Maine Real Estate License Practice Exam

Shoreland areas include land within how many feet of the normal high water line of a Great Pond?

1. 250 ft from the low water line

2. 250 ft from the high water line

3. 75 ft from the low water line

4. 75 ft from the high water line

The correct answer is: 250 ft from the high water line

Shoreland areas are essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of water bodies, such as Great Ponds, and are closely regulated. In the context of Maine’s regulations, the definition of shoreland areas specifically includes the land that lies within 250 feet from the normal high water line of a Great Pond. This designation is crucial for environmental protection, as it helps to manage activities in proximity to these sensitive areas, such as construction and land use, in order to preserve water quality, wildlife habitats, and the natural landscape. The choice of 250 feet reflects an effort to create a buffer zone that helps mitigate the impact of development and human activity on these important ecosystems. The incorrect options reference boundaries related to low water lines or shorter distances from the high water line, which do not align with Maine's established criteria for shoreland zoning around Great Ponds. Hence, recognizing the correct buffer of 250 feet from the high water line is vital for anyone navigating Maine's real estate and environmental regulations.