NRCM was pleased to recognize three exceptional individuals and a coalition of young climate activists at this year’s Conservation Leadership Awards ceremony held Wednesday, October 16, at the Jewish Community Alliance, 1342 Congress Street in Portland. The evening included music, wine, light refreshments, and, of course, the inspirational stories of this year’s recipients. • Jon Read More
Edwards Dam
20 Years Ago, Edwards Dam Removal Sparked a Movement for Free-flowing Rivers
NRCM Announces Plans for an Educational Display at the Dam Site NRCM news release July 1, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – Alewives, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife continue their inspirational return to the Kennebec River and its tributaries, 20 years after the Edwards Dam was removed here along the banks of Maine’s capital city. The dam’s Read More
My Maine This Week: Beth Comeau
“In celebration of today’s 20th anniversary since the removal of the Edwards Dam in Augusta, I wanted to share these photos. These are two sturgeon jumping out of the Kennebec River right in front of the site of the former Edwards Dam. I remember clearly being on the banks of the river 20 years ago Read More
July 1, 2019: Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Edwards Dam Removal, Augusta
Twenty years ago on Monday, July 1st, hundreds of Mainers stood along the banks of the Kennebec River in Augusta to watch as the Edwards Dam was breached and the river passed through the dam, freely, for the first time in more than 160 years. On the 20th Anniversary of that historic event, we have Read More
How Removing One Maine Dam 20 Years Ago Changed Everything
The removal of the Edwards Dam on Maine’s Kennebec River helped river conservationists reimagine what’s possible. February 11, 2019 By Tara Lohan Turning Points column in The Revelator View graphics from news story. Welcome to the first edition of “Turning Points,” our new column examining critical moments in environmental history when change occurred for the Read More
Maine’s River Herring Making Dramatic Comeback, a Godsend for the Food Chain
With the path to inland spawning grounds clear, the species rebounds with unexpected speed, benefiting everything from bald eagles to Atlantic cod. By Colin Woodard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story BATH — Motorists crossing the bridge over the Kennebec this spring and early summer were afforded dramatic views of one of Maine’s mightiest Read More
Bill Townsend, “Giant” in Maine’s Conservation Community, Dies at 89
Townsend led many of Maine’s environmental advocacy groups and was especially active in river restoration efforts. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Friends and former colleagues are mourning the death of Clinton “Bill” Townsend, a tireless advocate for river restoration who helped lead many of the state’s environmental organizations over the Read More
Undamming Rivers: A Chance for New Clean Energy Source
Many hydroelectric dams produce modest amounts of power yet do enormous damage to rivers and fish populations. Why not take down these aging structures, build solar farms in the drained reservoirs, and restore the natural ecology of the rivers? By John Waldman and Karin Limburg, contributors Yale Environment 360 magazine article Hydroelectric power is often Read More
Without Edwards Dam, Fish and Birds Thrive on the Kennebec
Augusta city officials who initially opposed the removal of the dam now say it’s been good for the city. By Keith Edwards, staff writer Kennebec Journal news story AUGUSTA — The first water to flow through when Edwards Dam was breached 15 years ago was brown and thick with mud from the earthen cofferdam built Read More
