BETHEL — Getting youth acquainted with the Androscoggin River, its shorelands and watershed is one of seven presentations planned for the Androscoggin River Watershed Council‘s upcoming annual conference.
It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at the Bethel Inn Conference Center in Bethel.
Other presentations include:
* Speakers from many major dam operators along the river, who will provide information on how the dams are operated to manage flows on the river’s main stem to control flooding, generate hydropower, provide recreation, and serve industrial needs.
* The need for and potential of improved river stewardship of the river, its tributaries and riparian areas.
* Bates College professor Beverly Johnson providing a brief history of the river.
* An exploration of the river’s trout and bass fishery.
* A review of last year’s Source to Sea Trek and updates on this summer’s event to start on July 8.
* Jeff Stern of the council will provide a brief review of the council’s Chop and Drop projects. That effort includes coarse woody debris added to several eroding tributary streams in the Sunday and Bear river watersheds to make sections more suitable for native brook trout habitat.
Additionally, Bill Beardsley, the new commissioner of the Maine Department of Conservation will provide department perspectives on its policies as they may impact the river and its watershed.
Representatives from other departments have been invited to join the discussion about the watershed’s future.
The cost to attend is tied to council membership, with the minimum as $35 for conference registration and associate membership in the council. Registration also includes lunch.
Attendees are asked to register by Thursday, March 31.
For more information, call Jessie Seymour Perkins at 754-8158 or email trek@androscogginwatershed.org.
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