Subscribe & stay up-to-date with ASF
More than 50 people visited Danforth, Maine, on August 10 as community members, local leaders, and project partners gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the Danforth Fishway and Riverside Park. Under a bright, sunny sky, attendees came together to commemorate this significant milestone for salmon conservation as well as the town’s downtown revitalization efforts.
The Danforth Fishway, completed earlier this year, plays a critical role in restoring fish passage along Baskahegan Stream. The custom-designed fishway, with its unique stacked-stone façade, is expected to enhance the recovery of sea-run fish, including alewives, which have naturally recolonized the area after more than 200 years. This resurgence is part of a broader recovery within the Penobscot Watershed, where the population of river herring has soared from near zero to over 6 million this year alone. The new fishway further supports this growth by providing access to 135 miles of river habitat and nearly 9,000 acres of pond habitat in the Penobscot River headwaters.
Maranda Nemeth, Maine Headwaters Project Manager with the Atlantic Salmon Federation, spoke to the broader impact of the project: “This is a great example of collaborative work to improve sea-run fish passage and river health while also enhancing open spaces and leveraging projects to achieve local community needs across the downtown.”
The dedication ceremony, held at the newly completed park along Baskahegan Stream, was a fitting tribute to the years of hard work and collaboration that made the project a reality. The event began with remarks from key figures involved in the project, including Danforth’s Town Manager, Ardis Brown, who praised the joint efforts of federal, state, and local partners, along with non-profit organizations, in bringing the vision to life, “The success of this project highlights what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.”
Following the dedication ceremony, attendees enjoyed the first Annual Danforth Artisan Show at the town’s new open-air pavilion. The pavilion, now a permanent fixture in the community, will serve as the hub for various local events, including the Danforth Farmers’ Market, the Danforth Concert Series, and even a winter ice rink. The pavilion was designed by local architect Roger Rossignol and constructed by Matt McEwen Construction, bringing new life to the downtown area.
The day’s events also included open houses at the Union Hall and Danforth Library, as well as a Sidewalk Art Show, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The successful event was a testament to the power of community and partnership, demonstrating how revitalization projects like these can create lasting benefits for both the environment and local residents.
The Danforth Fishway and Park project, a $2.5 million endeavor, was made possible through a diverse coalition of partners, including the Town of Danforth, Baskahegan Dam Company, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Restoration Center, and several other key organizations. Significant funding was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with support from Senator Angus King.
The success of this event and the completion of the fishway and park are just the beginning for Danforth. The town’s ongoing commitment to revitalization and environmental stewardship will continue to enhance the quality of life for its residents and the health of its natural surroundings. As the fishway begins to support a thriving population of sea-run fish, and as the new park and pavilion become central to community life, Danforth is poised to become a model for small-town revitalization.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this project and event a success. The dedication displayed by all the groups involved is commendable, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact on the town and its environment in the years to come.