In the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA),
38 M.R.S.A.
§§480-A through Z, the Legislature
has found and declared that Maine's rivers and streams, great ponds, fragile
mountain areas, freshwater wetlands, significant wildlife habitat, coastal
wetlands, and sand dune systems are resources of state significance. Section
480-A states that these resources have great scenic beauty and unique
characteristics, unsurpassed recreational, cultural, historical, and
environmental value of present and future benefit to the citizens of the State
and that uses are causing the rapid degradation and, in some cases, the
destruction of these critical resources. The Legislature's recognition of the
scenic beauty of these protected natural resources through statute
distinguishes the visual quality of those resources and its value to the
general population.
Applicants for permits under the NRPA are required to
demonstrate that a proposed activity meets the standards of the NRPA that have
been established by the Legislature. Standard 1 in Section 480-D of the NRPA
requires an applicant to demonstrate that a proposed activity will not
unreasonably interfere with existing scenic and aesthetic
uses.
