Central Maine’s rivers are a at a crossroads. What’s next?

CENTRAL MAINE • June 2, 2026

Centuries ago, rivers determined where Maine’s settlers decided to build their communities, sometimes leading to conflict with Native Americans. They played a key role in the growth of industry, which in turn left them with poor water quality. Environmental regulations later helped clean things up. Manufacturing that defined riverside communities, meanwhile, declined. What could be next in the 250 years to come? On the Kennebec, The Nature Conservancy’s goal is to restore a free-flowing river through dam removal, decommissioning and other efforts. In Skowhegan, community leaders have long discussed how to embrace the Kennebec, which rushes through a gorge near their downtown. The vision for a Skowhegan River Park has finally begun to come to fruition after three decades of talks.