Exploring Recreational Opportunities Along the Androscoggin River

Historical industrialization along the banks of the Androscoggin River from the 18th to the 20th century has given the river a public image of decay and pollution. As a result, the Androscoggin River became one of the main reasons the Clean Water Act of 1972 was successful. After more than forty years, limited development and strict waste management regulations have helped begin the process of restoring the river back to its natural beauty. Maine’s growing nature-tourism industry is largely limited to the deep backcountry and coast, as well as its major rivers. As one of the last large rivers in Maine to remain largely unfriendly to boating and general recreation, communities along the Androscoggin have the potential to promote recreation on the river and help bring additional income and awareness of the natural beauty of the region. In conjunction with Maine Rivers and Jen Deraspe, this project presents a six-phase plan to establish a water trail along the Androscoggin River