Dams, roads and culverts frequently create barriers to free-flowing conditions in rivers, streams and tidal marshes. The Friends of Scarborough Marsh recently convened a working group of board members, Town officials, and State and federal natural resources scientists to assess whether drainage barriers in the Scarborough Marsh watershed are adversely affecting water quality and fisheries in the marsh. The Working Group’s objectives are:
- Compile an inventory of potential drainage barriers in the Scarborough Marsh watershed.
- Prioritize these drainage barriers according to degree of impact on the Marsh aquatic system and wildlife.
- Identify mitigation solutions (e.g., add/replace culvert)
- Leverage future Town and State road projects to implement these solutions.
- Pursue funding opportunities (e.g., Maine Water Bond grants) to offset mitigation project costs.