MAINE PUBLIC • January 12, 2026
The Nature Conservancy last year unveiled a historic plan to purchase the four dams between Waterville and Skowhegan, with a goal of returning the river to its free-flowing state. The deal was championed as a historic development by environmental groups that have worked for decades to restore native sea-run fish to the river. But Sappi, along with business groups, oppose dam owner Brookfield'sapplication to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to transfer dam licenses to subsidies it set up to facilitate the possible sale. Sappi North America, which owns a paper mill in Skowhegan, has said it relies on a river impoundment created by the nearby Shawmut Dam to operate and it would have to shut down if the facility is removed. More than 700 people work at the Skowhegan mill and it is a major economic driver in the region.