Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. Conservation § 8301. Emergencies

Responsibility for control of forest insect and disease outbreaks shall, in all but emergencies, rest with the owners of the property whether private or public.

Emergencies, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be so considered when, in the opinion of the director, the infestation or disease is likely to kill or seriously injure trees in large numbers, or is so localized that immediate control will prevent a large possible outbreak, or is of recent foreign origin.

In emergencies, the director may enter into agreement with municipal officials to pay up to 1/2 the cost of control if state funds are available for this purpose. Whenever the State does contribute funds for this purpose, it shall have the authority to determine the control methods to be used. The State may make similar agreements with groups of private owners if the project is approved by municipal officials.

In an emergency, control measures may be done directly by the State or may be done on a contract basis with responsible private companies or individuals.