By Sue Lincoln
The 1999 Androscoggin River Source to the Sea Canoe Trek was
a great success.
From its launch July 10 in Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
to its destination at historic Fort Popham on the Atlantic Ocean
July 28, participants had fun, learned about the river and its
history, and became more knowledgeable about the concept of a
watershed.
A common theme of the Trek was a heightened awareness of how
great an ecological, economic and recreational resource the Androscoggin
River is.
The 1999 Trek was the fourth annual voyage down the 167-mile-long
river. The educational programs offered were greatly expanded
and ranged from fly-fishing lessons to Abenaki history talks to
pollution prevention programs.
The best attended day was the final day of the Trek, led by
Anne Hammond of Bath. On an outgoing tide, 37 canoes and kayaks
traveled the 14 miles from the Bath waterfront to Fort Popham.
Quite a flotilla!
The 2000 Trek will be produced and directed by the Androscoggin
River Watershed Council. As this year's Trek approaches, it is
time to ask how the Trek can further the Council's work.
The Trek has grown into a popular, well-attended event that
can further many of the Council's goals. It serves as a way for
Council members to highlight the work they are doing on the river
and the watershed through educational programs, talks, open houses
and other events.
There is a huge opportunity here for increased public education.
In addition, it is an opportunity for the Council to "take
the pulse" of the communities, to find out what issues are
important to them. Trek participants often have ideas, opinions
and thoughts on the watershed's health.
And there's something to be said for putting down the paper
work and reports, turning off the computer and picking up a paddle.
Leaving behind the offices and conference rooms and actually getting
out on the river and experiencing its beauty and magic is critical
for Council members.
The Canoe Trek is one of the seeds that grew into the Androscoggin
River Watershed Council. It continues to be a great event to nurture
and grow the Council's work and mission.
This year's Trek will launch July 5 and finish July 23. For more information, contact Trek Coordinator Sue Lincoln at (207) 824-0191, or slincoln@nxi.com. We would greatly appreciate your ideas for programs, events and other ways to improve the Trek.