In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the public is invited to participate in various activities planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 31, in Canton.
The celebration recognizes the effectiveness of the Clean Water Act, one of the first and most influential modern U.S. environmental laws, which had an objective of restoring and maintaining the integrity of the nation’s waters. It was proposed by Maine’s Sen. Edmund Muskie, according to a news release from the Canton Historical Society.
The events will start at the town’s boat launch, 7 Staples Hill Road, with a kayak and canoe outing on Lake Anasagunticook. This event will be followed by lunch and the viewing of an exhibit at the Canton Historical Society Museum, 25 Turner St.; the building is handicap accessible.
Attendees can shop at the Country Store Gift Shop, 25 Turner St., which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A “Clean Water Act” commemorative postcard will be available for purchase, as will many Maine-themed and handmade items.
The day will wrap up with a tour of the Canton Wind Farm on Canton Mountain.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register at no charge for the day’s events at androscogginwatershed.org, although walk-ups are welcome. Those participating in the paddle are asked to bring their own kayak or canoe and life vest. Some kayaks are available for use; email anasagunticook@gmail.com to inquire.
The 90-minute paddle will include a water testing demonstration by certified lake steward Tom Hamilton, as well as a visual tour of several erosion control projects by Jeff Stern of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council.
The host organizations for the events are the society (cantonmehistory.org); the Lake Anasagunticook Association (lakeanasagunticook.org); and the Androscoggin River Watershed Council.
Patriot Renewables (patriotrenewables.com), the company that constructed and maintains the wind turbines on Canton Mountain, is also a participant. Patriot is sponsoring the lunch, which is offered at no charge to the public.
For more information, go to event’s website or email cantonmehistorical@gmail.com.
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