ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE UNION RIVER
Understanding the River's Potential
Project Updates
Our survey has closed! We had over 100 responses adn are are looking at the data currently.
We hope to have some initial insights to share here shortly!
For other project updates, visit our Project Updates page.
For other project updates, visit our Project Updates page.
Background Information
The 116-year-old Ellsworth Dam, which impounds the Union River to create Leonard Lake, was acquired by Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners in 2013. It produces power by operating in conjunction with the Graham Lake Dam, and has been in a relicensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) since 2015. In 2019, FERC's Final Environmental Assessment recommended continued operation of the dam with better fish passage and recreational facilities, pending a state water quality certification, which is currently denied and under appeal.
Brookfield has threatened to surrender the project and remove the dam if its legal challenges are unsuccessful.
The Ellsworth Dam significantly impedes the function of the Union River. Dam removal or operating changes of the dams could increase value in real estate, commercial fisheries, and river recreation. Thus we aim to explore how an alternative future for the Union River could drive economic growth and achieve better outcomes for people in Ellsworth and throughout the Union River Watershed.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For those interested in learning more we have put together a list of online resources for you.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Heart of Ellsworth
The Heart of Ellsworth is dedicated to supporting downtown Ellsworth's economic and cultural vitality through concentrated efforts in the areas of design, organization, promotion, and economic revitalization while protecting the city's unique and historic character.
Downeast Salmon Federation
Downeast Salmon Federation's mission is to conserve and restore wild sea-run fish and their habitats in Downeast Maine.
Based on a vision of an abundant return of all sea-run fish species for the ecological, cultural, and economic benefit of the region and beyond, the organization has guided advocacy, education, and outreach on sustainable fisheries, communities, and the economy at the state and federal levels.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy
Frenchman Bay Conservancy conserves distinctive ecosystems, lands, and waters for the benefit of all, from the Union River and Frenchman Bay watersheds east to the Hancock County line.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy is a nationally accredited nonprofit land conservation organization. They have protected over 16,000 acres through conservation easements or FBC-owned preserves in 12 towns adn townships in Maine.
Union Salmon Association
The Union Salmon Association (USA) was formed by fishermen and other concerned people when the license of the dam blocking fish passage on the Union River came up for renewal in 1992. We worked hard to require fish passage over the dam. We were successful–the new license required fish passage, but the operator subsequently got approval not to build the fishway. In the years since then–sea run fish in the river have largely disappeared.