Eaton Peabody

On August 11, 2005, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection issued a Natural Resources Protection Act Permit (“NRPA”) to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (“IF&W”) to build an all tide public boat launch on Mere Point in Brunswick. The all tide access ramp will give recreational boaters and anglers the only all-tide public boat launch in upper Casco Bay, between Yarmouth and the New Meadows River.

The Board took jurisdiction in 2003 after local residents voiced opposition to the project. After 2 years of diligent efforts of IFW to prepare this application, DEP staff recommended approval of the project, and the Board unanimously voted to issue the permit.

“The board thoroughly reviewed all the issues, and they have affirmed the need for public access while ensuring that this project is done in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Ken Elowe, Director of Resources for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “This project benefited from the intense scrutiny of the board, and will be a facility that will meet the needs of the public while minimizing the impact to the environment.”

The Board’s decision matched an earlier determination by the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers that the proposed boat launch site is the least environmentally damaging but practical alternative for all-tide water access in Northern Casco Bay. This finding came after review of a long list of alternative sites.

Eaton Peabody attorneys assisted IFW in preparation and presentation of this application to the Board. Andrew Hamilton and Jonathan Huntington represented IF&W in public hearings held over 5 days. They were joined by attorney Heather Parent and paralegal Kelly Disley who assisted in the preparation of an application and the coordination of an expert witness team.