BETHEL — Hundreds of paddlers are expected to participate in the 17th annual Source to the Sea Trek, which is being staged as 18 day trips from July 6 to Aug. 4 on the Androscoggin River.
Organized by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, the trek begins with a sunset paddle near Lake Umbagog, the source of the Androscoggin. It meanders through northern New Hampshire and Western Maine, and enters Merrymeeting Bay in Brunswick.
Paddlers may join the trip for one day or many.
“It’s been 40 years since the Androscoggin served as the inspiration for the Clean Water Act,” Jessie Perkins, organizer of the trek, said. “The progress that has been made is incredible. People are paddling and fishing the entire length of the river, and every year there are new pockets of activity — trails, events, businesses, and more are springing up all over the place.”
“Every section has something special — you can see wildlife on every section, even in downtown areas. We are also excited about our Paddle After Hours events, which are shorter, easier evening trips designed for after-work socializing.”
Participation is free for trekkers; however, a voluntary, tax-deductible donation of $10 is requested to support the nonprofit Watershed Council to offset the costs of organizing the trek. Participants should bring their own paddle-powered boats, appropriate gear and lunch. Shuttling will be arranged by trek organizers.
Many days include an educational component, with speakers on topics that include history, ecology, conservation and economic development in the area. A complete schedule, including maps, section descriptions, special events, and easy online registration, is available at www.androscogginwatershed.org.
Sponsors for this year’s trek include Sunday River Ski Resort, NextEra Energy Resources, Verso Paper of Jay, and Liberty Mutual Insurance, Brookfield Renewable Power.
The nonprofit Androscoggin River Watershed Council was founded in 1999 with a mission to continuously improve environmental quality and promote healthy and prosperous communities in the Androscoggin River Watershed.
For information go to http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/illegal_stocking.htm, or www.facebook.com/androrwc.
Trek dates
Friday, July 6 – Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge evening paddle
Saturday, July 7 – Errol, N.H.
Sunday, July 8 – 7 Islands Bridge to Pontook Dam
Thursday, July 12 – Paddle Afterhours in Berlin, N.H.
Friday, July 13 – Shelburne, N.H. to Gilead, Maine
Saturday, July 14 – Gilead to Bethel
Sunday, July 15 – Bethel to Hanover
Thursday, July 19 – Hanover to Rumford
Friday, July 20 – Mexico to Dixfield
Saturday, July 21 – Dixfield to Riley Dam
Sunday, July 22 – Riley Dam to Otis Mill
Thurday, July 26 – Paddle Afterhours in Jay
Friday, July 27 – Twin Bridges to Center Bridge in Turner
Saturday, July 28 – Center Bridge to Gulf Island Dam
Sunday, July 29 – Round-trip paddle in Lewiston-Auburn
Thursday, August 2 – Paddle Afterhours in Lewiston-Auburn
Friday, August 3 – Durham to Lisbon Falls
Saturday, August 4 – Lisbon Falls to Brunswick
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