United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Go to Accessibility Information
Skip to Page Content





NRCS This Week mast head

Dam Removal Opens 52 Miles Passage for Fish

l. to r) Gary Mast; Superintendent, Madison Electric Works Calvin Ames; Congressman Michael Michaud; Trout Unlimited, New England Conservation Director Jeff Reardon; Senior Biologist, Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission Joan Trial; and Chief Financial Officer, NOAA Fisheries Service Gary Reisner

(above l. to r) Gary Mast; Superintendent, Madison Electric Works Calvin Ames; Congressman Michael Michaud; Trout Unlimited, New England Conservation Director Jeff Reardon; Senior Biologist, Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission Joan Trial; and Chief Financial Officer, NOAA Fisheries Service Gary Reisner

Sandy River Dam in Norridgewock, Maine

Sandy River Dam in Norridgewock, Maine

NRCS Assistant to the Chief Gary Mast and more than 80 Federal, State, and local officials recently attended the dedication ceremony for the Sandy River Dam removal in Norridgewock, Maine.  NRCS technical assistance along with funding through the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and other sources can be credited for helping open up 52 miles of unimpeded passage for Atlantic salmon and other migratory fish from Norridgewock to Smalls Falls.

Key partners in this project are NRCS, Madison Electric Works, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Trout Unlimited, and Maine Atlantic Salmon Federation.  “Partnership is key in carrying out major projects,” said Mast.  “NRCS is pleased that we could be a part of improving fish passage in the Sandy River and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with other Federal, State, and local agencies in conserving Maine’s natural resources.”

river in Maine during fall

Learn more about NRCS in Maine.

Following presentations from key officials, attendees had the opportunity to walk down to the dam site where breaching of the 313-foot long dam has already been started. 

Built in 1893, the structure was one of the first power stations in Maine built solely to generate power and because of its historical significance will remain intact.
Your contact is Elaine Tremble, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 207-990-9569.