The Androscoggin River morphed into a long, narrow lake for today's leg of the 2005 Source to Sea Canoe (and kayak) Trek. This morning's start, Center Bridge boat launch, is within the impoundment created by Gulf Island Dam and we took out within sight of the hydro facility itself. The impoundment, which stretches nearly 15 miles north to south, is known as Gulf Island Pond.

Grace Drown (in stern) and Pam Weeks (bow) enjoy paddling on Gulf Island Pond today.

Gulf Island Pond is the most contentious section of the Androscoggin, where dissolved oxygen levels drop too low and where algae blooms are troublesome in some years. A major legislative fight developed this past spring in Augusta over proposals to improve water quality in Gulf Island Pond.

The Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council of Rumford joined us again today on Gulf Island Pond.

We stopped at an attractive island for lunch. Mike Hoover, of FPL Energy (the dam's owner/operator) spoke about the current re-licensing application and associated water quality issues. Greg D'Augustine, of Maine Rivers (an environmental lobbying group), explained that his organization wants to accelerate improvements to water quality, primarily by mandating new rules on paper mills. Deano Gilbert, of the Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council (representing NewPage employees in Rumford paper mill), cautioned that a balance must be struck between environmental quality and jobs.

Deano Gilbert tries paddling a kayak for the first time today on Gulf Island Pond.

Despite its problems, Gulf Island Pond is an attractive place to paddle, with many inviting islands. It's also one of Maine's primo angling spots for smallmouth bass. Half a dozen fishing tournaments are held on the pond each season.

The Source to Sea Trek is in its final week, but there's still time to join. For a schedule and details on joining, logon to www.avcnet.org/arwc.

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