HOME

ABOUT THE PROJECT

ABOUT THE RIVER

WHO WE ARE

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

PROJECTS

What is the History of the River?

The New Meadows River encompasses a wide range of habitats and ecological niches within its 23 square mile watershed in the Sagadahoc and Cumberland counties of Midcoast Maine. Originating from volcanic activity, the river benefits from glacial deposits of varied sediment types that help contribute to its high productivity and diversity. Interestingly, because little fresh water flows into the system, the New Meadows is not technically a river but an embayment…a fact that only underscores the need to preserve this unique watershed.
The NMR was first inhabited by Native Americans belonging to the Pejepscot and Kennebec tribes, and the population of the area has increased steadily since the first permanent European settlements in the mid-1600's as more people are attracted to the area's natural resources, beauty, and recreational opportunities. Within the last fifty years, the area population has more than doubled. As this expansion is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, it is critical that we understand both the ecological and economic functioning of this resource.

Is the River Healthy?

Testing by the Maine Department of Marine Resources reveals that much of the river and its mudflats are clean and safe for shellfish harvesting and consumption. However, bacterial contamination from both known and unidentified sources currently forces over 1000 acres along the river to remain closed to harvesters. In addition, another 193.5 acres are only conditionally approved for clamming. Reasons for the closures include:
· A lack of sufficient information on which to base mudflat classifications
· The continued presence of overboard discharges (OBDs) in the watershed
· Marinas and boat anchorages
· Unidentified non-point sources of pollution

River Economics

Mudflat closures are cause for considerable economic concern. Despite its relatively small size, the New Meadows River produces 7.5% of Maine's soft-shell clams. The flats provide jobs for 220 commercial diggers and allow for recreational digging opportunities for 1000 residents. In 2001, an estimated $1 million dollars was paid for soft-shell clams harvested in the New Meadows watershed.
In addition, the New Meadows River has immeasurable value as a place to live, recreate, and enjoy. But all of these qualities are dependent upon a clean and healthy environment. The unique natural beauty that attracts so many people to the area is at risk of being diminished by the inevitable development that will occur to accommodate this demand. Only through proper planning can we limit environmental degradation while providing for an increasing population.

The New Meadows River Watershed Project is lead by a committee of concerned citizens, municipal, state and federal officals, and non-governmental organizations concerned with the future of the river.

Find out more about Who We Are

Find out more About the Project