Rejuvenating Rivers: The Remarkable Restoration of the Saint Croix River

In a recent episode of Fundy Tidings on CHCO-TV, host Jay Remer spoke with Matt Abbott, the Fundy Baykeeper, about the extraordinary restoration efforts underway for the Skudik/Saint Croix River. This once-vibrant ecosystem had suffered greatly due to industrial activities and dam constructions. However, the recent removal of the Milltown Dam has ushered in a new era of hope for this vital waterway.

The Milltown Dam, a formidable obstacle for the past 170 years, was recently decommissioned and removed. "The fish are once again swimming up the river at that site instead of swimming up a fishway," Abbott remarked. This momentous event has allowed species such as the alewife to navigate the natural rapids of Salmon Falls for the first time in nearly two centuries.

Alewives are a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance. Abbott emphasized their significance, noting, "When that species is doing well, everything around them does better."

These fish provide a vital food source for a wide array of wildlife, from eagles and bears to puffins and humpback whales. Their return signals a healthier, more resilient river ecosystem.

Removing the Milltown Dam required meticulous planning and coordination among various stakeholders. Abbott shared a telling anecdote: "My good friend Alexa, a biologist for the Peskotomuhkati at Skudik, was there when the crane was knocking down that central brick building, and wasn’t the after-school program at the adjacent elementary school just lined up along the fence? And they were chanting, apparently, some version of 'Knock It Down.'" This community engagement highlights the widespread support for the river's restoration.

The efforts extend beyond the removal of one dam. Two other dams upstream—Woodland and Grand Falls—still pose challenges for fish passage. However, innovative solutions are being implemented. "There's likely to be a fish elevator at one of them, which is as cool as it sounds. Fish swim into an elevator and get a little ride to the top," Abbott explained. These measures aim to facilitate the migration of fish to their spawning grounds, ensuring the long-term success of the restoration efforts.

The collaborative spirit driving these initiatives is truly inspiring. Abbott noted, "We've gone from something that was a fight to something that's, how good can we make this?" This shift from opposition to cooperation is evident in the monthly Next Steps Group meetings, which bring together representatives from government agencies, indigenous communities, and environmental groups. This collective effort ensures a unified approach to revitalizing the Skudik/Saint Croix River.

The restoration of the Skudik Saint Croix River exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for a healthier environment. As Abbott aptly put it, "We've got smart people in this region. We've got passionate people. We can do hard." This collective determination is turning the once-impossible into reality, paving the way for a brighter future for the river and its inhabitants.