Over my 20 years in the Pacific Northwest, one of the tallest peaks in the continental U.S. —Mount Rainier — became a common backdrop on the horizon. Yet, however familiar to many, few would argue against the immense value and wisdom in preserving treasures like Mount Rainier, for these and future generations. 

I am a recent settler to Midcoast Maine, returned to be closer to my family and its growing next generations. I long to share with them the many jewels of this place I now call home — morning’s first light on Penobscot Bay, rustic mills hewn of granite and timber by settlers past, the life-blood waters of the Megunticook sculpted by Montgomery Dam into iconic falls cascading to the sea from the very heart of Camden.

What price do we place on the memories we create with those we love amidst these and other treasures among us? And what of the cost if these treasures and the memories they inspire are lost to us forever? I believe each is beyond measure; as too the value of the ecology, fisheries and wildlife that are so much a part of Maine.  

Yet, two of Camden’s historic and most iconic, singular treasures — the Montgomery Dam and Camden Falls — are now needlessly under grave threat, at-risk of being lost to us and future generations forever. It appears members of the town’s Select Board want us to believe the false choice that reclaiming our fisheries demands sacrificing our beloved dam and falls. Fortunately, they are not the only voice, or vote, among us. 

From the Save the Dam Falls (STDF) campaign I hear a more open and honest voice, along with a more reasoned approach to reclaiming our fisheries while preserving our dam and falls. STDF also wants us to be fully informed and engaged in the final decision, seemingly unlike the Select Board. I encourage you to join me and many others in giving the STDF folks an ear, and even a hand, and when the time comes, being fully informed and engaged in determining the fate of our beloved dam and falls. 

Shawn McBrien lives in Camden