In Maine it depends on how many hives you have. Look at the fees here http://maine.gov/agriculture/pi/apiary/documents/apiaryapplic-10.pdf The lowest fee it $2.00 and I do not know how the state can afford that by the time all the paper work is done and they mail back a registration they have spent well over two dollars for paper, mailing and office help. We have a great state apiarist, Tony Jadczak. I do not mind registering my hives. Registering can give you some protection, spraying for brown-tailed moths, AFB, it is nice to know that I can be notified if things like this occur or are going to occur near my apiaries. Also when I want inspection certificates I can get them. Karen T-K *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm