Completed in 2000
For more information contact:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Gulf of Maine Program
4R Fundy Rd.
Falmouth, ME 04105
| Project Desciption: |
The East Machias Dam,
located near head-of-tide on one of Maine's eight "wild" salmon
rivers was constructed in 1926 to produce power. The dam has not
produced power since the late 1950's and in the late 1960's, the
Town of East Machias purchased the dam and associated lands. The
dam was breached in 1973 but remained a community eyesore and safety
hazard for local residents. In addition, the dam was only passable
for fish at high water. The waters immediately downstream of the
dam served as a holding pen for adult Atlantic salmon and other
searun fish waiting to move upstream, providing harbor seals and
cormorants with easy feeding opportunities. Moreover, the dam required
annual maintenance to clear away debris jams and maintain access
for migrating fish, even at high water. |
East Machias dam before removal (see road bridge behind dam) |
East Machias dam after removal |
| Project
Outcome: |
In the
summer of 2000, dam removal provided free passage during all water
levels, and has minimized predation and eliminated the need for
annual maintenance. |
| |
|
| Benefits: |
Searun
fish, including Atlantic salmon, alewives, shad, blueback herring
and rainbow smelt, were provided access to 296 river miles from
the removal of East Machias Dam. |
| Partners: |
U.S. Air
Force, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USFWS Coastal Program,
Maine Anadromous Fish Program and Maine Field Office, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, Maine Department
of Marine Resources, Maine Department of Transportation, Town of
East Machias, Trout Unlimited, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Downeast
Salmon Federation |
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