For an organization devoted to a water body, no tool is more important to its mission than a good boat. The Damariscotta River Association, a local conservation and education organization dedicated to the Damariscotta River Estuary, relies on its 19-foot center console Aquasport boat for water quality testing, river education, and property and island stewardship.
Recognizing that an investment in sponsorship of DRA’s boat would enable the nonprofit to create real value for the communities it serves, from improved trails to enhanced education programs, The First this year doubled its longstanding support for the Aquasport.
“The First has been a partner for many years in conservation of the Damariscotta River through their support of our boat,” said DRA Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “The boat is really the workhorse for our programs on the river, and we are truly grateful to The First for their increased sponsorship this year and all it makes possible.”
Hufnagel explained that DRA’s water quality monitoring program, Tidewater Watch, involves sampling the estuary from a boat at several points along the river.
This year, through a partnership with the Darling Marine Center, DRA is able to keep track of even more important information about the health of the river. Many water-based industries depend on clean river waters and value critical water quality data.
DRA also uses the boat to care for both its own and its partners’ island and coastal properties. When it comes to stewardship, transporting volunteers is almost always involved:
DRA volunteers clear trails on DRA’s Witch Island. They install the Dodge Point dock each spring to allow public access to the state reserve by water.
DRA volunteers erect signs on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Little Thrumcap Island as well as Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Goose Ledges to alert visitors to avoid tern nesting areas.
Finally, DRA volunteers monitor the eagles on DRA’s Stratton Island and assist researchers on Big Huckleberry Island, also known as Carlisle.
“Quite simply,” Hufnagel said, “the DRA would not be the DRA without its boat – and its volunteers, of course. Again, we thank The First – and our members – for making this work possible.”
The Damariscotta River Association is a non-profit membership supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed, and adjacent areas for the benefit of all. For more information call 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit http://www.damariscottariver.org.
