The Kennebec is one of Maine’s great rivers. Some days, its awesome power is more obvious than others. December 14, 2010, was one of those days. As rain and unseasonably warm temperatures melted snow, particularly in the northern part of the state, the Kennebec’s waters rose, spilling into communities along its banks. This NRCM Insider video captures some of the action. (Produced by Allison Wells)
The Kennebec River and NRCM: From its headwaters at Moosehead Lake to its flow into Merrymeeting Bay, the Kennebec provides 150 miles of river habitat for Maine fish, insects, eagles, and other wildlife. It provides paddling, fishing, and other recreation for the people of the state, and has a rich history as the backbone of many communities that settled along its banks. The Natural Resources Council of Maine has made restoration of the Kennebec one of its highest priorities. Thanks to our hard work, and the hard work of our supporters, this once-polluted water body now runs much cleaner. As part of the Kennebec Coalition, we made news around the world when, in 1999, the Edwards Dam was removed in Augusta, freeing up an additional 17 miles of river. Since then, our Kennebec River restoration efforts have continued. The river now boasts flourishing populations of Bald Eagles, Osprey, sturgeon, and other wildlife, including perhaps the largest run of native alewives—critical to the health of Gulf of Maine fisheries.
For more about the Kennebec and NRCM, we recommend these videos:
Take Me to the River: NRCM Paddles the Kennebec
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