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Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, May 11 Pre-Symposium Trip - Rafting the West Branch
Penobscot River Limit: 125 Note: Transportation to Twin Pines and back to Portland is on your own. Those who register will be sent further information. You may also visit the outfitter’s website at www.northernoutdoors.com.
Our field trips have always been a symposium highlight, so we encourage you to register now in order to secure a spot on the trip of your choice. Please indicate a first, second, and third choice when you register. All trips include transportation and lunch (please indicate if you have specific food needs). Guests and spouses of attendees may sign up for field trips on a space-available basis. If weather is severe or river flows are too high, the water-based field trips may be cancelled. Be prepared for variable weather (cool 40’s and rainy to warm 70’s and sunny). Bring a dry bag, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket, old tennis shoes or river sandals/shoes, and water bottle. If you own a wet or drysuit, you may want to bring it. Field Trip 1 - Merrymeeting Bay Merrymeeting Bay, at the junction of six rivers, drains nearly 40% of Maine and is recognized as an internationally significant resource for its migratory waterfowl, and diadromous fish populations, including sturgeon and salmon, as well as its bald eagles and rare plants. Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) works to protect this incredible system through research, advocacy, land conservation and education. Join FOMB Chair and longtime kayak guide, Ed Friedman of Dragonworks Kayaks, who, with the cooperation of Scott Shea of Seaspray Kayaking, will lead a paddle traverse of the Bay. Depending on weather conditions, paddle on an outgoing tide down the lower Androscoggin River from Brunswick or Cathance River from Bowdoinham, through the Bay and the Chops down to North Bath via the Kennebec River. The Chops is a 300-yard bedrock slot through which the entire 10,000 square mile watershed drains. Come along for the ride and learn about the fish, wildlife, and environmental/political challenges of the Bay area. Note: Paddling time is estimated to be 5 hours. Due to trip length, wind, tides, and strong river currents, this trip is recommended for experienced paddlers only. Kayak fitting and orientation included. More information on Merrymeeting Bay may be found at www.friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org. Limit: 20
Famous for its remote wilderness setting, big rollercoaster waves, and summer-long whitewater flows, the Kennebec (Class II-IV) is considered the most popular whitewater rafting trip in New England. From its source at Maine’s Moosehead Lake, the Kennebec River carves its way through a deep, rock-walled gorge on a breathtaking 12-mile journey to the town of The Forks. Legendary rapids like Three Sisters, Alleyway, and Magic Falls guarantee to keep your heart racing. Suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike, this trip features a hearty riverside cookout, an opportunity to try your river skills in inflatable kayaks, and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Water temperatures are quite cool in May so wetsuits are required (provided by outfitter or bring your own). Additional clothing is recommended. Limit: 55 Field Trip 3 - Parker River to the Sea—Restoration in
a Coastal Watershed Join staff from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Riverways Program to learn about the challenges and opportunities of restoring fish and wildlife habitat in a coastal watershed. The tour will start with site visits to several restoration projects the Riverways Program is currently coordinating in the Parker River watershed. Then, head to Plum Island where Refuge staff will discuss estuarine restoration opportunities and challenges. Project highlights will include dam removal, fish ladders, invasive plant management, ditch remediation, and tidal restoration. Parker River Refuge is a top birding destination to view migrating songbirds and shorebirds. Limit: 25 Field Trip 4 - Historic Canals at Lowell National
Historical Park This tour begins at Market Mills, the former Bigelow Carpet
Company complex and one of the city’s original The Boott Cotton Mills Museum includes the weave room, interactive exhibits, and video programs about the Industrial Revolution, labor, and the rise, fall, and rebirth of Lowell. Explore the history of “mill girls” and immigrants in a Boott Mills boardinghouse. The Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit, located in the Mogan Cultural Center, tells the human story of the Industrial Revolution by concentrating on the working people of Lowell. Limit: 25 Field Trip 5 - Exploring Wildlife, History, and Literature on
the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers Spend a day on the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers—one of the ‘partnership’ rivers. Tour the wide flood plains of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and meet with Refuge staff to discuss management just 20 miles from Boston. Then join Ron McAdow, naturalist and Thoreau enthusiast, for a Thoreau-inspired paddle on the rivers. Hear the words of Thoreau while exploring the river’s past and present. Paddle to the Old North Bridge and Minuteman National Historical Park for a ranger-led tour of the North Bridge battlefield and a musket demonstration. Or explore The Old Manse, home to Nathaniel Hawthorne, on your own. Limit: 20
Discover all this Maine destination has to offer—from the unique perspective of a kayak with the LL Bean Discovery School. Paddle through the harbor and view lighthouses, lobstermen, and historic forts. With Registered Maine Guides, view seabirds, search for playful harbor seals, and learn interesting facts about this vibrant seaport. Two-person sea kayaks are stable and easy to paddle, and a short paddling demonstration will be offered. Then, take to the water and enjoy the panorama of this scenic working waterfront. Limit: 24 Field Trip 7 - Recovery of the Presumpscot River The Presumpscot River, once considered so polluted that it
rated among the most endangered rivers in the Today, the Presumpscot is a river in recovery following cessation of pulp mill discharges, the removal of the Smelt Hill Dam at head of tide, and receipt of significant grant funding to implement water quality improvement projects. Join the Presumpscot River Watershed Coalition and the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership on a canoe trip to learn about habitat restoration, habitat protection, best management practices, and other significant water quality improvement and protection projects. Dr. Joshua Carroll, University of New Hampshire, will also guide participants through a Water Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (WROS) analysis, which will examine the physical, social, and managerial setting attributes along the river. Limit: 20 Field Trip 8 - Instream Flow on the Lamprey Wild and
Scenic River (plus wine tasting) Experience a hands-on overview of the protected instream flow
assessments being conducted on the state and federally
designated wild and scenic Lamprey River. The Lamprey is one
of two rivers being piloted in NH to develop flow protection.
Hear a brief discussion at the University of New Hampshire of
the use of field data in developing protected flows and the basics
of their use in a Water Management Plan. Wayne Ives, NH
Dr. Piotr Parasiewicz and his team from Rushing Rivers Institute will demonstrate field techniques for instream habitat mapping and measuring field parameters. There will also be a guest visit from New Hampshire State Representative Judith Spang. Adjourn to the Flag Hill Winery and Distillery (www.flaghill.com) for a tour and wine tasting. Plan to spend at least three hours on the river to cover three miles of riffle/run and pool conditions. Paddles, canoes, and life preservers will be provided. While some spares will be available, please be prepared to wade by bringing your own hip boots or waders if possible. If time allows, there may a chance to make a short portage at Wiswall Dam. Limit: 21 Field Trip 9 - Dams and Fish Ladders Travel to a coastal river where, in May, alewives swarm into the center of the village of Damariscotta Mills to climb the historic fish ladder to their spawning grounds. From there drive inland to Winslow, on the shores of one of Maine’s largest rivers, the Kennebec, to learn about the fish passage at Fort Halifax Dam. Then take a short drive south to the capital city of Augusta and the site of the former Edwards Dam. While enjoying lunch at the park, hear the amazing story of the dam’s removal and subsequent efforts to restore even more of the river. The afternoon will allow time to paddle canoes (optional) to the town of Hallowell. In Hallowell, participants can wet their whistle at the Liberal Cup Brewery and stroll this quaint village on the Kennebec River. At each stop during the day, local experts will be on hand to pass along their knowledge and perspective. Limit: 25 Field Trip 10 - Paddling the Saco with a River
Manager’s Eye The Saco River is truly a jewel of New England and one of
nature’s most majestic creations. Saco, named by This nonprofit organization is funded by Saco Bound, canoe rental companies, grants, and other private donations. This is a heavily used area with many management challenges. Come take an exciting paddle on the Saco from Conway, NH, to Fryeburg, ME, and use your experience to discuss management of the river and its recreational use. Limit: 55 Field Trip 11 - Androscoggin Water Trail The Androscoggin River begins in Lake Umbagog and flows through historic pulp mill towns on its 178-mile journey through New Hampshire and Maine to reach Merrymeeting Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This river is a case study of a river resuscitated from the brink of environmental disaster and shows the marvel of how involved citizens, organizations, and agencies can restore a river to an amazing, beautiful resource. Take a drive into the Northern Forest and kayak or canoe on this water trail with a local guide, while exploring the history of this river. Discussion will include the steps taken so far to promote and protect the resource. Limit: 29 |
textile
mills. At the Visitor Center, view “Lowell: The Industrial Revelation,” an award-winning multimedia presentation which introduces
visitors to the story of how people, technology, and capital came
together to revolutionize textile production—and a way of life—
in Lowell and other American cities. Explore the historic
resources of the Pawtucket Canal, Francis Gate, and Guard
Locks Complex via a 90-minute ranger-led tour using park
trolleys and boats. Discover how the demand for water power
forever changed the river and the city of Lowell. Don’t miss the
roar of a 1920’s weave room with operating power looms!
country, is an
ecologically and historically significant river in southern Maine
that presents a compelling story about community efforts to bring
an abused river back to health. Historically, the ‘Pes-ompsk-ut”
or “river of many rough places,” was primarily a riffle and pool
system that supported abundant salmon, shad, and alewife
stocks. Since the early 1700’s, dams have blocked fish passage
and severely altered the physical characteristics of the river.
Department of Environmental Services, will guide you by canoe
through some of the Lamprey’s riverine habitats. On the way, Lee
Carbonneau, Normandeau Associates, Inc., will demonstrate the
process used for evaluating flow needs for riparian ecosystems.
Native
Americans, means “flowing out.” The Saco flows mostly southeast
for about 125 miles and originates on Mount Washington
(elev. 6,288’), which is the highest peak in the northeast. As
runoff comes down Mount Washington, it fills Saco Lake, a small
body of water in Crawford Notch, NH. The river continues on
and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean below Biddeford
and Saco, Maine. A significant portion of the river is maintained
and cleaned by the Saco River Recreational Council (SRRC).
© 2008 All Rights Reserved - 9th Biennial River Management Society Symposium