Seeing recent coverage of Androscoggin River activity, I thought I’d write about a regional effort that’s taking place. The Androscoggin River Regional Partnership is meeting monthly working toward our goal of revitalizing and improving the use of the Androscoggin River through education, recreation, protection and sustainable development. A revitalization effort in Livermore Falls spurred ARRP into action. Consultants pointed to the river as the town’s greatest underutilized asset with huge potential for providing greater economic stability by expanding recreational business activities and nature-based tourism.

Taking the consultants at their word, a group of individuals formed a partnership with residents, businesses and industry from the river towns of Canton through Turner.

Educational programs about the river, its history and future possibilities are the focus of our meetings. Specific projects aimed at achieving our broad vision will be carried out by individual working groups. Water quality is a major concern; however, it’s not the partnership’s only focus. We are diverse in our interests for protecting and promoting the river. Some of these include working to attain conservation easements, improving farm practices, stimulating sustainable development and educating people about point and non-point source pollution and how we can all reduce our impact on the river. Educational programs are open to the public.

Debi Davidson, president,

Maine Chapter,

Izaak Walton League of America, Livermore Falls