IF YOU REMOVE IT, WILL THEY COME? DIADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION EFFORTS IN A COASTAL MAINE WATERSHED

The last remaining obstruction along the St. George River to diadromous fish migration, Sennebec Dam, was removed in 2002 and replaced with a new low-head dam design (roughened ramp). Sennebec Dam was an 18 ft. high, 240 ft. long hydroelectric dam constructed in 1916; it was decommissioned and sold for $1 in 1961 to the Sennebec Pond Association. Removal of the dam made the upper St. George River, including 17 miles of river and 1,100 acres of lakes, accessible to all diadromous species for the first time in 86 years. However, maintaining historic water levels was a critical point for the pond Association. The roughened ramp satisfied Sennebec Pond home owners, removed a dangerous feature from the river (Sennebec Dam), and restored diadromous fish access. We will detail why, of the various passage options available, the roughened ramp was chosen. A number of obstacles stood in the way of completing the project, including opposition from upstream communities. The process of public hearings, winning over communities, and deflecting criticism of the project and alewives as part of the fish community, will be discussed. Current passage and efficiency statistics for the ramp were collected in 2007 and 2008 through a community monitoring effort at Sennebec Pond. We will discuss the process of continuing those efforts as an entirely community based monitoring effort. Alewives have recolonized the upper St. George River but perceptions of alewives still present problems for continued restoration.