Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do I need to know about placing a mooring on an
inland lake or pond in Maine?
A. With a couple exceptions, the State of Maine does
not control the placement of moorings on inland waterways.
The placement of moorings, where controlled, are controlled
by the local municipality in which a body of water lies. Although
some municipalities have adopted a mooring ordinance limiting
their placement, most towns have not although many are currently
considering it. If you are considering the placement of a
mooring, please check with the local municipality in which
the body of water you are interested in lies about a mooring
ordinance.
In the interest of boating safety, the Department of Conservation,
Boating Facilities Division has two basic rules when it comes
to the placement of moorings. These rules work hand in hand
with the Water Safety Zone (the first 200' from any shore.)
Objects placed beyond the Water Safety Zone may be considered
a hazards to navigation.
1. No mooring will be placed so that it or the object moored
thereto extends beyond the Water Safety Zone or 1/3 the distance
to the opposite shore whichever is less. In addition, no mooring
may be placed in State waters in a marked channel or a Fairway
or in a manner that would impede access to a public boat launch
facility or deny the right of free navigation.
2. The proper mooring ball used to float the chain is a white
ball with a blue stripe.
In the interest of public safety, it has been determined
that objects placed beyond the Water Safety Zone may be considered
a hazard to navigation and may be removed by the Department
without notification.
Q. What is the Boating Facilities Program?
A. It is a program to provide public facilities for
boats in the waters of the State, including but not limited
to launching ramps, parking sites and access roads. The Program
also administers the Navigational Aids Program for marking
hazards to navigations on a limited number of lakes. The State
Bureau of Parks and Lands is authorized to provide Grants-in-Aid
to municipalities and private organizations such as fish and
game clubs, to assist in the acquisition, development or improvement
of public boat facilities as well as to acquire and develop
State-owned sites.
Q. Who conducts it?
A. The Boating Facilities Division, State Bureau of
Parks and Lands, Maine Department of Conservation, #22 State
House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0022. Telephone 287-4952.
Q. How is it funded?
A. About 1.5% of the State tax on gasoline is credited
to the Boating Facilities Fund. Monies from this fund may
be used in combination with local monies to acquire land ,
develop public facilities for boats, and mark hazards to navigation
on inland waterways..
Q. Where are the public boat ramps in my area?
A. You can call the Boating Facility Division at (207)
287-4952 for a printed list, or click
here.
Q. How do I register my boat?
A. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
is responsible for boat registration.
Q. There isn't a suitable boat ramp on my lake. How do
I go about getting one built?
A. The Boating Facility Division has a program for
the construction of public boating facilities. The facilities
may be built, owned and operated by the State, if the facility
is deemed to have state-wide significance or they may be built,
owned and operated by a municipality or other public or private
entity with a funding grant and technical assistance from
the Division.
Towns and organizations interested in providing public boat
facilities should contact the Boating Facilities Division
at 287-4952. Upon receipt of a request, Bureau personnel will
conduct an evaluation to determine the nature and significance
of the proposed site including an on-site inspection with
the appropriate local contact person. The Bureau's evaluation
will include:
- Potential use, both regional and local;
- Suitability of shorefront terrain;
- Water depth in relation to facility type;
- Access;
- Effect on abutters;
- Environmental considerations.
The amount of State funding recommended for a project is
generally higher for a site which serves a regional area.
The Bureau emphasizes assistance to municipalities and others
willing to acquire, improve, and develop locally-owned, operated
and maintained facilities.
Q. How long does it take to develop a facility?
A. Projects generally require two years to complete.
Q. How are the sites maintained?
A. Most sites are maintained by the municipalities
in which they are located.
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