Removing the Montgomery Dam does not provide "natural" anadromous fish access to Megunticook Lake. A dam owner in Brooksville says "[being] an owner of a dam in Brooksville and manager of its alewives run for 30 years informs me that the fish will not make the 20-foot ascent without a manmade fish ladder of some sort. Fish ladders will also be needed at the Megunticook Lake dams, the Seabright dam and several other dams and natural steps in the 140-foot total drop from the lake to the harbor."

We are very skeptical of there having been a fish run from salt water into the Megunticook watershed even in its "natural" state. We are not opposed to the introduction of anadromous fish to Megunticook Lake if all the state and federal agencies' scientists deem it appropriate. Responsibility to future taxpayers requires we do a mature cost benefit analysis of the construction and maintenance of all the fish ladders required.

The belief that there will be a waterfall if the dam is removed is naive and unrealistic. The proposal involving the dam's removal refers to returning the river's course to its "original natural channel." If that is the purpose of the dam and park wall removal, obviously there would no longer be a waterfall, it will become a gradual and greatly reduced descent, and obviously, there would no longer be a mill pond, which is critical to the aesthetic of the dam's existence.

The Montgomery Dam is not connected in any way to climate change or sea level rise. Obviously, the Megunticook watershed does not affect, in any measurable way, water levels in Camden Harbor, let alone the Gulf of Maine or the world's oceans. An argument is made, that climate change may bring about more frequent and more severe rain events. The argument is well taken; some data-based forecasts/predictions may indicate a trend in that direction. Due diligence requires us to take action that will lead to the best realistic preparedness. Flow management is key to the successful function of the Megunticook river system. Though unrelated to the Montgomery Dam, flow control on the river is critical.

The Camden Grant Proposal to NFWF, says as many as 500,000 alewives may yearly migrate through Camden Harbor to Megunticook Lake via many fish ladders. 40% or more of the alewives can die on each ladder.

Dead or alive, alewives are a smorgasbord for seagulls, bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, and also raccoons, otters, and rats. Alewives are a nice romantic idea but can cause major irreversible damage to our health and our town.