Press Releases

At the request of several groups, businesses and individuals, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has introduced legislation to study the York River for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.  The House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the bill, where Chellie submitted stories and thoughts community members had sent her about the river's importance to them.  

Here are some pieces of what they had to say. 

“Just yesterday my family and I were able to enjoy one of the last days of summer at York Beach. I am glad to know a large part of the watershed still supports a rich ecosystem and beautiful beach—one that draws both locals and those “from away.”

“I have spent more than 50 years observing and enjoying the York River—rowing, sailing, powerboating, clamming, fishing, swimming, lobstering. The York River is a treasure. It is well worth preserving, studying and including in the Wild & Scenic Rivers program.”

“The river is the reason that I pursued an environmental conservation degree in college.”

“The health of this river is essential to the community.”

“Our daughter is now married to a lobsterman that fishes out of York Harbor. As we get older and our family gets bigger, protection of the York River and its harbor is more important to us than ever before. It must be saved for future generations to enjoy just as we have been doing.”

“One might say the river is the lifeblood of York and its connection to the western part of the state, the Mount Agamenticus Area, which has increasingly become a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers.”

“This river is one of the last quiet places in York where development and tourism impede most other areas. Many locals escape onto the river during the summer to enjoy peace and quiet while the town is so busy with cars, traffic and congestion.”

“I’ve been waterfowling on the York River and its tributaries and marshes since I moved to York over 10 years ago. As far as quality of life goes, very few things compare to watching the first light of dawn from a homemade duck blind.”

“The York River reminds me of what the other rivers must have looked like before over development and agricultural runoff ruined the waters.”

“They did complete their circumnavigation of the globe and after seeing the world, they too returned to York Harbor where their boat still sways gently with each change of the tide. As these waters flow from the headwater to the sea, they channel through your heart.”

“I would be relieved to see this spot protected for the enjoyment and prosperity of future Yorkers.”

“When I was a lot younger, my cousin and I did a lot of duck hunting on the upper part of the York River. I feel it is very important to preserve this area for not just hunting but for birds also that use the river for hatching and feeding. Good luck.”