At the Natural Resources Council of Maine, we’ve been working alongside Mainers to restore and reunite the Kennebec River for decades. From the opportunities it opens up for local communities to its impact on global conversations about dam removal and river restoration, the Kennebec is truly special. To celebrate this incredible river and the Read More
Kennebec River
September 17, 2024: Paddle the Kennebec River with NRCM!
Kennebec Paddle with NRCM! Tuesday, September 17, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NRCM staff led an 8-mile paddle on the Kennebec River from Sidney to Augusta. There was a Registered Maine Guide, Richard Behr, accompanying us on this paddling trip, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Edwards Dam removal. On this trip guests learned more about Read More
A Paddling Adventure on the Sandy for Salmon
In May 2024, photographer Joe Klementovich and three others embarked on a Source to Sea paddle on the Sandy River to experience the spawning grounds of endangered Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish. The trip was organized by Rivers for Change and supported by the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Here, Joe gives us his perspective Read More
Alewives Abound at Benton Falls
At the end of May we were lucky enough to join our colleagues on a field trip to the Benton Falls Dam on the Sebasticook River to see the alewife (river herring) run. Alewives spend the majority of their lives in the ocean and only follow freshwater routes to spawn in interior lakes and ponds Read More
Mainers Urge Collaborative Solution for Future of Kennebec and Salmon
May 21, 2024 (Waterville/Augusta, ME) — Thousands of Mainers who care about the fate of Maine’s Kennebec River are urging federal officials to consider survival of sea-run fish, including critically endangered Atlantic salmon, as licensing actions for the river’s lowermost four dams are underway. More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for a Read More
June 15, 2024: Paddle the Kennebec with NRCM
Saturday, June 15, 2024 The trip cost $20 per person for nonmembers and was limited to 25 people. This trip was suitable for beginner paddlers. NRCM staff and guests did an 8-mile paddle on the Kennebec River from Skowhegan to Hinckley. Registered Maine Guide Richard Behr accompanied guests on this paddling trip, where paddlers learned Read More
Draft EIS for Kennebec River Fails to Meet the Moment
The Kennebec River experienced a dramatic resurgence in sea-run fish populations, water quality, and wildlife with the removal of the Edwards Dam in 1999. The restored river has also helped revitalize riverfront communities. We need to continue this success by restoring access for sea-run fish to the Kennebec above Waterville. Right now, the Federal Energy Read More
News & Noteworthy — April – June 2023
Every month, we highlight news stories and opinion pieces related to Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife. We update News & Noteworthy weekly with the latest news related to the nature of Maine, including the work of staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. June 2023 The National Wildlife Federation honored Greg LeClair this Read More
Fight to Prevent Extinction of Atlantic Salmon Moves to FERC Relicensing Process
Atlantic Salmon Federation | Conservation Law Foundation | Maine Rivers | Natural Resources Council of Maine Today, four groups that were suing Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP; TSX: BEP.UN) for violating federal law by harming endangered Atlantic salmon on Maine’s Kennebec River announced that they had withdrawn their lawsuit. The groups said they are focusing their Read More
