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Who We Are Home
White water at Long Lake Dam
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A bit of our history and our continuing involvement in matters of public access to the woods and waters of northern Maine : The
Friends of the Allagash was formed in 2000 when pressures from
outside the region provoked amongst a highly diverse group of
citizens very real concerns over the potential eradication of the
remaining crucial elements of their Acadian and Allagash
heritage. A groundswell of sentiment became evident among
residents of the St. John Valley and many like-minded Allagash
Waterway visitors. Over several years these citizens had become
increasingly alarmed by incremental losses of fundamental facets
of their Acadian- and Allagash-oriented culture and traditions.
These concerns came to a head when proposed revisions to the
Allagash Waterway Management Plan of 1999 specified denial of
generations-old access at Finley Bogan, Ramsey Ledge and Umsaskis
Thoroughfare. To address those concerns and to go beyond them, lest by degrees the entire heritage of the Allagash should eventually vanish, the Maine Legislature enacted LD-2077. This legislation irrevocably established vehicular access points, bridge crossings and snowmobile access along the Allagash Waterway. Passage of LD-2077 was overwhelmingly supported by The Friends of the Allagash as well as the Maine Forest Products Council, sportsmen's groups including The Sportsman's' Alliance of Maine and the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, and recreationists, woodland owners, and lumbering interests across the State. On that basis, The Friends of the Allagash has become a broader voice, speaking on behalf of the culture and traditions of not only the Allagash River but all other rivers and watersheds of northern Maine. The Friends of the Allagash is strongly supportive of public and private interests' access to, fruitful utilization of, and wholesome enjoyment of these resources. The Friends of the Allagash seeks to aid in maintaining and nurturing open communication among all groups who have an interest in backwoods activities, both commercial and recreational. Our membership is centered in northern Maine but we also have many members who reside temporarily or seasonally elsewhere. They visit family here or vacation here whenever the opportunity arises. We hope to speak for all who live, work and play in the woods of Northern Maine.
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Contact: |
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Peter Hilton, Information Director |
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