Latest news with #L.L.Bean
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This Birkin, LL Bean love child is chaotic genius (and I need it)
I'm a New Englander through and through. I spent childhood summers swimming in New Hampshire lakes or frolicking on the beaches of Southern Maine. And wherever I went, an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote was always in the mix. Monogrammed, oversized, and packed with snacks, sunscreen, and sandy towels, it was the bag that never let me down. To this day, there is always a Boat and Tote hiding somewhere at our family beach house - ready to be tossed in the car or hauled down to the sand when the moment calls for it. Related: Dior suffers major loss as trailblazing designer exits Though the canvas is a little softer now, it holds everything and somehow still feels cool, in that effortless, practical New England way. But like most people, my taste has evolved. I still love the no-nonsense appeal of a Boat and Tote. But I also can't help but fantasize about the Hermès Birkin, that grail-level icon of luxury handbags. It's aspirational, expensive, and in some ways, totally absurd. Which makes it kind of perfect. So when I came across a bag that mashed up both - the Birkin and the Boat and Tote- I did a double take. Ladies and gentleman, this one is SPECIAL. Image source: Hathaway Hutton Enter the Boatkin. The Boatkin is a handmade, tongue-in-cheek luxury bag from the brand Hathaway Hutton. Dreamed up by founder Jen Risk, the Boatkin fuses the iconic silhouette and hardware of the Hermès Birkin with the familiar canvas and stitching of the L.L. Bean classic. According to the New York Times, Risk launched the Boatkin earlier this year. And while it may have started as a playful one-off, the bag has quickly become part of a much larger - and growing - conversation in fashion: the rise of the dupe. From TikTok-famous Stanley cup lookalikes to the now-infamous Wirkin, dupes have become a defining trend in fashion, blurring the line between homage and knockoff. Related: Forget the Birkin bag, Hermès unveils something unexpected They signal status without the sky-high price, and let consumers buy into the look of a lifestyle without the gatekeeping. The Boatkin, with its wink at two iconic brands, offers a different kind of flex - one that says, "I get the joke." It also reflects a generational shift. Consumers are increasingly seeking individuality, irony, and access, even in their luxury purchases. The Boatkin doesn't pretend to be a Birkin, and that's exactly the point. What began as a playful fashion trend is now a fast-moving market. Social media has supercharged the demand for lookalike luxury, with content creators posting "dupe hauls" and brands scrambling to deliver lower-cost versions of high-end designs. According to a report from WARC, approximately 31% of adults have purchased a dupe, with the number rising to 49% among Gen Z and 44% among millennials. The Boatkin taps into that momentum, but stands apart in its craftsmanship. Where many dupes are mass-produced, Risk's creations are made by hand, often using customer-supplied materials. That limited scale adds exclusivity - ironic, given the concept's populist appeal. But it's exactly this contradiction that makes the Boatkin feel so of-the-moment. The legal gray area surrounding designer-inspired goods remains a hot topic. And as luxury fashion contends with shifting consumer values, brands may have to reckon with more than just copycats. They'll have to compete with creators who remix heritage with humor, yet still command a waitlist. For now, the Boatkin remains a standout. Not because it's trying to be a Birkin, but because it's not. It's a reminder that in today's fashion landscape, the cleverest accessory might be the one that doesn't take itself too seriously. And for me? Let's just say...I'm not not on the waitlist. Related: Birkin bag maker faces major problem The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Buzz Feed
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
If You're Over The Age Of 25 And Don't Have These 58 Extremely Useful Products, You Should By Now
Waterproof duck boots in a classic style reminiscent of L.L. Bean but at a price that fits comfortably in your budget. They come in several styles, including ones with faux-fleece lining in case you live somewhere extra cold that demands something extra cozy! Sleet, snow, and mud will be no match for you when you're equipped with these. A Baby Shusher — it does exactly what it sounds like: makes a shushing sound to help calm and relax your little one so you don't have to. It's lightweight and portable, too, so you can carry it to the grocery store, airport, or just the living room. So smart! A Velcro-powered Trtl travel pillow that you can easily adjust into the *perfect* position to help stop your head from doing that painful slow bobbing nod as you try to sleep somehow while sitting up. I have one and can attest: it wraps around your neck like a scarf, and feels like the perfect-height shoulder to lie on, right in the exact spot you need it! A pastel mug warmer because when you have one of those days where you sit down at 9 a.m. for your first meeting of the day, then feel like you blink and it's suddenly two hours later, your coffee will still be perfectly hot, drinkable, and ready to power you through your next block of tasks. A splurge-worthy RoboVac to really keep your floors cleaner than you ever thought possible. IDK about you, but there's no way I'll ever vacuum or sweep every day without one of these little buddies doing it for me. A microfiber duster perfect for wiping down all kinds of surfaces, because it attracts and holds onto dust like a *magnet* instead of brushing it into the air just to settle again later. Actually getting rid of the dust is THE key to a home that needs less dusting. A Soap Standle because if you like to use bar soap, it's a game changer — I know, I use several all the time and love them. It's basically a little plastic oval with spikes on one side that easily insert into the bar and stay there, and a wave-gap pattern on the other that allows the bottom of the soap to dry. Your bars will last longer *and* you'll never have to clean a soap dish again! A wire-free bra with laces to give you a little more push-up oomph than even regular push-up bras can — and so you can adjust the fit depending on your preferences and needs. A simple dunk-and-rinse paw washer because your dogs constantly bring dirt in from the yard, and this stops it in its tracks even better than a towel would. It has a few rows of silicone bristles for scrubbing and a main compartment for soap and water! Fanola Purple Shampoo, which works wonders to give your dyed-blonde hair that platinum shine in your very own shower at home, week after week, sans a pricey visit to the colorist. An Add-a-Lock that will give you a little extra peace of mind (without taking up much space in your luggage), especially if you end up staying somewhere with a wobbly security chain. An earwax removal kit so you can clear up your muffled hearing in less than 10 minutes (who knew everything had such crystal-clear sound??) no need to swipe your credit card for the copay at your doctor's office. A tub of The Pink Stuff cleaning paste because it lets you instantly shine or de-gunk dozens of different surfaces without having to scrub for hours *or* worry about scratching your chrome, marble, porcelain, wood, glass shower door or stovetop, or stainless steel. A pack of several sizes of LED-dimming stickers — your computer charger, internet router, and other electronics have precisely zero business keeping you awake (or even just annoying you) with their overly bright lights. Not that you'd ever want to, but their smart adhesive removes easily without leaving annoying residue behind! E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer, which reviewers swear is comparable to the 5x pricier Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer — it's lightweight, helps reduce the appearance of pores, and has a velvety texture that'll help your foundation glide over your skin flawlessly. That's one highly functional primer. A set of six wool dryer balls to replace single-use plasticky dryer sheets once and for all while still making sure your clothes feel soft and (if you use essential oils) lightly scented. I always dry my stuff with wool dryer balls and can assure you, my clothes come out perfectly fluffed every time! A glare-free Kindle Paperwhite because it lets you carry dozens of books with you at once but weighs just a little over 7 ounces — *and* can 100% handle it if you want to take it in the bath with you. Oh, and if you want to save $$ on buying books, get it set up with your local library, and you can download your reads for free! An argan oil hair mask to help pump hydration into your color-treated or dried-out hair, leaving it smooth, shiny, and soft. If you love your hot tools or trying a new color a little more often than you should, this could help nourish and restore your strands. A glass cooktop cleaning kit packed with a grease- and grime-busting polish *plus* a scrubber and a scraper, so you can skip hours of elbow-aching scouring (so annoying) but still get your cooktop gleamingly shiny and clean. A perfectly clear reusable bag designed specifically for packing all your carry-on liquids under three ounces, so security's a breeze. It'll be both much more durable *and* at least a little bigger than that one beat-up Ziploc you've used for going on three years now! Or a TSA-friendly toiletries set because sometimes, you DON'T want to use the hotel's free soap and shampoo, especially when you have a very specific routine you don't want to give up while you're away from home. Why even risk a breakout when it's so simple and cheap to bring your favorite face wash you know is the only one your skin likes?? Oh, and the silicone makes it super simple to fill, squeeze out, clean, and refill later. A veggie chopper to slice and dice onions, celery, and even tomatoes in a matter of seconds. One of the keys to tasty dinners is fresh ingredients, and this'll significantly, um, ~cut~ the amount of time and effort you spend to prep them. *Phew*! A squeegee broom so you can extract years' worth of built-up, embedded pet hair from your carpet and rugs *and* easily sweep up scattered bits from your hard floors. Can you believe the German Shepard owner who took this pic uses a Dyson pet vac — and THAT is how much hair the broom got that the vacuum didn't?? And a pet hair remover that you simply brush over any upholstered surface to instantly pick up basically every last bit of shedding your furry friend's always leaving in their wake. Because it doesn't rely on adhesive paper, you only have to buy it once and use it forever! A trifold travel wallet big enough to hold your phone, credit cards and cash, passport, boarding pass, and travel documents, all while keeping it all at your fingertips, ready to whip out the very moment they're needed. You'll be so organized, you'll NEVER be that person holding up the line that's stretching past where the line divider begins and wayyy on down the hallway. The Diamond Dazzle Stik, which will shine up your jewelry with to a few dabs of its gentle cleaning solution, no matter where you happen to be when you notice you need it. Step 1: Swipe. Step 2: Rinse. Step 3: Drop your jaw at your ring's dramatic sparkling shininess. A Turbie Twist that'll wrap your entire sopping-wet head of hair in its microfiber lengths and hold everything securely with its elastic loop, even if you start head-bopping as you sing along to your favorite morning playlist. A stainless steel cleaner and polish — I suspect it will work both *faster* and *better* than pretty much any other stainless steel cleaner you've tried — because it did for my mom AND the 15,000 other people who left 5-star ratings. Less time spent + easy results = no frustration! A mold and mildew remover made from a no-odor gel that sticks and stays to your grout and caulking (ugh re-caulking is SUCH a pain), giving it the time it needs so it can actually do its job: banishing the grossness from your bathroom like it was never there. And a stain and odor-eliminating spray for, erm, ~organic~ messes (think pee, poop, and vomit) because for those sorts of stains, you need enzymes — a type of bacteria — to feed on the ammonia to completely eliminate the smell. Other stain removers might help some, but without the enzymes in a spray like this one, that not-so-lovely stench will stick around. A slim silverware organizer tray that takes up half the space of a traditional organizer but still stores a full 24-piece cutlery set, so you can use the rest of the drawer to store so much more. A bottle of makeup brush and sponge shampoo so you can break up all the embedded layers of foundation, contour, concealer, powder, and eye makeup. And it'll do it so quickly and easily you'll hate washing brushes a little (just a little) less than before. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum that you'll immediately feel thankful for when it keeps your skin soft, soothed, and hydrated *without* looking oily, despite Jack Frost's earnest and repeated attempts to dry you out. And reviewers say it's just as good as the $200 (that's so much money!!!!!) TNS Recovery Complex serum. A Wet & Forget shower cleaner — simply mist your shower walls, curtain/door, tub, fixtures, and floor once a week after you turn off the water, and you'll (almost) never need to deep clean your shower at all. This dissolves all the grime *before* it can buildup, and leaves a nice pleasant scent behind! Some Goo Gone because it quickly and painlessly removes everything from tape residue to mysterious sticky substances, pretty much wherever you find them. Duct tape gunk on the wall? So long. Sticker muck on your car or fridge or floor? Farewell. Cooked on grease at the bottom of a skillet? Auf wiedersehen. Chewed bubblegum on your couch cushion? Goodnight (to the stain). A set of two seat gap fillers for when you're tired of accidentally dropping your phone down in the crack of no return for the two-thousandth time in the past year. You'll also get to eat that dropped french fry while it's fresh, instead of discovering it's become the source of a nasty smell under your seat the next time you deep clean your car. A set of two miniature spatulas — they reach into even the deepest corners of makeup bottles and food jars so you can use every. last. bit. of product. Save yourself a little $$, and don't stress when you're still waiting for your new bottle of foundation to arrive because there's enough in the old jar! A battery-powered Conair fabric shaver because there's no need to throw out a sweater or chair just because it's started to pill! This quickly and easily pinches off those pesky little buggers to make your fabrics (including upholstery!) look brand-new. A pack of Bottle Bright fizzing cleaning tablets that you simply drop into almost any seemingly permanently stained travel mug or stainless water bottle to banish those stains without scrubbing even one little bit. Want all your beloved drinking vessels to look new in no time? This stuff's the key! A set of Wad-Free pads, which ensure your sheets dry the first time instead of wadding themselves (and whatever else is in the load) into a wrinkly, wet, unwieldy ball that you have to somehow untangle before sending everything through the dryer again and again. A sandwich cutter and sealer set because they make do-it-yourself Smuckers Uncrustables quick and simple, and way cheaper than the typical $10 for a box. You can customize ingredients for variety, preferences, and food allergies, and it comes with three different shapes! A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner so you have an immediate solution anytime something gets spilled, or a pet makes a mess on your carpet, couch, rug, car seat, or mattress. Even if you don't have spills to clean, you'll be astounded at how much disgusting grime it'll suck up from your furniture! My mom says it works wonders on door mats and floor mats, too. A Whiskware pancake batter mixer — it has a wire BlenderBall whisk on the inside so you can pour your ingredients directly into the bottle, screw the top on, shake until everything's mixed together, then squeeze the batter out from the spout! You'll get your pancakes faster, have fewer dishes to wash, and it'll even be easier to make those Mickey pancakes your kids love so much. A bottle-emptying kit because it will let you get every penny's worth of product out of your favorite shampoos, lotions, and even food products like honey or that gourmet salad dressing you can't get enough of. The battery-powered Rubbermaid power scrubbing brush, which is basically a giant toothbrush with a bigger head and stiff bristles designed to tackle all the grossest nooks and crannies around your home. The bristles scrub 60 times EACH SECOND for a very thorough, very speedy clean. A Crack'em egg cracker and spoon rest because it is SO ANNOYING to crack an egg on the counter or the side of a bowl and end up with whites on the counter and eggshell in the bowl — seriously, this happens to me almost every time. This has a little ridge designed for precise and clean cracking so easy, reviewers who are parents say it's helpful for kids to use! A reusable silicone zip bag that you can use to pack snacks and sandwiches, steam veggies in the microwave, and even seal up sous vide (if you're fancy enough to cook like that). I have five myself and have used 'em for YEARS now. They're 100% a must-have in my kitchen because they work flawlessly, clean up easily, and have saved me from using probably thousands of single-use plastics. A Squatty Potty toilet stool to help make pooping easier and faster because it aligns everything in a supposedly more natural way. Pooping that isn't fast or easy makes life extremely unpleasant, so I'd say anything that helps with that definitely qualifies as extremely useful. A Cincha travel belt because it's SUCH a pain when your tote or backpack continuously slides off the top of your roller bag at the airport, and even more of a literal pain to feel the bite of that heavy tote's straps on your shoulder. This buckles your tote securely to the handle and comes in a bunch of cute designs, so it won't cramp your style. A collapsible pizza-shaped storage container perfect for saving space in the fridge — no more making room for a whole pizza box just to keep five slices — all while keeping your pepperoni slice fresher than wrapping in foil, because foil lets in too much air. Adjust it to one of three heights for more space-saving goodness. A two-pack of draft blockers — your entire home will stay cooler if the cold air the AC's working so hard (and costing you so much money) to make can't slip out that annoyingly large gap under your front, back, and garage doors. Oh, and it works the same way for heat in chillier weather, too, so it'll be useful year-round! An EzPz mat, which is completely un-budgeable by toddlers. They still might drop the food on the floor, but at least it'll be just a piece or two at a time instead of the entire bowl of painstakingly cut-up fruit at once. A sunrise alarm clock because waking up in the morning when it's dark outside is a little easier when this lamp gradually gets brighter and then floods your room with light, instead of blaring an annoying alarm sound into the dark. Yep, it's just like that pricier Hatch alarm clock according to TikTok, but'll run you less than $50 instead of over $100. A bottle of Nyx dewy setting spray so you can ensure your makeup lasts and lasts through even the most marathon of sweaty shifts or long nights dancing, all while giving you an extra layer of defense against dry wintry skin. MAC and Urban Decay both have their own much-beloved setting sprays, but reviewers say this works just as well if not even better. A six-outlet wall charger to solve that lack-of-outlets problem that's plagued the corner of the living room where you plug in the string lights, the table lamp, and occasionally your laptop or phone. It adds two USB fast-charging ports and four extra outlets to the default two, all while taking up barely any more space than a regular outlet. Oh, and it has a dimmable night light too, as if it didn't have enough useful features! A 24-pocket over-the-door organizer that has SO many uses: storing shoes, organizing a pantry, sorting hair accessories or makeup on the back of a bathroom door, organizing anything else! And it's always easy to quickly grab what you need! A set of four shower curtain clips to help keep the steam in and the cold air out for as long as possible because cold air ruining your shower is the worst! They stick to your wall with included adhesive, then hold tight to your curtain, no matter how much it wants to blow around. A pair of multi-use wireless sleep headphones that, besides playing soothing white noise while you fall asleep, are just the thing to keep your ears toasty *while* you listen to your most motivating playlist at the exact same time. You, with at least one or two of these products:
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Erie gets the boot, LL Bean Bootmobile tours the town ahead of store opening
If you saw a 10,000-pound boot driving around Erie over the past few days, we promise you weren't imagining things. L.L. Bean has brought their famous bootmobile to Erie to highlight the opening of their Peach Street location in June. They're now hiring at the new location and will be making stops throughout Erie before heading out of town Saturday. Erie leaders discuss CRIZ at annual Knowledge Breakfast 'Basically what they do is they take the truck, strip it down, build a metal frame on it, spray foam it and once they spray foam it they sand it down and put a hard coat paint job on it and finish it with all these little details,' said Tucker Van Dusen, experiential marketing specialist. 'You just see the jaws dropping on the side of the road when people are walking by or they see us in their vehicles. We love getting stuck at red lights because you can see all of the stopped cars around us. They'll spot us and the cameras come out!' said Mandee Flanders, experiential marketing specialist. L.L. Bean is looking for employees for their Erie store, and you can Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Condé Nast Traveler
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Condé Nast Traveler
7 Best Beach Umbrella for Sunny Summer Days
When you're headed to the beach, a good umbrella is more than just a patch of shade, it's your personal haven from the sun, wind, and glare. Whether you're reading seaside, watching the kids build sandcastles, or taking a much-needed nap in the ocean breeze, a reliable beach umbrella or canopy can make or break the experience. The best beach umbrellas combine durability with portability and style, all while offering serious UV protection. We researched the top options that are easy to set up, hold their ground in the sand, and fold down compactly for your next beach vacation or road trip. From cleverly designed tents to wind-powered shades and sleek, design-forward canopies, these are the beach umbrellas that deserve a spot in your trunk or carry-on. FAQ: What should I look for in a protective beach umbrella? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Look for UPF 50+ fabric, a wide canopy, and secure anchoring systems to shield you from both direct sunlight and reflected UV rays. Lightweight materials and a durable frame are key if you're carrying it far. What's the best fabric for a beach umbrella? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Polyester and canvas with UPF coatings are the most common and reliable. They're durable, water-resistant, and provide strong UV protection. How do you use a sand anchor for a beach umbrella? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Twist the anchor into the sand like a corkscrew until it's fully embedded, then insert the umbrella pole and tighten. This helps prevent tipping in windy conditions. Our top picks: Best for all-day protection Sunbuster folding shelter Dimensions: 8' x 5' Weight: 6.9 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: Three-to-four people Anchor included: Yes (sandbags and stakes) Setup time: Seconds popular Sunbuster Shelter is like a personal beach cabana—perfect for families or groups staying all day. The pop-up style makes for a fast setup, while mesh vents help prevent it from turning into a sauna. Built-in sand pockets and guy lines offer extra security. $139 $119 at Most packable Sport-Brella Versa-Brella sun shade Dimensions: 3'4" x 3'5" Weight: 1.8 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: 1 person Anchor included: No (clamp mount) Setup time: One-to-two minutes A favorite for quick shade fixes, the Versa-Brella clamps onto chairs, strollers, or even coolers, and swivels 360 degrees. With over 40,000 five-star Amazon reviews, this beach umbrella is ultra-light and ideal for solo travelers who don't want to wrestle with poles and anchors. $35 $28 at Amazon $35 at Dick's Sporting Goods Best for chair-based shade seekers Sunflow Signature sun shade Dimensions: 29" x 23" canopy Weight: 2.2 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: One person Anchor included: No (chair-mounted) Setup time: Seconds A clever add-on rather than a traditional umbrella, the Sunflow compact canopy attaches seamlessly to the brand's signature beach chair. It offers shade exactly where you want it—without the hassle of anchoring a full umbrella. The canopy adjusts to multiple angles, packs down into a slim sleeve, and sets up in seconds. $48 at Sunflow Best for families and groups Shibumi shade with wind asset Dimensions: Classic: 17' x 9'; mini: 10' x 7'5" Weight: 4 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: Four-to-six people Anchor included: Yes (sandbag cord) Setup time: Three-to-five minutes There's a reason you've seen this flowing, flag-like structure at beaches everywhere. Powered by the ocean breeze and weighing under five pounds, the classic Shibumi Shade covers up to 150-square-feet without poles or stress, while the mini version shades up to 75-square-feet (both with a 7-foot-tall archway). The new Quiet Canopy version is designed for even less flap and flutter. $208 at Shibumi Most stylish design Sunday Supply Co. Vista beach umbrella Dimensions: 6.5" diameter Weight: 8.8 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: Two people Anchor included: No (recommend pairing with a sand screw or anchor base) Setup time: Two-to-three minutes Handmade with a vintage vibe, this Australian-designed umbrella features a beechwood pole, cotton fringe, and fade-resistant canvas with UPF 50+ protection. The matching carry bag makes it surprisingly portable despite its luxe look, and the canopy offers shade for two. $299 at Sunday Supply Co. Best for windy beaches CoolCabana 5 Dimensions: Large: 8' x 8'; medium: 6'7" x 6'7" Weight: 12.5 lb. UV Protection: UPF 50+ Recommended for: Four people or more Anchor included: Yes (sand pockets) Setup time: Two minutes CoolCabana reinvented the beach umbrella by creating a canopy with four sand pockets that can withstand gusts while offering a luxurious amount of shade. It sets up in under two minutes and provides space for four beach towels laid out flat. This beach canopy is available in medium and large sizes. $249 $199 at CoolCabana Best for jetsetting beachgoers
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Camden lawmaker proposes increase in state fines for improper pesticide use
Apr. 29—AUGUSTA — A Camden lawmaker is proposing an increase in state fines for improper pesticide use in response to a high-profile case in which a wealthy landowner's pesticide use damaged a neighbor's trees and caused chemicals to migrate to a nearby town park. The proposal from Rep. Vicki Doudera, a Democrat, comes in response to a 2022 case in Camden in which Amelia and Arthur Bond were cited for improperly using the herbicide Tebuthiuron, despite it being labeled "not for residential use," and for violating town ordinances by clearing too much vegetation and topping trees too close to the shoreline. The Bonds paid over $1.7 million in penalties, which included a $1.5 million settlement paid to the neighbor, Lisa Gorman, the widow of former chairman Leon Gorman; around $210,000 for violating the town's zoning ordinance and to cover the cost of soil testing in a nearby park; and $4,500 in fines to the state. "As soon as this happened, I had two thoughts," Doudera said during a legislative hearing Tuesday. "First, that the perpetrators would pay state fines that would be minuscule, not only in comparison to the damage done, but also to the monetary value of their now-expanded harbor view. Second, that I would be putting in legislation to increase the fines." Doudera's bill, LD 1697, would raise civil fines for pesticide violations from a maximum of $1,500 per violation to a maximum of $25,000. In cases where the violator is found to have "benefitted substantially," such as by increased property values, from the violation, the maximum penalty would increase from $4,000 to $50,000. Subsequent violations within the same four-year time period would be subject to maximum fines of $75,000 and $150,000, respectively. The bill would also direct the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to adopt rules allowing civil lawsuits to be brought against violators if pesticide application affects more than one property, providing for the restoration of property and vegetation in addition to the monetary penalties, and specifically designating pesticides with the active ingredient Tebuthiuron as state restricted use pesticides. Alex Peacock, director of the Bureau of Pesticides Control in the department, testified in support of the bill, saying the current penalties have been unchanged for over 20 years and have "lost their potency as deterrents." "Indeed, some applicators have come to view the current penalty structure as the cost of doing business," Peacock said. Some of the rulemaking proposals of the bill are redundant or unnecessary, Peacock said, noting for example that the bureau is already working on classifying Tebuthiuron as a restricted use pesticide, meaning that its use would be limited to certified applicators only. "But we strongly agree that ... the updates to existing penalties are needed," he said. In addition to the case in Camden, there have also been other instances of pesticide violations around the state, Doudera said. "I wish this was an isolated case, but it's not," she said. A list of violations on the Bureau of Pesticides Control website includes eight cases from 2024 and 11 from 2023, including the Bonds case. Heather Spalding, deputy director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, said the association has been advocating for years for stronger regulations of pesticides sales and use. "We really are grateful for Rep. Doudera for her leadership in bringing forward this important legislation and we also want to thank the Board of Pesticides Control for their encouragement to get this much-needed increase in fines," Spalding said. No one testified against the bill Tuesday, though the executive director of the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine testified neither for nor against and said changes should be approached with caution. Eric Venturini said the increased penalties could be devastating for farmers. "Maybe there's a place to increase penalties, but not quite to the level that has been proposed," he said. Copy the Story Link
