DV-10-11 Sedgeunkedunk Stream Symposium & Celebration

Hannah Webber
Fields Pond Audubon Center
Holden, ME
207.989.2591
hwebber@maineaudubon.org

The collaborative, community-based restoration of Sedgeunkedunk Stream, including removal of two dams, is serving as a model for other barrier removal efforts throughout Maine. The project and its follow-up monitoring should be of great interest to municipal personnel and planners; representatives from land trusts, lake associations, conservation commissions; and members of the public.

The two-day event includes an afternoon symposium on Friday, September 17, featuring a project description and presentations by researchers who are evaluating the success of the project in restoring ecological connections and improving habitat for sea-run fish, birds, and humans in the watershed of Sedgeunkedunk Stream, a tributary of the lower Penobscot River. On Saturday morning, September 18, events will include activities at Fields Pond and a community paddle from Fields Pond to the fishway site or hike along the shoreline from the Audubon Center to Brewer Lake.

There is no charge for the symposium. Light refreshments will be provided on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning. There will be guides for both the boating and hiking trips. Boaters on Saturday morning should bring their own canoes or kayaks and appropriate safety gear.  Shuttle service will be provided between Fields Pond and the fishway site.

The following is a draft agenda for the 2-day event:

FRIDAY (1-4 p.m., with reception to follow)
1:00-1:15: Welcome: Gordon Russell, Lower Penobscot Watershed Coalition (moderator); Hannah Webber, Fields Pond Audubon Center
1:15-1:45: Steve Shepard, Aquatic Science Associates: project process; design/options considered; permitting.
1:45-2:00: Questions and Answers with Steve Shepard and Matt Bernier, NOAA Restoration Center
2:00-2:15: Kevin Simon, University of Maine: Stream Ecology 101
2:15-2:30: Break
Evaluating Success:
2:30: Rory Saunders, NOAA Fisheries: Alewives
3:00: Steve Coghlan, University of Maine: Sea lamprey
3:30: Erynn Call, University of Maine: Birds
4:00 til -: Picnic/refreshments at fishway, hosted by members of the LPWC

SATURDAY (9 a.m.-12 noon)
9:00 Open House, Fields Pond Audubon Center
10:00 Paddle from boat landing at Fields Pond Audubon Center to fishway
10:00 Hike along the shore of Fields Pond to Brewer Lake

Sea Grant funds provided: $400