The Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has already undergone some major changes and the work that began in September, thanks to the help of fundraising efforts, will continue into the winter.
The top portion of the ladder has undergone some major restoration work, following the guidance and expertise of engineers. Restoration of the ladder follows plans created by Curtis Orvis, a fish ladder engineer, and Fred Seavey, both of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Gail Wipplehauser from the Dept. of Marine Resources, according to Nobleboro selectman Deborah Wilson.
Workers supported the exterior cobblestone wall on the top portion of the ladder with concrete and drainage to prevent erosion, utilizing construction techniques developed during work in 2007, according to a press release from Wilson.
The project has since moved to the top pools of the ladder, where water was diverted using piping so that the work could be accomplished.
“The uppermost pool will have a stop-log weir at its base so that the water level can be controlled there as well as at the entrance to the lake,” Wilson said. “This will allow for additional adjustment as the level of the lake changes due to rain or drought.”
The drained pools are twisting forms of rock and concrete, where Wilson said the fish will swim much more easily. She said that the alewives would have resting pools in running water and not in stagnant pools that lack the necessary circulation to provide oxygen that fish need. Wilson said that in this new arrangement, the fish will move from resting pool to resting pool.
“Some pools will now have deeper water than before but there will be no steep runs, turbulence, or places where the direction of flow is confusing to the fish,” she said.
According to Wilson, sections of the original design of the fish ladder made the fish migration toward spawning grounds in Damariscotta Lake more difficult. She said that since the original fish ladder followed the contours of the ground surface, the gradient was steep in places. She said that in some areas along the fish ladder, passage was narrow and there were long runs with no place for fish to rest. She also pointed out places along the ladder where fish would have difficulty making the leap up frothing waters and over rocks to resting pools.
Wilson said that there has been overwhelming public support for the project, as many people want to see improved conditions for the migration of these fish. She said that the people who have been working on this project have been in agreement with the New Jersey based Ridgewood Power company, who owns the land.
Frank Waltz, former long-time fish stream superintendent, wants the power company to pay for fish ladder repairs. Waltz, 73, has worked to ensure the safe passage of thousands of Alewives up the Damariscotta Mills. He said that the towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle built and have maintained the fish ladder since the 1800s. He recalled working at the ladder when he was 11 years old.
Wilson said that the power company has contributed funds to help pay for costs associated with fish ladder maintenance. Hydroelectric power companies licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are required by Maine law to ensure the natural migration of fish species in their waterways. Ridgewood Power has also contributed funds toward the restoration project, Wilson said.
She said locals involved in the fish ladder restoration project, from construction to festival participants in the spring and fall of this year, ensure the alewife migration will improve. This work doesn’t just maintain the status quo, she said.
Many people have contributed their time, money and efforts to further improve the ladder as an investment for the future, Wilson said.
In addition to a bean supper in March, the Fish Ladder Restoration Festival in May and Fish Ladder Restoration Celebration in October, organizations have pulled together to support the cause. The Nobleboro Historical Society, the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, the Damariscotta River Association, Hagar Enterprises and many other organizations and businesses have shown their support.
Wilson said approximately $100,000 has been raised and spent on the project to date. Grants have come from the Horizon Foundation, Lise Aubry and Larry Townley. The towns of Newcastle and Damariscotta each gave $7500 from the harvesting of alewives toward the project.
“Neighbors and community members have turned out in great numbers and with great creativity to help in the fundraising efforts,” she said.
Wilson said she expects the additional cost of the restoration, which should take at least five more years, will amount to roughly $500,000.
Tax-deductible donations to the Fish Ladder Restoration Fund can be mailed to the Town of Nobleboro, 192 U.S. Rt. 1, Nobleboro, 04555. Wilson said fish ladder restoration hats, t-shirts, mugs and other items are available at the Nobleboro town office.
Inquiries For more information can be made to Deb Wilson at 563-1383, Stan Waltz at 832-7351 or Jim Brinkler at 563-3105.
