Maine Rivers

Maine Rivers advocates for the health of Maine's rivers with policy-makers at all levels. We focus on water quality and fish passage, and take great interest in the impacts of climate change. We work with community members, land trusts, tribes, state and federal agencies. We review permits and coordinate meetings. We draft and submit letters as well as technical review materials to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Bureau of Environmental Protection.We share scientific information as well as relevant news regarding local, state and national river milestones via social media, newsletters and email. This year we presented at conferences including the Maine Sustainability & Water Conference, and Maine Fishermen's Forum. We spoke about the value of river health to the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust, Washington Lakes Watershed Association, and the Webber Pond Association. We advise the Royal River Alliance, Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers Alliance, and Cobbossee Upstream, and offer technical support for the removal of the Stroudwater Dam in Portland. We are an active member of the Kennebec Coalition. We co-chair the Maine Stream Connectivity Working Group.

Maine Rivers is active directing and supporting on-the-ground restoration efforts to improve the health of waters in the Kennebec River watershed.This includes tributaries to the Sebasticook River flowing from Threemile Pond, Seaward Mills Stream and Webber Pond, and as well as China Lake. Our efforts include attention to the Medomak River watershed where two impassible dams and improperly sized road culverts block fish passage for native sea-run fish species. We negotiated agreements for the rights to remove a high priority dam in Sabattus Stream and another high priority dam on Lemon Stream in the Sandy River watershed. Additionally we were the lead applicant for a successful funding request to NOAA that will bring +$12M for river restoration efforts in Maine's Merrymeeting Bay watersheds over the next 3 years.