Maine § 480-CC. - Significant wildlife habitat; shorebird feeding and roosting areas
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 480-CC. — Significant wildlife habitat; shorebird feeding and roosting areas, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 480-CC.. Significant wildlife habitat; shorebird feeding and roosting areas
Significant wildlife habitat as defined in section 480‑B, subsection 10 includes shorebird nesting, feeding and staging areas that are in conformance with criteria adopted by the department or are contained within another protected natural resource except as provided in this section and section 480‑DD. [PL 2007, c. 290, §7 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 290, §15 (AFF).]
1. Definitions. As used in this section and section 480‑DD, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Shorebird feeding area" means a shorebird feeding or staging area that is not a roosting area. "Shorebird feeding area" includes a 100-foot-wide surrounding buffer referred to as "the feeding buffer." [PL 2007, c. 290, §7 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 290, §15 (AFF).]
B. "Shorebird roosting area" means a shorebird feeding or staging area that is also a roosting area. "Shorebird roosting area" includes a 250-foot-wide surrounding buffer referred to as "the roosting buffer." [PL 2007, c. 290, §7 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 290, §15 (AFF).]
2. Cutting standards within roosting and feeding buffers. The cutting standards in this subsection apply in addition to the permitting standards in section 480‑D.
A. Cutting or removal of vegetation within a roosting buffer is prohibited except as approved by the department for:
(2) Cutting or removal of vegetation to allow for a footpath not to exceed 6 feet in width as measured between tree trunks and shrub stems. The footpath may not result in a cleared line of sight to the water; and
(3) Cutting or removal of vegetation determined to be necessary by the department in order to conduct other activities approved by the department pursuant to section 480‑C and in accordance with the standards of this article and rules adopted pursuant to this article, including but not limited to avoidance, minimization and no unreasonable impact. The department may not approve cutting or removal of vegetation for purposes of creating a view unless the department in consultation with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife determines there will be no unreasonable impact on the protected resource.
Any cutting or removal of vegetation under this paragraph must be done in consultation with and as approved by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. [PL 2007, c. 290, §7 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 290, §15 (AFF).]
B. Cutting or removal of vegetation within a feeding buffer is prohibited except as approved by the department for:
(2) Cutting or removal of vegetation determined to be necessary by the department in order to conduct other activities approved by the department pursuant to section 480‑C and in accordance with the standards of this article and rules adopted pursuant to this article, including but not limited to avoidance, minimization and no unreasonable impact.
This paragraph may not be construed to limit a municipality's authority under home rule to adopt ordinances containing stricter standards than those contained in this paragraph. [RR 2015, c. 2, §27 (COR).]
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 480-CC.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 480-CC. cover?
Section 480-CC. ("Significant wildlife habitat; shorebird feeding and roosting areas") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 480-CC.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 480-CC." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 480-CC. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.