Description: Appendix B: Geological Hydrologic Definition
There are river-related physical features in the state whose location and distribution are controlled by the structure and composition of the bedrock, by the surficial geology and by natural geologic processes including weathering and erosion. Towering waterfalls, steep-walled granite gorges, systems of lakes, ponds, and wetlands, and surficial glacial formations are among these unique physical features. The distribution of these resources is a function of the geologic events occurring hundreds of millions of years ago, as well as resulting from events occurring after the melting of more than one mile of ice which covered Maine until approximately 10,000 years ago.
Description: CRITICAL / ECOLOGIC RESOURCES
Definition (Botanic)
There are over 2,100 species of vascular plants known to occur in the State of Maine. Of these, 318 species are considered scarce or rare. The Critical Areas Program has identified 97 species known to inhabit riverine areas. Significant habitats for vascular plants include cliffs, gorges, river and stream banks, pond and lake margins, bogs, and wetlands. Definition (Zoologic)
The reduction and deterioration in habitat of many species of river related wildlife is of major concern to the scientific community in the perpetuation and continued viability of these resources. When a type of habitat or significant ecologic area having certain necessary and indispensible qualities is destroyed or degraded, certain zoologic species suffer a reduction in abundance and may ultimately be threatened with extinction.
Description: Appendix H: HISTORICAL RIVER RESOURCES
Definition
The rivers of Maine have long served a vital role in the colonization, development, and industrial growth of the state. This part of the Maine Rivers Study focused on the identification of river related historic places and sites which have achieved recognition as national Historic Landmarks or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is realized that many of the rivers of Maine have historical and cultural value other than these recognized on the national level, such as the historic use for logging runs, the presence of archaeological sites, building with state or local importance, or settlements which represent unique cultural values. However, a lack of expertise and state agency assistance did not permit a more comprehensive survey by the study team. Thus, this discussion will focus on National Historic Landmark and National Register sites associated with rivers in the state.
Description: Appendix B: Geological Hydrologic Definition
There are river-related physical features in the state whose location and distribution are controlled by the structure and composition of the bedrock, by the surficial geology and by natural geologic processes including weathering and erosion. Towering waterfalls, steep-walled granite gorges, systems of lakes, ponds, and wetlands, and surficial glacial formations are among these unique physical features. The distribution of these resources is a function of the geologic events occurring hundreds of millions of years ago, as well as resulting from events occurring after the melting of more than one mile of ice which covered Maine until approximately 10,000 years ago.
Description: Appendix K: Bald Eagle Habitat
Definition
The State of Maine has the only significant population of bald eagles in the northeast United States. The northern subspecies of bald eagles was officially listed as endangered in the state in February 1978. Coastal areas and river estuaries provide important habitat for the majority of Maine’s wintering and breeding populations of eagles; Inland rivers, ponds, and lakes also have seasonal importance to nesting and summering eagles, although the use of these areas undergoes a marked decline during the winter months when ice cover limits their opportunities for foraging. Wildlife biologists from the University of Maine at Orono have assessed river-related areas in the state for the presence of important habitat for bald eagles. Important rivers are those with a significant concentration of birds for a particular region of the state, including:
a. Areas with active nesting sites
b. Areas with historic nesting sites
c. Areas which are used by significant concentrations of wintering eagles
Description: Appendix E: UNDEVELOPED RIVER AREAS
Definition
Any physical alteration of the land surface will influence the natural processes along the river corridor. Construction activities can cause increased soil erosion and runoff to enter a stream; septic tank effluent from seasonal homes along river banks can cause changes in water quality. Development in the river corridor may have a negative or positive impact on the resources of a river depending upon how it alters the essential elements which compromise it.
Description: Appendix G: D. SCENIC RIVER RESOURCES
Definition
Different river areas in Maine possess different types of scenery. Traditionally, scenic river resources have been identified by user preference studies and professional evaluations. To determine user preferences, groups of people are usually shown a series of river area photos, and asked to rate them according to preference or quality. Results are then analyzed to determine which river and landscape corridor elements or mix of elements correlate highly with preferred areas.
In professional evaluations, river areas are analyzed by trained planners according to a set of fixed criteria using either design principles, ecological and cultural criteria, or a quantitative scale. In both instances the objective is to focus on specific variable river and river corridor characteristics which have been determined to be major influences on perceived scenic or landscape quality.
Description: Appendix I: ANADROMOUS FISHERIES
Definition
Fresh water and tidal rivers which empty into the ocean or salt water estuaries provide vital habitat for anadromous fish. An anadromous fish species is characterized by its migratory nature, spending much of the life cycle in salt water but returning to fresh water to spawn. Catadromous fish species (e.g. the American eel) reverse this pattern by migrating to the ocean to spawn. For the purpose of this study, catadromous fish are considered to be included in the anadromous category. The Maine River Study has identified important anadromous fishery rivers and isolated those that are of highest value to the state and its residents.
Description: Appendix J: RIVER-RELATED INLAND FISHERIES
Definition
Inland fish include all fish species which inhabit a fresh waters environment throughout their life cycle, in contrast to the migratory anadromous fish which require both fresh and salt water habitats. Included in the general category of inland fisheries are both cold water and warm water species. This analysis is restricted to river fisheries and does not consider lake fisheries. However, rivers which derive their major importance from their support of lake fisheries are given recognition. While factors such as ecological importance (i.e., critical habitat) are given strong consideration, the focus of the study is the identification of inland fishery rivers and streams which are judged to be of high recreational importance.
Description: Appendix C: RIVER-RELATED RECREATIONAL BOATING
Definition
The present study focuses on river-related recreational boating which is dependant on flowing waters and the use of a “waterway trail”. Consequently, river resources were identified which were of importance mainly to recreational activities using open and closed canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts. In order to represent a broad range of recreational boating interests, the general recreational boating category has been subdivided into three more specific categories, which identify distinct recreational boating activities and river users. These three categories are as follows:
a. Canoe Touring – Rivers and river segments which are navigable in an open canoe by novice to intermediate paddlers and which contain predominantly flat water, quickwater, and Class I rapids.
b. Whitewater Boating – Rivers and river segments which are navigable in canoes, kayaks, or rafts by intermediate to expert boaters and which contain a significant number of Class II to Class V rapids. c. Backcountry Excursion Rivers – Rivers located in natural environments which are of adequate length to provide an extended river camping experience. These rivers may contain any combination of white water and/or canoe tour boating.
Description: Appendix K: Canoe Touring – Rivers and river segments which are navigable in an open canoe by novice to intermediate paddlers and which contain predominantly flat water, quickwater, and Class I rapids.
Description: Appendix L: Whitewater Boating – Rivers and river segments which are navigable in canoes, kayaks, or rafts by intermediate to expert boaters and which contain a significant number of Class II to Class V rapids.
Description: Appendix M: Backcountry Excursion Rivers – Rivers located in natural environments which are of adequate length to provide an extended river camping experience. These rivers may contain any combination of white water and/or canoe tour boating.