For more supporting and background info: https://courses.bowdoin.edu/brunswick-dam-fish-passage/ The Free the Andro (FTA) coalition is a Maine nonprofit creating a voice for the survival of migratory fish that use the Androscoggin River to access spawning grounds by raising community awareness and taking action to improve fish passage through dams as a critical means of returning the river to a fu
nctional ecosystem. The ability to pass fish is key to the future viability of migratory fish populations in the Androscoggin River. The Brunswick-Topsham dam with its active hydro-power facility is well documented as a significant obstacle to both upstream and downstream passage. The current relicensing of the hydro-power producer by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the fact that new licenses run for 30 to 50 years, creates a once in a lifetime opportunity to assure unfettered fish passage is restored to the Lower Androscoggin River. FTA will support solutions ranging from dam removal to properly vetted dam redesigns that it agrees are supported by solid data from objective research and accepted best practices for creating unfettered fish passage. Founding members:
Merrymeeting Bay Trout Unlimited (Chapter 329)
Maine Rivers
American Rivers
FTA recognizes the need for a strong and credible voice and welcomes new members from individuals to organizations that share its goals as expressed in its mission statement and that will help support its cause.
