Meeting to be held on proposed Ladd Dam and Box Mill fishways

Left photo, Ladd Dam, and Box Mill. Contributed photos

The Alewife Restoration Initiative and project partner US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold an informational meeting regarding plans to build fishways at Ladd Dam and Box Mill, in North Vassalboro. The goal of the fishways, in conjunction with projects at four other dams on Outlet Stream, is to allow alewives to migrate to China Lake to spawn. With the construction of fishways at Box Mill and Ladd (the first and second barriers to returning alewives), access will be established to the spawning habitat of the 40-acre Ladd Mill Pond. The eventual removal or construction of fish passage at the remaining dams on Outlet Stream will allow up to a million returning alewives to spawn in China Lake. A variety of other sea-run and resident species of fish and other organisms will also benefit from the improved connectivity of Outlet Stream and China Lake.

They welcome all to participate in this informational meeting, and to provide your feedback, ideas and comments. Your comments and suggestions can play a significant role on how this project develops. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 29, at 6 p.m., at the Grange Hall, in East Vassalboro. Following is a list of speakers and topics:

• Landis Hudson and Matt Streeter, of Maine Rivers, will discuss how the Ladd and Box Mill projects will fit into the overall goals and schedule of the Alewife Restoration Initiative.
• Nate Gray, of Maine Department of Marine Resources, will discuss how this project fits into Sebasticook River watershed and statewide efforts to restore alewives and improve connectivity for many other species.
• Peter Abello and Ben Naumann, of NRCS, will discuss the planning and project implementation process, timeline and structure options.
• Questions, feedback, ideas and comments are welcome from the public.

For more information, email or call Matt Streeter, mstreeter212@gmail.com, 207-337-2611.