The Pleasant and Narraguagus River Watershed Councils play a major role in monitoring the water quality of these two downeast rivers and their tributaries.  The watershed coordinator recruits volunteers for the program, coordinates training with the ME DEP, and schedules regular sampling at selected sites.  This past summer, volunteers collected weekly water samples for e-coli and deployed sixteen remote temperature data loggers in tributary streams.  The loggers recorded this important data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the summer.

Volunteers collected weekly and storm-event samples from 9 sites throughout the Pleasant and Narraguagus River Watersheds in October and November. Volunteers recorded the water temperature at the sites and test samples for pH, dissolved oxygen content, and turbidity.  These parameters are major factors affecting the health of aquatic wildlife, such as the endangered wild Atlantic salmon. Water quality data is forwarded to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for analysis and reporting.

The Pleasant and Narraguagus River Watershed Councils were chosen as the Down East Resource Conservation & Development Council's Earth Team Group of the Year in 2003 for their restoration activities, water quality monitoring, and participation in community events throughout both watersheds.  Council members and volunteers were presented with an award at the RC&D Annual Banquet and Recognition Program on October 4th.

This coming winter, Tracey Gamache, Watershed Coordinator for the Pleasant and Narraguagus River Watershed Councils, will work with the Councils to develop a  work plan for the 2004 season, including selection of priority Non-Point Source restoration sites, locating potential habitat enhancement sites and compiling grant proposals to finance the projects.  Council newsletters are being planned for both watersheds.  Tracey plans to include information on the past year’s accomplishments, volunteer interviews, information about future programs, projects, and a calendar of events.

The Pleasant and Narraguagus River Watershed Councils are grassroots volunteer organizations working to enhance and maintain the water quality of our rivers, their wildlife and habitat, and ensure continued enjoyment of their natural resources.  If you would like to volunteer to help with restoration efforts, water quality monitoring, or community events, please contact Tracey for more information at 546-3375, 483-4336, or by e-mail at watershed_coordinator@yahoo.com.

The other watersheds also have on-going projects and Bill Cherry is assisting the Machias and East Machias Watershed Councils as their coordinator. The Dennys River Watershed Council is working on a pilot project for their watershed.  Watch for added information on these Councils in the upcoming months.