Shared Streams in Maine – Pleasant RiverThe Pleasant River is one of eight rivers in Maine whose Atlantic salmon populations were recently listed as endangered. Salmon habitat on the Pleasant is degraded by water withdrawal, and agricultural practices, as well as by loss of riparian vegetation. This project site offered an excellent opportunity to illustrate the potential damage that can be done when responsible professionals do not supervise forestry activities. The project helps to correct an immediate threat to Atlantic salmon and brook trout habitat. Nearly 1,000 feet of eroding road was retired, removing an ongoing and growing source of sediment to the Pleasant River and restoring 150 feet of important riparian buffer and upland forest. The road had never been re-vegetated, and ongoing erosion had created several large gullies that were growing with every rain event. The project re-graded the road, implemented erosion control measures, seeded with a ground cover crop for short term erosion control, and replanted native tree species.Partners in the project included Trout Unlimited, the Maine Forest Service, Pleasant River Watershed Council, the Pleasant River Fish and Game Club, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission. The Pleasant River project was made possible by a grant from the Outdoor Life Conservation Fund, TU's Embrace A Stream program, and a matching grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
 One of the volunteers helping to replant native trees at the June 2001 habitat work day.
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 For additional information about Shared Streams, email Drue DeBerry or call (202) 463-2462.
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