PORTSMOUTH HERALD • January 6, 2023
A new federal partnership has brought funding and support to one of southern Maine’s most prominent rivers locals hope will protect it for years to come. The York River was designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System just before Christmas, giving 30.8 miles of river new funding and protection through the National Park Service. The designation was placed in an omnibus bill by Maine’s congressional delegation and signed by President Joe Biden. Community members from York, Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick have worked on the designation since as early as 2009 to protect the local river system for its ecosystem, recreation and historic significance. The partnership will allow the communities to tap into the Park Service for funding that could go towards future projects like education and outreach, stormwater management and restoration of salt marshes.