Penobscot River Dams to be Removed!

Earlier this fall a landmark decision was announced to remove two dams and bypass a third on Maine's Penobscot River.

The agreement that calls for the removal of the dams was made between PPL Corporation, conservation groups, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the State of Maine, and the U.S. Department of Interior. The removal of the dams and the associated river restoration measures will restore access to hundreds of miles of habitat for atlantic salmon, shad, sturgeon, and other species of fish in desperate need of habitat. American Whitewater is currently involved with the relicensing of several dams on the Penobscot River and applauds this incredible environmental success.

The dam removals will have sweeping environmental and cultural benefits and will also restore several sections of river for recreational paddling. American Whitewater is seeking regional volunteers to participate in the restoration process and to assist us with representing the conservation and access interests of the regional paddling community. If you are interested in volunteering on this project, please contact Kevin Colburn (kevin@amwhitewater.org).

For more information read an article about the agreement from American Rivers, or a regional newspaper article. There is also a web page that specifically addresses this project that provides additional background.

In addition we encourage you to attend a public meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday December 2nd, from 7-9 pm at the Howland Town Office, located at 8 Main Street.