PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024
Maine has more than 1,000 dams across its rivers and streams and most of them no longer serve their intended purpose. Instead, these decaying structures continue to damage habitats and ecosystems associated with the rivers they obstruct. Yarmouth’s two dams on the Royal River, built more than 160 years ago, are an unfortunate example of how these relics impede the restoration of precious riverine habitat. After 20 years of studies, we urge the town of Yarmouth to take action and seize this opportunity to remove the dams. Dam removal is the most cost-effective approach to river restoration and will have a lasting positive impact on the river, wildlife and the community. ~ Christine Force, Yarmouth, Royal River Alliance