York River, Maine

York River

The York River watershed is located in southern Maine within the towns of Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick and York. The majority (72%) of the watershed area is located within the town of York. The watershed covers 32 square miles and includes the York River mainstem and numerous wetlands, ponds and tributaries, as well as drinking water reservoirs and an extensive salt marsh estuary. There are a total of 109 miles of streams and rivers. The major York River tributaries are Cider Hill Creek, Cutts Ridge Brook, Rogers Brook and Smelt Brook. This area is primarily comprised of large, unfragmented forested areas and agricultural lands, along with rural areas and some suburban residential development. The many important habitat areas support rare and endangered plant and animal species.

The York River is a good candidate for a wild and scenic river designation based on the preliminary evidence of free-flowing river conditions and the presence of multiple natural, cultural and recreational resources with the potential to meet the "Outstandingly Remarkable Value" threshold as defined by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. There is demonstrated local and regional interest and support for a study and existing river/watershed protection elements that would support the NPS framework for a Partnership Wild and Scenic River designation. In addition, local stakeholders have indicated an initial level of interest in developing the river management plan that would be developed as a part of the study process, which is required as a part of the designation.