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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
The Kennebec River Networkby Dale Finseth As many of you are aware the Kennebec District has been actively involved in an important project called the Kennebec River Initiative or KRI. The initial work was completed with the publication of the Kennebec River Action Plan, completed in March, 2008. This example of collecting, coordinating and then using regional input is now used by the Kennebec River Council and helps guide the work of a larger collaboration called the Kennebec River Network. The Kennebec District and the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) remain primary partners in the efforts of this "network". The Action Plan itself was a productive effort that resulted in an outline of shared priorities for protecting and enhancing the asset called the Kennebec River and its surrounding environs. While the plan itself cannot be credited for all the activities along the river in the past eighteen months, it certainly helped identify local and regional priorities, provided a way for people and organizations to coordinate their efforts and helped organize conservation and environmental actions all along the river corridor. While not everyone agreed on the specifics of each project, there was a high level of agreement about the overall goals for using and protecting the Kennebec River Corridor. Some of the priorities identified by the "Action Plan" that have seen action are:
Yes, some "action plans" can actually help generate some action. Why should readers of Summertime in the Belgrades care about these activities? Nearly all of Kennebec County is part of the Kennebec River watershed. Except for the Sheepscot River watershed to the east and the 30 Mile Stream watershed at the far west, we all live in the Kennebec Watershed. The Cobbosseecontee and the Belgrade watershed systems are dominant sub-watersheds of that system. Local efforts to identify goals for how those areas develop over time will have a major impact on the future. Failure to plan is a choice, not one we recommend. Get involved with one of the many organizations and groups in your area. Whether it is a regional group like the larger organizations that work in the entire watershed system or just your local pond or road association, everyone has a part to play. As for me, it's time to collect my paddle and life preserver, toss them in the truck and take my kayak out to the water. Should I stay within the gravitational pull of the Kennebec To learn more about the Kennebec River Initiative and to download the Kennebec River Action Plan, visit the Kennebec River Initiative page on the Kennebec District's website. The Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District is a non-profit organization that promotes conservation and the wise use of our natural resources. For more information about any of our projects, please contact Dale Finseth at | ||