 feet from adjacent structures unless used in conjunction with those structures. Exceptions allowed where no reasonable alternative exists, and there is no unreasonable impact on public trust uses.

Littoral Boundaries

Approval Criteria The Bureau may grant a lease if the proposal will not unreasonably impact: –navigation –fishing and other marine uses in the area –the availability of services and facilities necessary for commercial marine activities –ingress and egress of riparian owners The project must also meet all federal, state, and local permitting requirements and not otherwise contrary to the public interest. A lease is not a permit. It is contract to use public lands.

Contact Dan Prichard Bureau of Parks and Lands Submerged Lands Program 22 State House Station Augusta, ME Web site: