Restore the Penobscot’s West Branch

To the Editor;

The time has come to consider removing the dam at the outlet of Quakish Lake, restoring the West Branch of the Penobscot River to its original course. This dam was built around 1900 to divert water to the now closed paper mill in Millinocket.

Because of a licensed hydroelectric plant that is down river, the removal of the dam would be a slow process and may even have to wait until new technology makes hydro power obsolete. But this remote area would make for fine camping and wilderness recreation.

When the Penobscot returns to its God-given course, it would be spectacular. Our future generations would greatly appreciate our foresight.

This corridor sits just north of Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribal territory. The Millinocket area and Maine would benefit in tourism dollars. This dam served a useful purpose in making paper and helped supply good jobs for more than 110 years.

Unfortunately, now that the great chimney of the paper mill is gone, these jobs are gone forever.

Kevin Perry
Orneville