inspector and boater checking for invasive aquatic plants

Public Participation

There are many opportunities for public involvement. Comment on a rulemaking or draft report; organize a family lake day; participate in an advisory group; patronize an "Environmental Leader" gas station; help monitor water quality; or email program staff with your suggestions.

And...perhaps most important...please make day-to-day personal decisions to protect the environment and provide for a sustainable future.

Public Participation in the Licensing Process (PDF for printing 37 KB)

Advisory and stakeholder group (short-term): At any given time, the Department may have one or more short-term advisory or stakeholder groups focusing on specific issues. Generally, participation in these groups is limited.

Active groups at this time

Recent groups

Gulf Island Pond
Maine Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Stormwater
Vessel Discharges

Advisory group (standing): Some advisory groups are standing groups that have been established by legislation, or set up by the department, such as the Surface Water Ambient Toxics (SWAT) Technical Advisory Group; Nonpoint Source Training Center Advisory Committee; Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species; the DEP Task Force; and Maine Oil Spill Advisory Committee (MOSAC). (MOSAC under Construction - September 17, 2008)

Air. Rulemaking.

Business sector leadership. Environmental Leader Program; Step-Up Program; Voluntary Certified Erosion Control Contractors; Governor's Carbon Challenge.

Land and Water. Citizen action groups; East Pond Restoration Project; Family Lake Day; LakeSmart; Public Comment Opportunities; Report an algal bloom; Rulemaking; Stream Teams.

Related off-site links: Lakes Environmental Association - courtesy boat inspectors; Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program; Maine Shore Stewards.

Remediation and Waste Management. Recycling; Rulemaking.

Suggestions for program staff. Contact staff for particular programs are sometimes listed on program pages. If not, see Contact DEP.

Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). Use this form to suggest specific projects that may qualify as SEPs.

Website. Use our website feedback form, if you have technical comments or suggestions about this website.