For Immediate Release                                                         August 30, 2006

Department Opens Androscoggin Access Site in Canton

CANTON, Maine -- The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has completed construction and opened a new boat access site along the banks of the Androscoggin River in Canton.

The site is located just of Route 140 on the Dorey Road and is situated on the Riley Dam impoundment section of the river.

“The Androscoggin River is a tremendous resource to the region,” said Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “This site will provide opportunities for boaters, anglers, canoeists, or those who just want to be near the water.”

The Androscoggin River is rapidly growing in popularity for anglers; as well as for canoeists and kayakers. Paddlers can launch their boats in upriver towns like Dixfield and Mexico, then pull out at the new access site. Anglers can float the river downstream from the above towns, or launch in Canton and motor to various fishing spots.

The launch is on a lot that features 1,000 feet of shoreline, and it provides a single lane, 12 foot wide paved ramp to launch boats on the water. There are 26 parking spaces at the ramp that will hold either a vehicle and trailered boat, or two vehicles; as well as one paved handicapped vehicle-trailer space nearest the launch.

The land for the site was purchased in January of 2003, and construction began in 2005. Construction was completed earlier this month by Davis and Northrop of Parkman, Maine.

The purchase and development of the site was made possible through the US Fish and Wildlife Service Sportfish Restoration Act, funds from the Lands For Maine’s Future bond, and dedicated funds from the state that are used by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Conservation to provide access to lakes and ponds.

This is the most recent state access site to open. Currently the Department is working on 14 access sites throughout the state. As a Department, IFW is charged with providing anglers, boaters, and other persons fair and equitable access to public waters. The department is also currently reviewing 19 other potential sites which would be used to provide water access.

Funding for boating access comes from three main sources in Maine: The Sportfish Restoration Act, funds from the Lands For Maine’s Future bond, and dedicated funds from the state that are used by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Conservation to provide access to lakes and ponds. Generally, a combination of funds are used to purchase, design and build access sites.

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