Ogunquit Conservation Commission Weighs Container, Tree Ordinances

The Ogunquit Conservation Commission met October 7 to discuss two possible ordinance proposals, one requiring biodegradable food containers and another addressing tree protection on private land. Members also heard updates on piping plover and shorebird monitoring, dune conditions, and upcoming coastal resilience events.

Key points

• The commission approved the minutes of its September 7, 2026 meeting.
• Members discussed drafting an ordinance requiring food suppliers to use biodegradable containers, with the goal of reaching the June ballot; Town Planner Joanna Manikus said the process would take at least a couple of months and that the Planning Board is heavily loaded with state housing-related amendments.
• Select Board liaison Amy Kelly cautioned that a biodegradable container ordinance could face legal pushback and enforcement challenges, and said she favors buying land for conservation over regulating private property.
• Chair and members discussed pursuing a tree protection ordinance, but Manikus noted state housing law is shrinking lot sizes and that cutting ordinances are difficult to enforce.
• Members discussed asking voters to fund land acquisition, with Kelly offering to support a $300,000 initiative; the town historically set aside $25,000 a year for conservation land.
• Shorebird ambassador Wendy Levine reported on fall shorebird migration, bald spots in dune grass near marker three, and upcoming king tide monitoring in November and December.

Next steps

• The commission will draft a basic outline for the biodegradable container ordinance, with Manikus helping with wording before a commission vote and referral to the Planning Board.
• Members were encouraged to meet with Select Board Vice Chair Chris Novoly and schedule time before the Select Board to present the commission's work.
• The chair and Amy Kelly plan to attend a Maine Conservation Commission Association conference on October 24.
• A Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission coastal resilience walking tour is set for October 13 at 10 a.m. at the Dunaway.
• Volunteers are sought for king tide photo monitoring in November and December.

Read the full transcript