Giving Rivers a Chance: 25 Years After the Edwards Dam Removal

Today marks 25 years since the removal of the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Augusta. The remarkable recovery of the river since that day showed the nation — and world — what is possible when you give nature a chance.

In our latest short film, we speak with three Mainers across the generations who live along the Kennebec and have witnessed the power of dam removal first hand. They love this mighty river, which has provided them with memories to last a lifetime.

River restoration has always been a team effort. On that day in 1999 when the dam was breached, NRCM staff members were joined by partners from other conservation and fishing groups, Wabanaki Nations, municipal leaders, and many others.

This work we do to build a healthier future for our rivers and wildlife has always relied on the power of people who love Maine's environment standing up and speaking out for change.

Thank you to everyone who has stood up for this mighty river over the past two decades and who continue to do so today, as we seek to continue this progress of reuniting the Kennebec by removing four outdated dams between Waterville and Skowhegan.