More and more land is being posted all over Maine. And everywhere I travel in Maine as a biologist, the citizens are sharing with me that they are posting their land for two reasons: outright disrespect for the landowner and their land and their domestic animals, and grave concern for the violence heaped on coyotes year round.
The fact that this important carnivore, Coyote, is not protected by law here in Maine, has given those who kill out of hatred and cruelty free reign to behave as they wish. And to the detriment of our hunting community, these violent behaviors have huddled themselves under the cloak of “hunting”. As a result many 5 and 6 generation Mainers are posting their lands, where in the past they always welcomed hunters. So this abuse to Coyotes is having a serious impact on the future of ethical subsistence hunting in Maine.
A new Law just went into effect today, April 9, that is another easier way that Maine people can post their property: Purple Paint. Please read the following statute that describes what the purple paint means and how to use it.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, BUREAU OF FORESTRY
Chapter 24: BOUNDARY PAINT MARKING STANDARDS
Summary:
This rule establishes the procedures for lawfully posting property that access is prohibited without permission of the landowner or the landowner’s agent by the use of paint markings. The rule establishes requirements for the color and type of paint that may be used to indicate that access toproperty is prohibited without permission of the landowner or the landowner’s agent.
Section 1. Scope and Applicability
This rule governs all lands within Maine, including those owned by state and local governmentalunits, nonprofit organizations, and private forest lands. It does not govern federal forest lands or tribal trust lands.
Section 2. Paint Color and Quality
Paint used to post property that access is prohibited without permission of the landowner or the landowner’s agent must be:
1. of a quality sufficient for long term exterior exposure (including, but not limited to 100% exterior acrylic latex, alkyd oil based, acrylic lacquer, modified alkyd solvent based, orspecially formulated boundary marking paint); and,
2. the color “OSHA Safety Purple,” or a close match thereto. Paint markings must be maintained so as to be conspicuous at all times.
Section 3. Effective Date
The effective date of this rule shall be 09 April 2012.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 17-A M.R.S., Part 2, c. 17 (§402, sub-§4, para. B-1)
EFFECTIVE DATE:
April 9, 2012 – filing 2012-78
