Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §9322, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:

2-A.__Exemption for burning blueberry lands.__Notwithstanding sections 9323 and 9325, a permit is not required for burning as a cultivation practice on blueberry lands in the St. John River Valley between Allagash and Caswell.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §9323, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1979, c. 545, §3, is amended to read:

2. Jurisdiction. The Except as provided in section 9322, subsection 2-A, the requirement for a permit under this section shall apply applies statewide.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §9325, sub-§1, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 36, §4, is amended to read:

D. Burning Except as provided in section 9322, subsection 2-A, burning for agricultural purposes including, but not limited to, open burning of blueberry fields, potato tops and hayfields and prescribed burning for timberland management;

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes burning of blueberry lands in the St. John River Valley without a permit.