Today,
the New Meadows River is at a critical point in its history. The five-town
steering committee is helping to focus attention on and address the
correction of many of the River's problems that stem from pollution
and water flow issues. As the natural setting continues to attract many
new residents, we must plan conscientiously, as this growth could threaten
the very aspects of the area that are so appealing.
The
dilemma is how to balance the needs of the population with the health
of the River. Development brings not only concerns with physical space,
but also with runoff from lawns and farms, discharges from malfunctioning
septic systems, and recreational and commercial use of the river and
its resources. Based upon the River's potential as a marine fishery,
documented areas of poor water quality, and the physical characteristics of the
River that impede tidal exchange and the flushing of pollutants, The
Maine Department of Environmental Protection classified the New Meadows
River as a "Coastal Wetland Most at Risk from New Development."
