THE NATIVE CONSERVATIVE

THE NATIVE CONSERVATIVE: George Smith

Delivering a restoration's economic potential

Cleansed and ready to fulfill its promise, the Kennebec River ties our history and future together in a neat ribbon of water. Two events this week offer an opportunity to celebrate the river's successful restoration and plan its future -- which is really our future.

This afternoon at the Department of Conservation a group will collaborate on an exciting project to enhance the fishery, protect undeveloped shorelines, improve access, and build local economies up and down the river, from Moosehead's East Outlet to Popham.

When I first took the idea of a Kennebec River initiative to the Department of Conservation, after writing about it in this newspaper column, I was not optimistic. These folks are already very busy, with no time or money for new projects and ideas.

But Department of Conservation staff stepped up to the plate.

An impressive and diverse group of individuals and groups interested in or already working on the river was assembled. This afternoon the group has a full agenda of exciting topics to discuss. Sometime soon, you can expect an official announcement of the project and an opportunity to participate. The success or failure of this project will be driven by folks at the grassroots -- because it is you, and your future generations -- who will benefit.

Quite obviously, we have not maximized the economic potential of the river. Shockingly few people get on the river on a regular basis -- if at all. That's just one reason to get down to the river on Saturday for the first "Spring Running: A Festival to Celebrate the Kennebec River's Herring Revival."

Events and hands-on activities are scheduled at the River Market (Edwards Mill site) and Old Fort Western, from 9 am to 4 pm. Bring your fishing rod and make a few casts -- striped bass should be moving up river now.

One major event, the 1st Annual Spring Running River Festival Arts & Crafts Show promises to be a gathering of Maine farmers, artists, cooks and crafts people with plenty of products to catch your fancy. Bring your wallet.

Blues musician Eric Green performs in the afternoon; he's an award-winning one-man band. There are lots of demonstrations -- many involving fish and fishing -- and kids will want to get their hands into the touch tank filled with creatures of the sea. Yes, you can touch them

Festival organizer Dana Morse said when his father, Larry, came up with the idea, they "found rapid support from an incredible variety of organizations who saw that a restored river could be a rallying point for an entire community."

The festival is focused on the historical, cultural and economic roles of the river's run of herring -- but the greater goal is to help us understand the connection between a sustainable and healthy river and sustainable and healthy communities.

Personally, I like blueback herring because, when they're in the river, so too are the big stripers. I also like, for the same reason, the alewives that migrate up river. If you've never had a striped bass on the end of your line, you can't understand the excitement of fighting a big fish.

There are also smallmouth bass, brown trout, shad, and other species -- and there's nothing like the thrill of a 6-foot sturgeon leaping clear out of the water right beside you. If you are fishing elsewhere on Saturday, I can only ask: Why? If you are mowing the lawn or doing other chores, let me remind you that they'll be available on Sunday while the festival is a one-day once-a-year (I hope) event, not to be missed.

What we are missing is the economic activity that was predicted when the Edwards dam was removed.

The Kennebec Coalition's booklet predicted, "with removal of the Edwards Dam, local communities are expected to experience significant economic benefits through increased fly fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and other recreational activities on the Kennebec River."

The Coalition cited a 1991 study that estimated the dam's removal would generate about $48 million worth of economic benefits through increased sport fishing alone. A later study concluded the number was much higher.

But this month, as I float down my favorite stretch of river between Waterville and Sidney, catching dozens of smallies and stripers, I will see more bald eagles than anglers and boaters.

Check out the festival on Saturday. Find out how you can enjoy this incredible river and also help deliver on its economic potential for your community.

George Smith is the executive director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. He lives in Mount Vernon and can be reached at george@samcef.org.

Home TU Chapters Officers Friends Ft. Halifax Dam News Letter Bond Brook Photo Gallery