Economic Benefits

Habitat restoration projects often rely on construction and engineering services from the home state, province or town, so economic impacts stay "close to home"

Fisheries Recovery

Barrier removals on coastal streams are key to the recovery of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and other species that require access to freshwater and marine environments
Photo credit: Claire Enterline

Wildlife Benefits

Game species like these American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) benefit from projects restoring coastal marshes and tidal flow

Economics and Safety

The undersized culvert on the road crossing over Thomas Bay periodically flooded, endangering the public’s well-being and requiring road repairs

Economics and Safety

Thomas Bay Marsh, during installation of a “Stream-Smart” road crossing

Economics and Safety

Thomas Bay Marsh, after installation of a “Stream-Smart” crossing that’s more resilient to both higher flows and tides

Indirect Wildlife Benefits

Restored tidal flow increases the amount of prey available for species of management concern like seabirds

Connectivity is Key

Projects that restore access to critical habitats like those for spawning alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) can rejuvenate populations extirpated centuries ago

Restoration in Action

Montsweag Brook, before removal of an aging and unwanted dam

Restoration in Action

Montsweag Brook, during dam removal

Restoration in Action

Montsweag Brook during the first growing season following dam removal

Restoring Natural Communities

Species like eelgrass (Zostera marina) are the focus of restoration efforts because they provide habitat for entire communities of dependent species

Science-Based Approaches

Monitoring to learn how systems respond to restoration action is a important feature of our projects

Returning the Tides

Removal of tidal restrictions restores marsh conditions that help entire communities of species like the Great Egret (Ardea alba) thrive

Restoration in Action

The Little River before removal of an unwanted dam that blocked over 20 miles of stream habitat

Restoration in Action

The Little River during dam removal

Restoration in Action

The Little River under free flowing conditions

Species Recovery

Waterbirds like Brant (Branta bernicla) are one of many species that can benefit from eelgrass restoration

Restored Economics and Traditions

Restored habitats benefit species supporting both commercial and recreational fisheries, like this winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

Restoration in Action

Muscongus Brook, before two perched and undersized culverts were replaced to revive a local alewife run

Restoration in Action

Muscongus Brook, during construction of a bridge meant to restore stream processes and fish passage

Restoration in Action

Muscongus Brook, with a new road crossing that will allow the recovery of historical alewife and sea-run brook trout populations

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Habitat Restoration Projects Map

GOMC Projects MCP Potential Sites Return the Tides Sites

Select Base Map: Roads Satellite

Maine Coastal Program Potential Sites: these are potential restoration sites in identified in southern Maine 2005-2006 by GOMC-funded studies coordinated by the Maine Coastal Program, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and other partners.
Return the Tides Potential Sites: these are potential tidal restriction sites scouted by volunteers of the Return the Tides Program 2000-2002.
GOMC Restoration Projects: these are completed projects to which the GOMC Habitat Restoration Grants Program contributed funding and technical assistance.

For more information about the locations and condition of potential projects and aquatic habitats in Maine, click here for the Maine Stream Habitat Viewer.