With strong bipartisan support, the Senate rejected an amendment from Sen. Ron Collins (R-York) that would have reduced the current, scientifically-supported 250 foot vernal pool consultation zone down to 75 feet. Significant vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and wood turtles, and serve as feeding areas for deer, bear, moose and birds. The existing 250 foot zone for significant vernal pools is not a no-build zone, but rather requires consultation and careful planning to receive a permit.

Status: Bill passed and signed by the Governor without anti-environment amendment

Votes / Roll Calls:

Date	Desc	Yea	Nay	No Vote	Absent	Total	Passed	Chamber
01/01/2011	Roll Call	8	3	0	0	11	1
Votes	Show Ronald F Collins Nay Bill Diamond Yea Dawn Hill Yea Troy Dale Jackson Yea Roger J. Katz Yea Brian D. Langley Yea Garrett Paul Mason Nay Thomas B. Saviello Yea Roger L. Sherman Nay Michael D. Thibodeau Yea Rodney L. Whittemore Yea