East Machias Dam
 

In 1962, the dam was abandoned by Bangor Hydro due to its lack of adequate power generation. The dam was subsequently sold to the town of East Machias for $1. The town considered reconstructing the dam but found this was not feasible. Although the dam had a fishway included at the time of it's construction, fish runs found it difficult to navigate around this obstruction. This dam also made it impossible for recreational use, including canoeing.
Recognizing these impacts, in 1996, the Downeast Salmon Federation, a local salmon conservation organization, approached the town of East Machias to find out if they could assist the town in its removal. Dwayne Shaw, Program Coordinator and representative for the Downeast Salmon Federation, successfully acquired all necessary permits, raised funds for removal from Fish America Foundation and, in 1999, was able to secure the professional expertise of the Air Force's Red Horse Squadron to remove the dam and penstock. While the East Machias Dam removal is not listed as part of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan, its removal would be beneficial to the small but important Atlantic salmon population of the East Machias River.
In July 2000, the goal was achieved as the dam was successfully removed and the river was restored to its natural flow channel. Streambank stabilization will commence in the spring of 2001 with the financial support of Natural Resources Conservation Service and the work will involve the assistance from the East Machias Watershed Council.

Historic photos of the dam

The Wild Salmon Resource Center is collecting historic pictures of the dam and hydroelectric tubine building.
See photos:

The old East Machias Falls dam

A view upstream

Below the falls