I am a strong advocate of voting “yes” in Camden’s June 10 election to remove the Montogomery Dam. I have been following this issue for over five years, and here’s why I’m voting “yes”.

I have fished the Megunticook River and Lake for 27 years and I strongly believe that the removal of the dam will be a great start to improving this fishery. It will remove an artificial, man-made barrier and enable herring, brook trout, rainbow trout and other species to move back and forth between fresh and salt water. This is especially important as fish seek spawning habitat and relief from climate change-induced hot water temperatures in the summer.  

Removing the dam will NOT make the beautiful cascade of white water go away.  It will eliminate the 3-8 foot concrete falls and move the cascade a bit north toward the Camden Library’s Harbor Park.  Locals and tourists alike will still be able to enjoy the beauty of a free-flowing river over the natural ledge along its historic channel. 

Voting “yes” will enable the town to access federal funds and grants to pay for Montgomery Dam removal and facilitate funds for the removal of the three private dams upriver. If we vote “no”, Camden tax payers will foot the bill of $3.3 million for dam reconstruction and seawall repairs plus future maintenance costs.

Many different conservation, government, engineering, and nonprofit organizations have endorsed removal of the Montgomery Dam. They have studied the issues, assessed alternatives and concluded that dam removal is the best alternative. Let’s trust the science and do the right thing.  Please vote “yes” on question 7 on June 10to free the river.

Roy Hitchings, a member of Trout Unlimited and retired CEO of Pen Bay Medical Center, lives in Camden