STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION FORESTRY MAINE FOREST SERVICE 22 STATE HOUSE STATION PAUL R. LEPAGE MAINE 043 33 WALTER E. WHITCOMB GOVERNOR COMMISSTONER August 22, 2017 Dear Municipal Of?cial, The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has been receiving inquiries regarding the use of private online burn permit systems. In early 2017 the department was asked to endorse a private online burn permit system. With the escalating use of these systems and concerns for the safe use of outdoor ?res, the Maine Forest Service (MFS) felt that it was prudent to review the statutory implications of private online systems. The ?nding was that these systems did not provide a valid permit to the end user. The ?nding compelled the MF to contact towns advising them to halt the use of private online systems this past June. In July the Legislature passed L.D. 1640 which allows the use of private systems if all statutory requirements of issuing burn permits are met by the software. Having no idea of the proliferation or compliance of private online systems resulting from L.D 1640, the MF will be unable to endorse such systems. The best and most conservative course for a burn permittee to follow is to use the traditional paper permit system or the MFS online burn permit system. The MFS is hopeful the Legislature will revisit the online issue next session and consider having one system for the organized towns and address the cost issue which is entirely within the Legislature?s jurisdiction. The MFS has prepared requirements, which are attached for operators of online systems wishing to meet the Legislature?s intent. walter E. Whitconlb, Commissioner {0 E9W?af Dou?nico, Director, MFS DOUG DENICO, DIRECTOR PHONE: (207) 287-2791 OR 300-367-0223 MAINE FOREST SERVICE 18 ELKINS LANE, HARLOW BUILDING