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 much to celebrate.
What: Celebration of 20th Anniversary of the Removal of the Edwards Dam, Remarks and a Toast, to the Past and Future of the Kennebec River
Where: Former Edwards Dam Site, Augusta, Mill Park, Canal Street (Past Augusta Dog Park), Parking at Farmers’ Market site
When: Monday July 1, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
Thanks to all who attended, especially with people you know who were there 20 years ago.
Since July 1, 1999, tens of millions of alewives, blueback herring, striped bass, shad, and other sea-run fish have traveled up the Kennebec River, past the former Edwards Dam, which blocked upstream passage since 1837. The river has been reborn in many ways, with the return of abundant Osprey, Bald Eagles, sturgeon, and other wildlife. As part of the event, we discussed the significance of the Edwards Dam removal to river restoration efforts nationwide, we toasted to the successes, and looked forward to further progress for the river.
