BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 2, 2025
it was heartening to hear last week about an agreement to remove dams on the Kennebec River, returning more of the waterway to its natural, free-flowing state, while also seeking ways to support the Sappi mill in Skowhegan, a vital source of jobs for the region. Last month, The Nature Conservancy announced that it was undertaking a $168 million project that would restore more of the central Maine river for fish, including endangered Atlantic salmon. This would restore unfettered access for Atlantic salmon and other seagoing fish from the Gulf of Maine to their historic spawning grounds upstream. It is easy to criticize such a large project and to make assumptions about its outcome, but an open mind, a commitment to working together and patience can lead to a more vibrant river.