Sheepscot Valley
With our partners, we are working to protect the water quality along the entire 58-mile long Sheepscot River, from its headwaters in the hills of West Montville to its terminus in Boothbay Harbor.
The Sheepscot is one of the last remaining rivers with wild populations of the nearly extinct native Atlantic salmon, so we are committed to protecting the river for the fish and for all of us. The “valley” of this amazing river includes rural Whitefield and the picturesque village of Coopers Mills, after which it freely flows through the remnants of the Head Tide Dam to mix with the incoming tide in Alna, then winds through picturesque Sheepscot Village, home to spectacular reversing falls.
In the Sheepscot Valley, we work with landowners and communities to preserve, restore and improve wildlife habitat and traditional rural uses such as farming, hunting and fishing. Our staff and volunteers also monitor water quality for key parameters to help ensure the watershed’s ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat.
Our Sheepscot Valley Council helps lead local efforts. Recently, the Council and volunteer crews helmed by Gerry Flanagan have taken charge of bridge repair projects at Stetser Preserve, Bass Falls Preserve, and Trout Brook Preserve. Along with our staff, they have partnered with the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum to build new trails at Trout Brook, preparing the way for a joint educational exhibit and partnership that will allow museum visitors to take the historic train to our preserve and disembark for a hike!
Council members have participated in advocacy for fish passage, event coordination, and volunteer recruiting—all with the exuberance and passion that has been endemic to their community since the founding of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, a Midcoast Conservancy legacy organization in 1969. Must be something in the water.
