ME LD531

Establishes the Toddy Pond Watershed Management District as a quasi-municipal corporation to assume ownership and operation of the Toddy Pond dam from the current owner who petitioned for release, involving the towns of Blue Hill, Orland, Penobscot, and Surry.

Creates a 9-member board of trustees with 5 appointed by participating towns (Orland gets 2; Blue Hill, Penobscot, and Surry each get 1) and 4 elected by waterfront property owners abutting Toddy Pond.

Funds the district through two sources: participating towns contribute 50% of operating costs (apportioned as Orland 43%, Surry 27%, Penobscot 24%, Blue Hill 6%) subject to voter approval, with waterfront property owners assessed for the remaining 50% based on shoreline frontage up to 250 feet.

Grants the district authority to manage water levels, conduct inspections, plan dam repairs, apply for grants and loans, levy assessments with lien authority, and pursue watershed improvements including fish passage and invasive species monitoring.

Requires each town to approve participation by majority referendum vote held after June 1, 2025 but within 2 years; towns that fail to approve or withdraw have their share assessed directly to waterfront property owners in that town.