During construction of the Skowhegan River Park, we will remove hazardous materials from the riverbed—debris from the collapse of a railroad bridge during the flood of 1987.
Evidence suggests that the riverbed was altered during the days of the log drives to prevent log snags. The installation of whitewater features is expected to restore some hydraulic diversity, improve fish habitat, and offer safe passage during fish migration.
Located only on the right half of the river gorge, whitewater features will be designed to enable fish movement, and divider islands will create habitats for migrating fish. Eddies created as a result of the features will produce resting pools, habitat for microinvertebrates, flow refuges, and feeding grounds. Aerated water will also benefit fish species.
