Several Camden citizens, business persons, and property owners formed Megunticook RiverKeepers (MRK) to mobilize public awareness and private support for improving the environment of the Megunticook River.

The new MRK volunteer board consists of Tony Grassi, Ben Ellison, Frank O’Hara III, Geoff Scott, Ellen Reynolds, Courtney Cease, and Richard Thackeray.

“The Megunticook River is an invaluable part of Camden, flowing from one end of town to the other," said  Chairman Tony Grassi, in a news release. "The river needs an advocate to ensure this community asset will have a vibrant future.”

Since 2018, Camden has been studying multiple interrelated river issues including the fates of seven public and privately owned dams between Camden Harbor and Megunticook Lake.

In recent months, MRK has worked closely with the Town-appointed Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee — and with Camden Public Library Trustees — to understand how removal of Montgomery Dam at the mouth of the river will affect river flooding, taxes and environmental conditions in the river and harbor, the release said.

Megunticook Riverkeepers is partnered with and fiscally sponsored by the Downeast Salmon Federation, which has been protecting rivers and restoring fisheries since 1982. Thanks to DSF, donations to MRK are tax deductible according to MRK Treasurer Ben Ellison.

"I have watched the Montgomery Dam saga unfold since 2019 and am proud to join an ethical organization that will take the previous work of Restore Megunticook and the Citizens Advisory Committee to a new level," said Ellison." In terms of Camden's future, I believe that this June's vote is the most important since I arrived in 1971. In my view, the Harbor so central to my life will be even more beautiful and accessible than ever, and the same goes for the River I live alongside all at reasonable cost — most of which will not add to our local property tax obligations."

Over the next few months, MRK will be presenting information about the Town’s June 10th Montgomery Dam ballot question.

"We encourage the Camden community—both year round and seasonal—educate themselves on the issues by visiting www.MegunticookRiverKeepers.org, where you can also contact RiverKeepers for more information, sign up for volunteer work, or offer financial assistance," the release said.