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Sunday River Watershed Assessment

Location: West of Bethel, Maine (USA)
Setting: Sunday River Valley, within the Androscoggin River Watershed
Date: 2002 through 2005

In the past decade the Sunday River in Western Maine has experienced a series of significant flow events which have greatly impacted the river and it’s valley from both a biological and cultural perspective. Specifically, fish habitat quality has been affected due to sedimentation and property loss.

In the beginning of 2002, PARISH Geomorphic Ltd. participated in a steering committee that was developed to understand and manage the watershed and develop a restoration/management strategy. As part of the initial stages of this study a group of local volunteers were assembled and trained to complete rapid geomorphic and stream quality assessments. The volunteers assessed the entire watershed over a 4 day period in June of 2003. The results of these assessments helped guide the collection of detailed data in strategic areas throughout the watershed to allow for the development of a sediment budget and to identify potential restoration areas.

Upon completion of the watershed assessment the project progressed to a detailed design phase for Priority Restoration Area 1. A 335 meter natural channel design, intended to improve both geomorphic and biological function, was completed in early 2005. Construction of this channel is currently scheduled for completion in 2007 while additional restoration sites throughout the watershed are expected to move to a detailed design in the coming years.

Sunday River Watershed Assessment

CASE STUDIES