FREEPORT, Maine — The waters of Frost Gully Dam in Freeport are now free-flowing for the first time in over a century thanks to Maine Water Company. The organization removed three constricting dams this week, after determining they were negatively impacting wildlife.
Maine Water partnered with Trout Unlimited, the Freeport Conservation Trust, and several other federal, state, and local agencies and organizations to remove the dams that were originally used for water supply purposes, according to a news release.
“We are pleased to be a part of this initiative to help return Frost Gully Brook to its natural state. Protecting and preserving the environment is important to Maine Water and our employees,” Maine Water President Mark Vannoy said. “We are excited that our actions will help to sustain this precious water resource in its natural state for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Maine is known for having multiple cold-water streams that pour into the ocean, like the one in Freeport, and several of them are home to brook trout. Brook trout typically are a freshwater fish, but some called 'salters' can also survive in bodies of salt water, according to Trout Unlimited.
The dams were becoming problematic to the 'salters’' ecosystem because water stored by the dam was reaching dangerously warm temperatures. When the temps go up, it depletes levels of dissolved oxygen, which 'salters' and other critters need to survive, according to the release.
“Having Frost Gully Brook free of its dams certainly will allow these salters to run its entire length, but now cold water can run from its headwaters to the bay,” Jeff Bush, president of the Merrymeeting Bay chapter of Trout Unlimited, said.
“This is a boost to its entire ecosystem and food web. We have deep appreciation for Maine Water, Freeport Conservation Trust, stream restoration experts, and the many organizations who coordinated the effort to remove these dams," Bush added.
The three dams were removed in just five days.
“Over the past seven years, the Freeport Conservation Trust and its partners were driven by a desire to restore Frost Gully Brook to its natural state and help preserve the environment that is treasured by all Mainers,” Carrie Kinnie, executive director of the Freeport Conservation Trust, said.
This project is one of many Maine Water has been engaged in across the state to improve the environment, including preserving 1200 acres of open space along the midcoast, according to the release.
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