TNC NL Winter25-final - Flipbook - Page 4
Restoring the Kennebec
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The Kennebec River in Maine may soon become home to one of the
largest river restoration efforts in history, reconnecting over 800
miles of river and stream habitat.
The Nature Conservancy, alongside a broad coalition of partners,
has reached an agreement with Brook昀椀eld to purchase four dams on
the lower river—Lockwood, Hydro-Kennebec, Shawmut and Weston.
Reconnecting this stretch of river to the Gulf of Maine will bring
enormous ecological bene昀椀ts to 昀椀sh, wildlife and local communities,
while supporting stronger local and regional economies.
At the heart of this effort is the formation of the Kennebec River
Restoration Trust (KRRT), a new independent nonpro昀椀t that will
take ownership of the dams and manage the multi-year restoration
process. KRRT’s board, staff and advisory groups will represent a
wide range of sectors and perspectives, ensuring that local voices
guide the future of the river.
The Kennebec is home to all 12 sea-run 昀椀sh species native to
Maine, including the endangered Atlantic salmon. Restoring access
to upstream habitat—especially the Sandy River, one of the best
salmon spawning grounds in the country—offers our best chance to
bring these iconic 昀椀sh back. It also supports the recovery of
historic Gulf of Maine 昀椀sheries like cod and halibut, which depend
on sea-run 昀椀sh as a forage base.
This project is an opportunity to complement important, locally-led
economic revitalization efforts that are already underway
in the region, too. This means connecting
downtowns to the river, partnering with
businesses that depend on its 昀氀ow,
enhancing outdoor recreation and
supporting cultural reconnection. It
means improving community
resilience to 昀氀ooding and pursuing
new opportunities for renewable
energy and battery storage.
Together, we can restore an
incredible ecosystem, support
efforts to revitalize an
amazing region and leave a
legacy of hope and renewal
for generations to come.
Left to right:
An aerial view of where
the Sandy River meets the
Kennebec; A bustling community
alongside the Kennebec River
© Jerry Monkman/Ecophotography
4 | The Nature Conservancy in Maine
Learn more and
get involved at
nature.org/kennebec
