Presumpscot

Presumpscot River

The Presumpscot River is the primary source of freshwater to Casco Bay. In total, the Presumpscot River drains 647 square miles, including the Sebago Lake watershed (442 square miles) and the lower Presumpscot watershed (205 square miles). From Sebago Lake to the Presumpscot Estuary, the river flows over 25 miles, dropping nearly 270 feet in elevation consistent with its Abenaki name, which translates to ‘river of many rough places.’ Prior to industrial development, the river supported abundant migratory fish runs and seasonal encampments where fish were harvested alongside the fourteen named falls located on the main stem. Today, 9 dams remain on the main stem, and river advocates are working closely with state and federal agencies and dam owners to restore migratory fish passage into spawning habitat in the Presumpscot watershed. The lower Presumpscot watershed is comprised of primarily forested and agricultural land, with development increasing in recent years, particularly along major transportation corridors. In recent years, the water and habitat quality of the river have improved with the cessation of pulp mill discharges in the 1990s and the removal of Smelt Hill Dam in 2002. Anadromous fish are returning to the river’s main stem and tributaries, including an annual spring migration of tens of thousands of alewives up to Highland Lake.

Presumpscot Resources

Falmouth Land Trust
The Falmouth Land Trust’s mission is to preserve and care for fields, forests, farms, and shorelines, in the Town of Falmouth, while maintaining the historical character and nurturing an enduring stewardship and enjoyment of the land.
Falmouth Land Trust, PO Box 6172, Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 200-5488
info@falmouthlandtrust.org
falmouthlandtrust.org

Friends of the Presumpscot River
For a quarter of a century the Friends of the Presumpscot River (FOPR) has worked passionately to restore and protect the vitality of our small but mighty river. Their efforts have improved water quality, restored migratory fish populations and increased public awareness of the river’s economic and recreational potential.
P.O. Box 1474, Westbrook, Maine 04098
(207)322-9131
http://www.presumpscotriver.org/

Highland Lake Association
This volunteer-run organization was formed in 1989, and collects lake water quality data, conducts aquatic vegetation surveys, and distributes educational information.
P.O. Box 1684, Windham Maine 04062
hla@highlandlakemaine.org
http://www.highlandlakemaine.org

Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited
The mission of the Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited is to conserve, protect and restore Maine’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in Western Maine.
Mollyockett TU, 5 Mozees Way, Bethel, Maine 04217
(207) 432-1910 (Mac McGinley)
http://www.mollyockettu.org

Portland Trails
Portland Trails is a non-profit land trust that transforms Greater Portland into a healthier community through trails, active transportation, conservation, and place-making.
305 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207)775-2411
http://trails.org

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust
Presumpscot Regional Land Trust supports healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and people across the Presumpscot River watershed through conservation, water quality monitoring, education, and public access.
P.O. Box 33, Gorham ME 04038
(207) 839-4633
info@prlt.org
https://www.prlt.org/