National Water Quality Initiative

The Sheepscot River Watershed has been selected as an NWQI priority watershed, which means producers within the designated watershed bounds (see map, right) could be eligible for NWQI funding.

The Sheepscot River is one of 8 large river systems in Maine that historically supported spawning endangered native Atlantic salmon, as well as other anadromous fish. In addition to its ecological value, the Sheepscot is an important resource for activities such as recreational fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming. Water quality varies significantly throughout the Sheepscot River Watershed, and many sections and tributaries face degradation and impairment as indicated by low dissolved oxygen levels, high nutrient levels, high sediment loads, and elevated temperatures. In 2006, several of the Sheepscot River’s tributaries, including the West Branch and Dyer River, were listed on Maine’s 303(d) list of impaired waters, meaning they did not meet EPA water quality standards for their designated classifications. Agriculture and development are the primary sources of degradation.

Over the past decade, conservation efforts within the Sheepscot River watershed have contributed to improved water quality. Despite these improvements, stewardship and continued implementation of conservation practices is necessary to maintain, improve, and restore water quality and habitat in the Sheepscot River, especially with increasing pressures from development and extreme precipitation events.