The Issues
Enhanced Wildlife & Recreation
How do Megunticook River dams affect the aquatic ecosystem?
Montgomery Dam as well, as the other dams on the Megunticook River, degrade aquatic habitat quality and diversity in the watershed. Dam removal improves water quality by restoring natural flow, flushing out stagnant water, reducing sediment buildup and the accumulation of pollutants, while increasing oxygen levels essential for aquatic life.
Why is fish passage an important focus?
Sea-run fish play a critical role in the ecosystem, transporting energy and nutrients between marine and freshwater environments. Their populations have been significantly reduced due to the number of legacy dams, overfishing, and impaired habitat due to development and water quality impairments.
Montgomery Dam, at the intersection of the river and Camden harbor, effectively blocks virtually all fish passage except for a small number of baby eels. The removal of Montgomery Dam and other derelict dams that no longer serve an economic purpose would restore sea-run fish habitat for alewives, Atlantic salmon, and brook trout.
Maine Department of Marine Resources (2018) provided a preliminary opinion of the potential alewife population of 300,000 fish in the Megunticook River system based on the habitat available in Megunticook Lake. Additional other potential habitats in the tributaries upstream of the lake may result in even greater population estimates.
Did sea run fish species use the Megunticook River prior to the construction of the dams?
According to Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, migratory fish species were historically present in all Maine watersheds unless significant natural or man-made barriers were present. While portions of the Megunticook River contain natural falls, they did not historically preclude fish passage for most species under most conditions.
How will removing Montgomery Dam affect tourism and recreation?
A free-flowing river provides increased opportunities for various water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, photography, and fishing, which can attract tourists and generate revenue for local businesses. Restoring the river will open up more opportunities for an extended and enhanced river walk.
Will there be other wildlife and environmental benefits?
Other species that will benefit include ospreys, mink, otters, and many species of songbirds.
Dam removal also aligns with Maine's current broader commitment to ecosystem recovery and supports the cultural and economic significance of sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Maine.
Migratory fish are crucial to the health of the Gulf of Maine as a food source for various species of groundfish (cod, haddock, halibut, hake, etc.) and the commercial fishery that is so important to the economy of our coastal communities.