Enter the Kennebec River Initiative!

Old and New: Cribwork on the lower Kennebec (above) and stone riprap in Augusta (below).

Protect! Remediate! Access! Develop! Enter the KRI . . .

The Kennebec River Initiative (KRI) is a collaborative effort aimed at securing the future of the Kennebec Corridor as one Maine's most valuable natural, economic, and cultural resources by laying the groundwork for the preservation of the unique character and "sense of place" of the Kennebec River during the coming years. It recognizes the need for coordinated action for the river's important scenic, ecological, fisheries, wildlife, recreational, and other user assets. And it also recognizes that different areas have different priorities.

KRI's management team, a "diverse group of stakeholders," includes many organizations and individuals with a strong sense of dedication to the Kennebec River. Among them are representatives of the Maine Department of Conservation, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG), Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM), Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), Trout Unlimited (TU), Maine Rivers, and the public at large.

In January, the KRI held three River Reach Committee meetings along the Kennebec corridor, inviting the public and organization and municipal officials. The three reaches are Tidal (Phippsburg-Augusta), Central (Sidney/Vassalboro-Skowhegan), and Northern (Norridgewock-Moosehead Lake). At the meetings, the committee gathered information critical for writing an Action Plan later in the year. "Extremely knowledgeable," "passionate," and "energy" are the terms used to describe the participants, who formed the core of committees that have since become Action Groups who have for a series of meetings in April.

Protect! Remediate! Access! Develop! Enter the KRI Action Groups . . .

KRI Action Groups held a series of meetings in April, focusing on specific projects around access, restoration, protection, and economic growth and development, depending on which reach they represented. Maintaining the value of a healthy and semi-wild river will include:

Protection of the existing state of an area through conservation easements, open space, special districts, zoning, etc.;
Remediation through cleaning up past pollution, restoring habitat, repairing erosion, etc.;
Increasing motorized and non-motorized access for launches, viewing, walking, bicycling, etc.; and
Developing a waterfront that will attract visitors and tourists with lodging, restaurants, etc., i.e. making the best use of built-up areas.

Participants are determined that the KRI will not be just another discussion about the Kennebec River. The initiative is well-funded; a website is available; and over the summer an action plan will be written detailing specific projects and proposals for a second phase.

Protect! Remediate! Access! Develop! Enter everyone . . . the Kennebec River is an incredible resource. The success of the KRI will be increased with every individual's participation.

Read about Phase II.

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Enter the Kennebec River Initiative!