Outdoors Fall-Winter 2020

Fall/Winter 2020

Kristie Shaw-Withee (rider) pulls Joe Prescott (skier) over one of the ramps on the course.

PHOTO COURTESY:

JAMIE LAWLER PHOTOS

SKIJORING IN SKOWHEGAN

RARE ARCTIC CHARR WOMEN & FLYFISHING WHY WE NEED TO PROTECT THIS MAINE WOMEN FLY FISHERS GROUP CONTINUES TO GROW

FRESHWATER FISH

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Fall/Winter 2020

Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know about

Skijoring in Maine

Lindsay Farley (rider) and Jason Gillis (skier) race against the clock to the finish line.

PHOTO COURTESY:

JAMIE LAWLER PHOTOS

BY SARAH COTTRELL

M

aine winters are a brutal and beautiful time of year that tends to find most folks stuck inside. But for some, when the air grows chilly and the snow begins to fly, Maine winters become a thrilling season of skill, speed, and endurance thanks to a little-known sport called skijoring (skikjØring if you’re Norwegian).

Skijoring is a winter sport in which an individual on skis is pulled by a dog, a horse, or a

motorized vehicle. It is thought that the origin of skijoring began hundreds of years ago with

Cannon has led the organization of the Skijor Skowhegan event for the past two years and will be adapting the event around the Covid pandemic in 2021.

“The event is the only equestrian skijoring competition in the Northeast and the first in Maine,” she said. “Competitor teams consist of a horse and rider pulling a skier or snowboarder down a course with jumps and gates. This past year we held the competition at the Skowhegan fairgrounds and we drew a couple thousand spectators to watch more than 30 teams.”

the Sámi people who are an indigenous Finno-Ugric group and native to the northern parts of

But not everyone has access to a horse. Skijoring is equally attractive as a winter sport

Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It is said that they used skijoring as a mode of winter travel by

for those who love dogs and skiing. For one Winterport resident, Aly McKnight, an Associate

harnessing a person in skis to a reindeer. But these days, in snowy places around the world and

Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Unity College, matching her energetic

also right here in Maine, skijoring has become an exciting competitive sport.

pooch with her love of skiing seemed like a brilliant idea.

Maine in particular is a perfect place to get into the sport of skijoring, especially if you are

“We lived off the grid in western Maine for a lot of years, about 3/4 mile up a steep logging

interested in harnessing to a horse. As it turns out, skijoring easily blends two impressive

road in the mountains,” McKnight said. “We didn’t used to plow the road and therefore had

industries in Maine: skiing, which is a $600 million dollar industry and the horse industry,

to ski or snowshoe up all winter. ‘Hitching up’ to our dog, who was a lifetime offender when it

which brings in $200 million dollars each year.

came to pulling on leashes, made the uphill ski doable, even pleasant.”

“I think the allure of the sport is that it’s a high intensity action sport powered by old

Dogs are a natural fit for skijoring, especially for breeds that are big, strong and love to

world technology (the horse). To get that kind of speed and physical challenge you’re usually

run. To get started with your own dog, you won’t need a lot of equipment or money. Skijoring

on a motorized machine like a boat, ATV or snowmobile, but not with equestrian skijoring,”

with a dog requires surprisingly little and for around $100 you can get everything you

said Kristina Cannon, Executive Director of Maine Street Skowhegan and organizer of the

need, such as a padded hip belt, a towline and a proper harness that appropriately fits your

annual Skijor Skowhegan event. “Whether you’re competing or watching, your heart is

dog. Nooksack Racing Supply is one Maine-based company that sells a variety of skijoring

racing with adrenaline.”

equipment.

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But you will need a lot of patience and endurance. Skijoring will require that your dog be able to follow direction, behave in public settings and not get scared or jumpy around you while on skis. This may all seem obvious, but when you attach yourself to a pair of skis and an energetic dog, things can get a bit hairy.

For McKnight, her experience skijoring with her old dog may have been a fun one, but her current dogs don’t have the right temperament to be around other dogs.

“I would definitely do it again, but our dogs right now aren’t great with other dogs,” McKnight said, “and well-socialized dogs are a must.” Not only are socialization and behavior essential

Skiers of all ages competed at last year’s Skijor Skowhegan event.

PHOTOS COURTESY:

to the success of anyone’s experience skijoring but not skimping on the right equipment is important as well.

MAINE MOUNTAIN MEDIA

“You definitely need a real harness for your dog,” McKnight says. “They shouldn’t just be pulling with their regular neck collar. A bungie between you and the dog is also a must for shock absorption, and you want to be pulled from the waist and not your arm.”

For those who are looking to try skijoring with some assistance, there are several New England-based organizations and clubs where beginners can learn from seasoned skijoring enthusiasts. For example, New England Dog Sledding gives novices a chance to test out their skijoring curiosity. All that is required, aside from the aforementioned equipment, is the ability to cross-country ski at an intermediate skill level at minimum. You don’t even need your own dog – the folks at New England Dog Sledding can match you up with one of their trained dogs and then take you for a Nordic adventure along manicured trails.

Cannon tells the BDN that folks can join the Skijor Maine Facebook group where riders and skiers can connect and organize practices or clinics. Anyone who is interested in equestrian skijoring can use the group to learn more and to find opportunities for getting hands-on experience.

But if you happen to be the kind of person who doesn’t like dogs or horses, then you also harness yourself to a motorized vehicle like an ATV or a snowmobile. As thrilling as that sounds, be absolutely sure that you trust the driver, you maintain a low speed, and that everyone practices safety measures, including wearing helmets and driving on smooth trails.

Don’t Miss Skijor Skowhegan this Winter If you are wondering what to do during a pandemic this winter, make sure to check out the Somerset Snow Fest. Main Street Skowhegan has been teaming up with Lake George Regional Park for the past two years to bring the public a wonderful schedule of events that includes skijoring competitions. The events take place at the Skowhegan Fair Grounds and include the Skijor Skowhegan: Northeast Equestrian Skijoring Regionals.

This exciting event showcases timed race trials down a 1,000-foot track peppered with jumps and gates. Talk about exciting!

The pandemic has meant that most events have been canceled in 2020, but Kristina Cannon, Executive Director of Main Street Skowhegan, says that Covid won’t be stopping skijoring in 2021 – in fact, it is scheduled for February 27, 2021.

“As of right now, we’re going to plan it like normal but we will also be developing a contingency plan if event capacity doesn’t open up or if it becomes restricted again,” Cannon said. “We use the Skowhegan fairgrounds for this event so we’re lucky to have plenty of room to spread out in as well – although the beer garden gets a little tight, haha!”

Alternative plans for how to keep fans and competitors safe may include limiting capacity or live-streaming the skijoring event so families can watch from the safety of their homes.

To learn more about the 2021 Skijor Skowhegan event, check out somersetsnowfest.org/skijor-skowhegan.

Sandra Caron and her dog Madie practice skijoring together.

BDN FILE PHOTO:

JULIA BAYLY

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Fall/Winter 2020

WINTer Running Tips On How To Safely Run Outside During The Winter

BY KATIE SMITH

K

eeping our workout routines from season to season can be tricky, especially living in such a cold climate. Many people look forward to the warmer months so they can get outside and run in our beautiful, scenic state. With limited access to gyms and fitness classes these past few months, many people have taken up running and want to continue.

As an avid runner myself, I know all too well how harsh the Maine winters can be. In fact, when I fi rst started the sport, I didn’t run in the winter at all. I didn’t think I had the proper clothing and I was afraid of slick conditions.

After doing my research and fi nding safe routes, I began running all year long and it’s done wonders for my physical and mental health.

As the temperatures cool down and snow starts to fall, how can we run safely? Rob Gomez, owner of Eastern Shore Training, an online run coaching service, says planning a route ahead of time is the key to keeping up with your running schedule.

“You likely know the roads near your home well so you’re aware of which ones have clear shoulders during the winter and which ones would be more dangerous,” Gomez says.

If you aren’t quite sure of a nice route that is safe in the winter, Gomez suggests checking out some of the online options that help you plot running routes ahead of time such as Strava route builder.

I love hitting the paths and trails I know are well taken care of without having to worry about too much traffic or slippery conditions. It takes the guesswork out of it and I can save my energy for the run.

Gomez also says how important it is to have the right equipment. “Have a pair of shoes ready for icy conditions. When we think of slipping on ice during a run we typically envision a full wipeout, but far more often when we slip during a run it doesn’t result in a fall but rather a pulled adductor, a hurt IT band (the connective tissue that runs along the outside of your leg from the hip to the knee) or a painful hamstring.”

Tia Parady, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer located in Portland, suggests dressmyrun.com. The site will tell you exactly what you need to be warm and comfortable depending on the day and time you run.

A great tip if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on shoes built for winter traction: “My recommendation is to take a pair of trainers that may not be your favorite anymore and buy some small screws (no more than half an inch long) that you can screw evenly across the bottom of your old trainers with a screwdriver,” Gomez says. Alternatively, you can purchase a pair of YakTrax to slip over your favorite trainers. I purchased a pair of these a few years ago and it changed everything. They are worth the money and will make your run productive and enjoyable.

“Anytime the conditions are slick, be sure to add traction to your trainers — your body will thank you!” says Gomez.

On really cold days, it’s important to remember to protect yourself. “Before face coverings were all the rage in 2020, runners in really cold climates were already championing the use of balaclavas to cover their nose and mouth during those really cold runs. When the temperature dips below 20 degrees, and especially when the windchill is notable, the balaclava or face mask should be taken out of storage and strapped on for your run,” he says.

Remember your body will take time to adjust to the cold temperatures. “The best thing one can do to acclimate to running in January temperatures is to not wait until January to run outside,” says Gomez.

Continue running during the months of October, November and December as this “will help your body slowly adapt to the cold, since the weather is obviously getting colder gradually.”

Some additional safety tips from Parady include: • Wearing bright and light clothing, and don’t forget reflective clothing and a headlamp if it’s dark or getting dark during your run.

• Always bring your phone.

• Let someone know when you are running and how long you plan on being gone.

Parody also says drinking something hot, such as tea, about 30 minutes before a run will help keep you toasty. And when your run is done, it’s important to always change right out of your wet running clothes as soon as you are fi nished to keep your body comfortable, says Parady.

Fall/Winter 2020

Winter Adventures Abound

at Hidden Valley COURTESY OF MIDCOAST CONSERVANCY

W

hen the weather turns wintery, things heat up at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley in Jefferson!

Within the 1,000 acre preserve, nearly

30 miles of trail meander up and down ridges, and along the shores of Little Dyer Pond. Groomed regularly, the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. A fire pit and a wood stove at the Barn offer warm-up respites on cold days. Gear rentals of skis, snowshoes and bikes are available on certain days; check the website for details. Monthly full-moon snowshoe hikes are offered, along with cross-country ski clinics for children and adults. Following state guidelines, Covid19 safety protocols will be in place for all events and rental programs. See the website for specific accommodations and requirements.

For adventurers looking to truly immerse themselves in the experience, five cabins and yurts are available for overnight camping. Two of them are fully insulated and all five have wood stoves. Each cabin or yurt has its own woodpile and outhouse. Midcoast Conservancy members receive a 40% discount on already-reasonable rental rates, making this an affordable and fun family adventure.

Time outside has so much to offer, including physical activity, an appreciation of nature, and a place for spiritual renewal. Hidden Valley provides opportunities for all of these and more… come explore this winter wonderland!

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What Women Want is ...

Fly Fishing Women gathered at Ferry Beach, 2019 PHOTO COURTESY:

MAINE WOMEN FLY FISHERS MWFF 2020 HAT PHOTO COURTESY:

MAINE WOMEN FLY FISHERS

Maine Women Fly Fishers group continues to grow

I

n the six years since the Sebago Chapter of Trout Unlimited asked her to help increase the number of women involved in fly fishing, Evelyn King has managed to create an amazing organization. Two years ago, there were 463 members. Today there are 881. The group is connected through their Facebook page at Maine Women Fly Fishers. Supported by the TU chapter, there are no dues and no requirements for membership other than being a woman and being interested in the sport.

There have been changes other than the increase in participants. Last year, a branch of MWFF was started in Bangor. And some enterprising members organized the fi rst outreach program, traveling to Montana to fish with another women’s group who later came to visit Maine.

There are several reasons for the phenomenal growth of this organization.

Women want to be with others who share their interests.

The women who join have all levels of ability and experience, from those who are just curious about the activity to certified fly casting instructors and Registered Maine Fishing Guides. The one overriding quality of these people is their interest in helping one another improve their skills and find opportunities to do so.

Women want flexibility and choices.

In normal years, there are monthly meetings throughout the winter. The beauty of this sport is that there are so many aspects, and each woman can choose whatever level of involvement she desires.

Fly tying has been a favorite activity. For some, it is the added thrill of catching something with a lure they have made themselves. For others, it is the beauty of the creations and the skill they develop in crafting them. Many also enjoy learning about the knots that are used to attach one section of the line to another, or the fly to the tippet.

We have spent evenings learning how to read the regulations. While Maine has simplified this activity, it is imperative to understand the particular rules for any body of water. In the spring and fall there are outdoor sessions for casting.

BY GENIE JENNINGS

When spring arrives, the monthly meetings end and outings begin. In addition to trips to specific destinations, there are spur-of-the-moment meetings, such as a night at Ferry Beach to learn about catching striped bass.

Women want to be independent.

The more we know, the more independent we can be. It is not necessary to know how to tie all the knots that are necessary to put together the line you use to fish or how to attach the fly.

If you fish with a guide or friend or relative who knows all the essentials, they can do it for you. But, the more you do on your own, the better you feel about yourself.

Women want to have fun!

Gathering together with a bunch of women at a bar or clubhouse or private home is enjoyable. Learning new things, getting more adept at something makes us happy. That is what Maine Women Fly Fishers provides. Fly fishing itself is a reward for all, male or female, who participate.

There is a magic quality to being on the water. Fly fishing adds another dimension of serenity. The fly is artificial and the fish will recognize it as non-food as soon as he has it in his mouth. Unlike with bait, the fish will not eat and hook himself. The angler must hook the fish immediately before it has a chance to reject the inanimate object.

The fly fisher must always be alert to what is happening above or below the water. Therefore, she remains focused on the ‘now.’ No worrying about what happened earlier or planning for the future. She is in the moment, Zen-like. It is calming; very much a recreation. She leaves the water refreshed, whether or not successful in the pursuit. (Although it is much more fun to leave both refreshed and successful.) What woman would not want to join this clan?

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/MaineWomenFlyfishers.

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Never Fear, The Outdoors is Here COURTESY OF THE RANGELEY INN

again, as landmark businesses, such as the

simply reload your ticket the next time

W

Rangeley Inn and Sarge’s Pub, hum at a

you ski or snowboard, while also using the

realize that the dining is superb in

new level during the winter months.

technology to streamline other operations,

Rangeley?

such as dining. Food and beverage starts

from pizza to Thai (Blue Orchid’s unique

fresh, with new menus, locally sourced

beer collection alone is reason to pay Bob

food and the friendly service and smiles

a visit) to an amazing breakfast burrito

you’ve always seen at Saddleback.

at Classic Provisions? Did you know there

ith the approach of this winter, the season takes on particular meaning in what it offers all of us in Western Maine.

From the simple peace of being outdoors

This is life. This is revitalization. This is truly a special Maine winter for so many.

With the re-opening of Saddleback, a number of great changes are coming.

Yet, there is so much more.

Did you

That you can fi nd anything

and hearing snow drop from the pines

The old Rangeley Double is being

With this re-birth also come new and

is a food delivery service in Rangeley for

and the long snowshoe walks across

replaced by a new, high-speed Doppelmayr

different ways to enjoy the mountain

those winter nights after a long day of

frozen lakes, to the diversity of skiing,

quad, reducing the ride up the mountain

and surrounding area (home to the most

fun, when you just can’t seem to make it

snowboarding, snowmobiling and more,

to just 4½ minutes. The base lodge is

natural snow in Maine).

out the door one more time? Did you know

Rangeley comes into its own once more as

expanding from 127 seats to 400, with a

From new ski school programs and

that the Oquossoc Grocery, just down the

an iconic winter destination in Maine.

redesigned bar space, pizza station and

backcountry adventures led by Anne

road from Rangeley, has rare fi nds from

Lakes are put to different use once more;

simply spectacular views, while also

Rockwell and Ali Spaulding, to snowshoe

diverse regions, or that the clam pizza at

Saddleback opens again after a five-year

seeing the installation of a state-of-the-art

hikes, new fleets of demo and rental

the Portage Tap House is insanely good?

hiatus. People are skiing, snowboarding,

HVAC system. The resort is converting

equipment, the outdoor experience at

If you need a vacation or just a few days

skinning and laughing there again.

the ticket/season pass system to RFID

Saddleback will be one of many options

to play, it’s Rangeley, it’s Saddleback, it’s

for guest convenience and the ability to

and one to remember.

winter in Western Maine.

The town opens its arms to winter guests

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Being Prepared for cold weather activities

W

hen fresh, white powder starts to fall on a regular basis in late November in Maine, half of the state curses the sky and rumi-

nates on months of poor driving conditions and back breaking shoveling. The other half is delighted by the wide range of outdoor activities now available. The winter season can be a wonderful time to get outside, but the dangers are very present. It’s important to take precautions to ensure the safety of your adventure party to maximize the fun and reduce your risk.

If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, you’ll want to add a few cold weather-specific items to your first aid kit. One item to add for winter is an emergency blanket. If you fall while out winter hiking or skiing and break an arm or leg, you may be stuck where you are for a while. In these situations an emergency blanket can help combat hypothermia until help arrives. In addition, air-activated hand warmers, as well as any instruction

materials for treating cold-related ailments, would be handy to have in the frigid temperatures. Frostbite and hypothermia are very real dangers that need to be taken seriously and prepared for accordingly.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

Consider taking some basic ski or snowboarding lessons before venturing out to one of Maine’s larger mountains like Sugarloaf.

It’s important to know how to stop effectively and properly instead of crashing. Because of the nature of these sports, it’s also important to not do them alone. A lot can happen out on the mountain. A proper helmet and goggles that secure appropriately will make your experience much safer and more enjoyable.

ON THE ICE

While the National Hockey League is up in the air on if there will be a season this year, it’s practically a Maine tradition to lace up some ice skates and take to the nearest frozen lake for a little impromptu hockey. While ven-

turing out to the lake, it’s important to remember to stay on at least six inches of ice.

Thin ice could break and thus submerge you into the frigid waters. Choose a lake and pond for skating, as opposed to ice that has formed over running water like a river which is more susceptible to breaking. It’s also important to be vigilant of ice fishing holes that may have frozen back over. These imperfections in the ice could lead to a nasty fall.

ON THE TRAIL

Snowmobiling is arguably one of the most popular outdoor activities in our state. Every year thousands of sleds from all over travel to Maine to navigate our vast system of complex trails and take in beautiful scenic winter views. Before getting on any motorized transportation, it’s important to learn how to safely operate the machine. Just because there is no special snowmobile driver’s license doesn’t mean it’s safe for anyone to pick up and use.

Like all vehicles, there are dangers associated

Protecting Maine’s Rare Arctic Charr

U

nbeknownst to many, Maine is home to the last wild native Arctic charr in the

contiguous

United

States,

arguably the rarest freshwater

salmonid east of the Rockies. Formerly known as blueback and Sunapee trout, these fish inhabit just 12 waters in the state.

Driven by an increased awareness of, and appreciation for, wild native fish, as well as a growing interest in so-called “bucket list” species, Maine’s Arctic charr are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and in fact need, as without friends, rare species tend to become even more rare.

A sub-species of Arctic charr, or Salvelinus alpinus, Maine’s charr are formally known as S. a. oquassa, named after Lake Oquassa, now known as Rangeley Lake. They are said to be the southernmost populations of Arctic charr in the world, and the oldest strains in North America.

Unfortunately, the namesake population, and primary forage for the fabled giant brook trout found in the Rangeley Lakes, disappeared in the early-1900s, lost to

angler exploitation and the state-sponsored introduction of nonnative landlocked salmon and smelt.

Arctic charr were also found in two lakes in New Hampshire, Sunapee Lake and Big Dan Hole Pond, and one in Vermont, Averill Lake. These fish were last seen in the mid-1900s, lost to nonnative lake trout introductions.

While interest in Arctic charr has increased, so have the threats to them.

While these threats vary, and are subject to change, the number one threat today, and by far, is nonnative fish introductions, with the worst culprits being smelt, lake trout, and landlocked salmon.

Big Reed and Wadleigh Ponds in northern Piscataquis County, two historic Arctic charr waters, were recently reclaimed due to nonnative smelt introductions. These schooling baitfish compete with charr for food and space, and prey on them as well.

The Arctic charr of Bald Mountain Pond in Somerset County are collapsing under the weight of nonnative smelt and lake trout, the

latter of which can also hybridize with Arctic charr. If lost, which is likely, it will be the first native charr population to go extinct in Maine in 100 years.

Nonnative landlocked salmon have found their way into Rainbow Lake in central Piscataquis County, another native Arctic charr water. Said to have come from Nahmakanta Lake downstream, it is not yet clear as to what effect they will have on the resident charr.

Recently, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife entered into discussions with lakefront property owners in Downeast Maine in regard to the possible resumption of a previously suspended hybrid splake stocking program. In the early 2000s, the lake was determined to be the source of splake leaking into Floods Pond, a municipal water supply and historic Arctic charr water.

Currently, Arctic charr may be harvested from all but the two recently reclaimed waters open to fishing, and there is a current proposal to open Big Reed back up to harvest.

Floods Pond is closed to fishing.

BY JOSH DEAKIN

with operation. It’s important to always wear a helmet on a sled. In the unfortunate event of a crash, a helmet could be the difference between life or death.

In addition to head protection, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

Cold weather is tough on its own but with the wind chill created by the movement of the sled, it can become even more frigid. Exposed skin can escalate to frostbite surprisingly fast. For long trips, it’s recommended to travel with other people and stay on marked trails.

The state of Maine has a vast interconnected trail system with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Staying on trail decreases the chances of getting your sled stuck in a high drift as well as other dangers.

The state of Maine is a beautiful landscape with lots to explore in the winter time, but there are dangers. As long as you take proper precautions, you’ll be set up to maximize your enjoyment in the winter wonderland.

COURTESY OF BOB MALLARD, NATIVE FISH COALITION

A large male Arctic charr from Floods Pond PHOTO COURTESY: BOB MALLARD

On a more positive note, after 20 years or so of not seeing any Arctic charr in Green Lake in Hancock County, six small fish were captured in a deep set gill net in late summer 2019. Feared to be remnant, or worse, it appears that they have held on in the face of state-sponsored nonnative lake trout stocking, the species blamed for their demise in NH and VT. Maine’s rare Arctic charr are a species of national significance. If they are to persist into the next century, we will need to do more than we are doing today.

BOB MALLARD has fly fished for 40 years. He is a former fly shop owner and a Registered Maine Fishing Guide. Bob is also the Executive Director for Native Fish Coalition. He can be reached at www.BobMallard.com or info@bobmallard.com.

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Fall/Winter 2020

Brookfield Renewable:

B

rookfield

Renewable

develops

innovative natural power solutions that accelerate the world toward a carbon-free future. We do so by

combining 100 years of operating experience as a developer, owner, and operator of renewable power facilities with industryleading environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to health, safety, security, and the environment.

We are committed to understanding, minimizing, and managing the potential environmental impacts and safety hazards associated with our operations and activities. Our environmental principles are based on accountability, partnership and open communication. We accept the responsibility of managing natural resources in ways that ensure their longterm sustainability.

Brookfield Renewable is proud to have a strong presence in Maine with a long track

record of providing clean, renewable, and reliable energy to the people of Maine and New England. We are constantly working to be a responsible partner, committed to enhancing the recreational, cultural, and historic resources in the communities in which we operate.

This includes working to highlight the natural beauty and recreational benefits of this great state.

Did you know Brookfield Renewable provides whitewater releases on the Penobscot, Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Dead River?

We provide daily releases from May through Columbus Day on Class 2, 3, and 4 whitewater. Each year thousands of private and commercial paddlers enjoy Maine’s pristine waterways as a result of these scheduled releases.

An experienced developer, owner, and operator of renewable power facilities

In addition, we provide recreational access to some of the New England’s best fly fishing locations including the Rangeley Lakes region renowned for their native Brook Trout.

As owner and operator on the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, Brookfield Renewable invites you to share the rivers safely.

The new website was recently launched in an effort to provide real-time flows and elevations at your favorite facilities. We

hope you enjoy this new and improved waterflow tool.

Please remember, river systems are wonderful resources, but they can also be dangerous. Conditions can change quickly and without notice. Take precautions!

While the waters above and below a dam may look safe, conditions below the surface can present serious risks. Be aware of your surroundings and observe all signage, warning signals, sirens, and barriers.