Mission

The Brunswick Dam is up for relicensing in 2029, for the first time since the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensed the dam in 1979. This presents a once-in-50-year opportunity to restore passage for the migratory fish that have historically used the Androscoggin River to reach their spawning grounds. These species include alewife, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic sturgeon, American eels, American shad, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and others.

While a fish ladder does exist at the Brunswick Dam, all parties—including Brookfield Renewable, the dam’s owner—acknowledge that it is ineffective. As the first dam upstream of the ocean, this barrier blocks fish from reaching the entire watershed. 

FTA is comprised of volunteers and member groups American Rivers, Brunswick Topsham Land Trust, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay, Maine Rivers, Merrymeeting Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and RESTORE: The Northwoods. Together, we are working to advocate on behalf of the ecosystems and communities the Androscoggin River supports.