Ten years ago the Edwards Dam in Augusta, Maine, was removed from the Kennebec River and the river has totally come alive. The coalition of groups that worked on this project for more than a decade knew that the benefits would be enormous, and they have been.
The Edwards Dam had blocked the river since 1837. Since its removal on July 1, 1999, the water quality in the river has improved, millions of fish are returning to long-lost spawning habitat, osprey and eagles soar along the river, and Maine people and visitors paddle what feels like a wilderness river.
More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary. The voices of the day heralded the accomplishments and recovery over the past ten years. Everyone who has watched this river is amazed at how quickly it has returned to life.
