$9M Grant Awarded to DSF for Cherryfield Ice Dam Removal
We are pleased to announce that DSF has received a $9.1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for removal of the Cherryfield Ice Dam. Funding provided under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is one of only seven grants provided nationwide under this NOAA program. NOAA received requests for more than four times the amount of funds available.
Cherryfield Ice Dam
The Narraguagus River is considered a waterway of national significance, with some of the highest quality habitat for Atlantic salmon in the Downeast Salmon Habitat Recovery Unit (SHRU), which is one of three designated SHRU’s in Maine. Removal of the dam is a major step towards habitat restoration for this endangered species; improved passage will help these iconic fish return to their spawning and rearing grounds.
A new nature-like fishway will replace the dam. As our Associate Director, Charlie Foster, stated, “It will essentially look like a string of rapids in the river and allow for the passage of all sea-run fish species. It will also keep flood protection intact and allow for the continued harvest of alewives in that location.”
We acknowledge that this project could only happen with the support, commitment and approval of town residents. DSF looks forward to working with the town and other partners throughout the course of this project.