April 29, 2003
Stakeholders Plan the Future of the Presumpscot River
For more Information contact:Ê Karen Young, Casco Bay Estuary
Project, 780-4820
Citizens are invited to share their vision for the future
of the Presumpscot River on Wednesday, May 7 from 5:30 - 8
p.m. at the Portland Water District, Jeff Nixon Training Center,
222 Douglass Street, Portland. "A Draft Management Plan for
the Presumpscot River," developed over three years by the
Presumpscot River Management Plan Steering Committee, will
be presented for public input. The Steering Committee represents
a range of interests including those of municipalities, state
and federal government agencies, conservationists, citizens
and businesses.
It was three years ago according to Casco Bay Estuary Project
Director Karen Young, that the Casco Bay Estuary Project recognized
that the Presumpscot River was at a turning point. It was
at the same time the State of Maine made a commitment to purchase
and remove Smelt Hill Dam, the lowest of nine dams on the
river. For the first time in over a century, the future of
the Presumpscot River includes new possibilities for restoring
migratory fishes to the Presumpscot River. The river was also
undergoing significant improvements in water and air quality
following the end of pulping discharges at the Westbrook mill.
It was with these opportunities in mind, says Young, that
the Casco Bay Estuary Project initiated this planning process
by convening the Steering Committee to develop a management
plan for the river.
The Draft Presumpscot Management Plan focuses on three
critical issues: fisheries, open space protection, and cumulative
impacts. Significant research was undertaken to develop credible
information and analyses to lay the foundation for informed
decision-making.
To obtain the draft management plan, background research,
and public comment form or to register for the public meeting
-- visit the Casco Bay Estuary Project Web site www.cascobay.usm.maine.edu
or call 207-228-8593.
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