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With the unexpected draining of Dundee Pond, a section of the ancient Presumpscot River has been revealed. It offers a glimpse of the river that was – and could be again. The Wabanaki word “Presumpscot” means “many falls” or “rough places.
” Over a 25-mile and 270-foot drop, the Presumpscot River, before being dammed, boasted an astonishing 13-18 historic falls. Currently, only three are visible and only two easily accessed. Michael Shaughnessy is president of Friends of the Presumpscot River and a Westbrook resident.
Presumpscot Falls in Falmouth reemerged with the removal of the 100-year-old Smelt Hill Dam. Rippling through a surrounding gorge, it is a beautiful and popular recreational destination. Saccarappa Falls, with the 2019 removal of the dams, has cascading rapids surrounding Saccarappa Island before dropping into downtown Westbrook.
The island and surrounding lands are poised to become a unique public park and a centerpiece to the city that can be transformational. Up river from Saccarappa, the next six dams are built directly on historic falls and the impoundments they submerge many other falls and rapids. Mallison Falls Dam and Little Falls Dam are built on these falls that once saw a massive sea-run fishery that ran wild through the villages and is ready to return.
At Dundee, what a rewilded river could be stands in full view. Through a rolling historic and uniquely preserved landscape with ancient foundations and a mile-long stretch of the C&O Canal, the river itself flows jubilantly in its natural wildness. Newly revealed are Whitney’s Falls and Island Falls.
They flow vibrant, cool and swift. An ideal habitat for sea-run fish such as salmon and herring. Whitewater kayakers and flyfishers have found it.
Many others are walking along the canal and some are taking refreshing dips. It is important to realize that what is seen behind Dundee Dam is also buried below the concrete walls and back waters of every dam from Mallison to Sebago Lake. Up from Little Falls Dam and below the impoundments is a river full of rough, rocky places.
With dam removals, a new rise of the river’s abundant falls would become a major scenic and recreational feature for the villages and region. A highly attractive change from the ugly industrialized dams and impoundments that exist now. A vibrant churning flow would greatly enhance the river’s, and Casco Bay’s health, and the health and wellness of all those individuals and communities that engage with it.
It would also, in a meaningful and substantive way, honor the Wabanaki that called it home. As is occurring with other far larger rivers, it is time we look to the future instead of being shackled to a past that has long abused the river. These dams produce relatively little power, their efficiency is questionable, they do not pass fish, and as the accidental draining attests, they may be in much need of repair.
There are less invasive means of electrical production. It is time to comprehensively explore rewilding the river. Once supporting our local industries, these dams are now owned by a New York-based LLC backed by a large hedge fund.
The fiscal benefits of the power created and tax incentives flow away from Maine yet the river remains buried, and lost. Comprehensive river restorations are occurring globally. We can see and appreciate the potential it holds here.
With vision, organization, collaboration and will, it can dramatically enhance this river, its communities and the region. The Dundee impoundment is refilling now. Still waters will rise and the vibrant rapids and falls will quiet and fade.
In this brief unique moment, however, we can better understand the lost wildness of the ancient Presumpscot River. We can feel its presence and hear its breath. We can touch its cool waters and know what this river was.
We can understand the loss, but also, what it might be again. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website.
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