Meetings scheduled prior to Walton’s Mill Dam vote

FARMINGTON – The Farmington Conservation Commission will host a public information series providing background information on fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and community issues related to Temple Stream and the Walton’s Mill Dam.

The Commission has decided to host 3 sessions to provide information residents of Farmington can use for their vote in the upcoming ballot question this November on whether to remove the dam in order to restore access to habitat for the endangered Atlantic salmon. This decision comes after several public meetings held over the last year and a half about the issue and various options available for the Town to pursue.

The meetings will be held Wednesdays Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Farmington Community Center.

The first meeting will focus on Atlantic salmon history, science, and restoration efforts in the Kennebec River watershed and why a decision about the dam is required at this time.

The second meeting on the ecology of dam removal and impacts on other fish and wildlife species.

The third meeting will focus on the experiences of other dam removal projects in Maine and what impacts the removal of the Walton’s Mill Dam and associated park enhancements could have for our community, recreation and tourism in the future.

Please join us for each of these nights to be informed about this coming vote, and to learn more about the issues related to it.