On June 1, the York River Study Committee, National Park Service Deputy Director Mike Reynolds, Associate Director for Partnerships and Civic Engagement Lauren Imgrund, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, and community members from the York River watershed celebrated the river's designation as a wild and scenic river in York, Maine. After over 10 years of hard work, developing a study addressing the community’s needs, as well as that of the river, the York River was designated by Congress in December 2022. This designation was made possible through notable collaboration between the community, the NPS, and members of Congress Representative Chellie Pingree, Representative Angus King, and Senator Susan Collins.
This designation protects 30.8 miles of the York River and its major tributaries and provides a forum for the four watershed communities to collaboratively address long-term river stewardship needs. Federal funding and staff will support the management, protection, and enhancement of the river. Deputy Director Mike Reynolds congratulated the attendees on their hard work, outlining the importance of local collaboration in conservation. With this designation, the newly formed York River Stewardship Committee will take on the charge to protect and enhance the river for future generations.
