freeing the kennebec.

FOUR DAMS THREATEN THE HEALTH of the Kennebec River--one of Maine's most important natural resources. Owned by Brookfield Renewable Partners, a massive multinational energy corporation, the dams block endangered Atlantic salmon and other fish species from reaching their spawning grounds in the Sandy River.

CLF and its partners want these harmful dams removed. Letting the Kennebec run free of these dams can help bring back millions of sea-run fish to the river--a critical step to preserving our valuable state fisheries and improving the health of the Gulf of Maine.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Historically, over 200,000 Atlantic salmon migrated annually from the ocean to their spawning grounds in Maine's rivers--a true spectacle of nature. As they swam against the current, leaping out of the water, the fish transported rich marine nutrients into our river headwaters, keeping both the rivers and ocean healthy.

Today, only a few hundred Atlantic salmon return to Maine's waters each year. On the Kennebec, that number barely breaks double digits. The continued operation of Brookfield's four dams, all located between Waterville and Skowhegan, could wipe out Maine's Atlantic salmon population altogether.

But salmon are not the only species affected. These four dams also prevent millions of other sea-run fish critical to our state's commercial fishing industry--including eels, blueback herring, alewives, shad, and sea lamprey--from reaching their native spawning waters.

What's more, Atlantic salmon have cultural and spiritual significance for communities across eastern North America--including the Wabanaki tribes of Maine and Canada.

WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?

Mainers deserve a healthy Kennebec River that can support thriving fisheries and meet the needs of riverfront communities. CLF and our partners--the Natural Resources...