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The month of June rounded out with some wicked hot weather. Perhaps because of this, Harris Station has been generating lots of electricity and releasing lots of water. Local paddlers have been treated to many 6,000 cfs flows lately, sometimes even going as late as 9 p.m…. The Skowhegan Water Park idea is steadily becoming a reality. Gary Bailey, an engineer and paddler from Canaan, said he is part of a committee of folks who are forming a non-profit organization to orchestrate the Water Park construction. The group (and project) is called “The Run of River Project.” The proposed location for the park is on the Kennebec River in downtown Skowhegan, from below the railroad bridge to the eddy at Coburn Park. This is about 3,000 feet of river, on par with the length of other water parks throughout the country. Right now, organizers are planning to conduct a “feasibility study.” This study will attempt to take a general look at all affected interests to see if the project warrants further action. Fisheries, archaeology, geology, plot control, local economics and the effect on the dam’s tail-race (the water on the downstream side of the turbines, which affects the turbines’ ability to generate power) will all be examined during the feasibility study. Also, said Gary, a 3-D model of the location will be built and various flows will be run through it to get a sense of some of the paddling features that could be built. If the park were to come into existence, there would be no controlling the water flows, as the Skowhegan Dam is a “Run of River” dam. Gary said that this is why it is important to get paddlers’ input so many different water flow scenarios can be tested on the model, in front of many different boaters. This study will cost $20,000; half of which Gary said could be covered by a grant. The other $10,000 will be raised through fundraising and donations … Parents, The Forks Fish and Game Association (FFG) is offering a Youth Program for 10 to 15 year-old children. From July 8th to the 10th, Registered Maine Guides from FFG will be taking 20 youngsters canoeing out on Indian Pond. They will camp both nights at a remote island campsite. While on the pond and in the backcountry, these kids will get the chance to learn outdoor skills such as: fishing, wildlife tracking/identification, canoeing techniques, map/compass navigation and cooking in the outdoors. Stop by the FFG Flea Market/Bean Hole Supper on Saturday, July 5th at The Forks Fish and Game Hall in West Forks for more information. Or call Ken Christopher at 866 663-2646. Cost of Youth Program: Free with Junior Membership to The Forks Fish and Game Assn. ($5)
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