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Sunday, August 11, 2002

Saco River: Source to Sea

The Saco River runs 134 miles from Saco Lake, in New Hampshire's White Mountains, to Camp Ellis in Saco, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. In New Hampshire, the river flows quickly as it drops 1,515 feet over 45 miles. The river is slower in Maine, due to the slight elevation change — 383 feet for the entire state — and the six hydropower stations along the river.

Portland Press Herald reporter Giselle Goodman and photographer Gregory Rec traveled the length of the Saco in Maine to document the river's recreational and economic status in a four-part series.
Overview | Section One: Swans Falls to Hiram | Section Two: Hiram to Dayton | Section Three: Dayton to the sea | Map

A slide show of photos
Overview — Source to the sea:
The 134-mile Saco River is one of the most important rivers in southern Maine. It is a source of water, power, recreation and economic activity. But some say the river is overused for recreational opportunities and they worry it is being loved to death.
Sunday, August 11, 2002

Popular river struggles with balancing act
The Saco provides water and electricity to thousands, but increased recreational use poses a threat to one of the state's cleanest rivers. Balancing recreation with essential needs the river provides communities - electricity and water - is an ever-increasing challenge.

Staff art

Map of Section One, Swans Falls to Hiram: click to enlarge.

A slide show of photos
Section One — Swans Falls to Hiram:
Every summer, thousands of paddlers flock to the 20-mile section of the Saco River from Fryeburg to Brownfield to enjoy nature — and party. The river's reputation for rowdiness has prompted locals to crack down on the craziness.
Monday, August 12, 2002

River police make presence felt
Officers are deployed this summer to keep order among boaters on the most congested section of the Saco, known for its partying.

River runners clean up campers' messes
The mostly high-school-aged youths spend their summers cleaning up after the the hordes of people who come to paddle the Fryeburg-to-Brownfield section of the Saco River.

River Diary: It takes all kinds: Trip teaches tolerance
"I am overwhelmed and maybe even a little bitter at first..."

Staff art

Map of Section Two, Hiram to Dayton: click to enlarge.

A slide show of photos
Section Two — Hiram to Dayton:
Six hydropower stations along the river's 33-mile midsection change the water flow, but they don't deter kayakers, swimmers and boaters. But with more people discovering the natural beauty of the Saco River, some wonder if it is overused.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002

A splash of solitude - for now
Hydropower dams that slow the river's middle section also discourage use, but there are signs that human intruders are poised to spoil the seclusion.

River Diary: Trashing a river: 'Somebody else will clean up after me'
"Trash, trash, everywhere ... the river's now a party zone"

Staff art

Map of Section Three, Dayton to sea: click to enlarge.

A slide show of photos
Section Three — Dayton to the sea:
The Saco River is not just a playground. By the time it reaches the sea, the river has provided water and power for thousands of people. Several groups are working to balance competing interests and preserve the river.
Wednesday, August 14, 2002

'It's our lifeblood'
The Saco River supplies water to people and industry as it nears the sea, and stays healthy in this urban setting with the help of its protectors.

From start to finish, a bounty of fine fishing
Fishermen are everywhere on the Saco River.

River Diary: Beautiful but cruel, the Saco reveals her many moods
Glena Waterhouse calls herself the "River Queen" and she is madly in love with the Saco River that flows by her camp.

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