.The Crooked River Survey Project:

In 2008, the Crooked River was identified as being part of one of the most pristine yet at-risk watersheds in the country.  It supplies over 40% of the surface inflow into Sebago Lake, the primary drinking water supply for Portland serving over 200,000 people.  The river is currently rated AA (the highest water quality rating) except for 2 segments which are rated A, and has been rated an “Outstanding River” by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.  Additionally the Crooked River supports one of only four known indigenous populations of land-locked Atlantic salmon in Maine.  The watershed also provides habitat for 5 endangered species and has high concentrations of potential habitat for 13 bird species of state wide importance.  The watershed is at high risk primarily due to development pressure.  With all this at stake it was determined that the Crooked River should be surveyed in order to identify problems or threats related to its current level of development and usage.

Last summer in a joint effort with Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District conducted a Riparian Habitat survey, which is an in-stream survey designed to document the current condition of the river habitat, including the river banks and visible flood plain.  This was accomplished with assistance of 2 very well qualified groups of volunteers with specialized knowledge and skills in fish habitat observation: Sebago Lake Anglers and Trout Unlimited

The Survey Objectives:

The Riparian Habitat Survey involved photographing the riparian habitat and documenting problems affecting the river habitat, specifically vegetation loss and human impacts.  The Crooked River, from Waterford to the confluence with the Songo River in Casco, was divided into 9 Sections.  Each Section was assigned to a small team of dedicated volunteers to survey.  The primary tools in this survey were a digital camera and a hand-held GPS unit.  Data sheets were provided to record photo locations and problem sites.  Many sections of the river had to be “floated”, requiring the use of personal canoes or kayaks.  Some were walked, or waded, using hip boots or chest waders.

Since the primary habitat associated with the Crooked River is fish habitat.  The volunteer’s insights and expertise in identifying quality fish habitat was an important part of this effort.  The premise being that “good” fish habitat is also an indicator a healthy river.  The aspects of the river we documented were:

·         Good vegetative cover on the banks, providing cooling cover, stable soils and a source of insects     (fish food). 

·         Large woody debris in the river, more habitat for fish

·         Cool, deep pools

·         Clean gravel bottoms, spawning habitat. 

Problems that negatively affect fish habitat were documented in greater detail so that future efforts can be made to address them.  They included:

·         erosion and sedimentation

·         loss or degradation of riparian buffer vegetation

·         trash dumping

·         vehicle traffic through shallow areas

·         chemical or bacteria contaminated runoff into the river ( human or livestock sources)

(It should be noted that this was NOT a regulatory or enforcement activity.)

The results of this survey will serve to document the current pristine habitat that exists and create a baseline for future comparison.  It will also show where efforts need to be concentrated to protect the river. Click Here to view the Riparian Survey Report

 Click here for the completed Crooked River Watershed Survey Report