Fish Passage and Habitat Restoration

Log drive

Rivers, lakes, and ponds in Maine are beloved for their recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating and wildlife watching. But, these waters have undergone significant change since the industrial era, beginning in the 1700s. Waterways were dammed, polluted, straightened, widened, and cleared of large wood and boulders. These changes resulted in disconnected habitat with poor quality that limits the ability of sea-run fish to complete their life cycles. .

 

Joliet Mill

Therefore, DMR is working alongside many partners (Federal, Tribal, Municipal, Non-profits) on more than 75 restoration projects statewide, aimed at rebuilding habitat, connecting watersheds, and ensuring Maine’s sea-run fish can complete their migrations for generations to come. Together this habitat restoration will also support Maine’s communities from Kittery to Calais, Mount Desert Island to the North Maine Woods by improving safety at dams and road-stream crossings, improving fish passage and restoring natural stream health.  

Restoration Projects and Programs