Machias Trip

The waters of the Machias are running low, so low that we could not even kayak the last two weeks. So low that just above the West Branch beavers have built a dam completely across the river, about three feet high, which I am sure will not last during high water.

Over the past month of camping at Airline Rips, lower and upper West Branch and Number 10 (wonderland) I am pleased to report limited use and great folks. While now under the direction of PL (public lands) it is hard to use an ATV the area is still great.

The time has come to get a Machias River Group together, one that cares for the sites, raking, cutting brush back, trimming, cutting grass, outhouse care, adding a few lean too's, installing sign boards with maps and history of the river. You can go to any site in Canada and they look exceptional, but our sites rate low. We want to attract vistors and allow users to enjoy a Maine camping experience, but we do little to boost this effort.

We all talk about Restore Maine and the same of the paper companies, I think just the opposite, it was wonderful when land ownership was in the hands of the paper company. The lands were open and free to use, camping and ATV use was allowed, woodsman always gave direction and insight to hunting and fishing holes. Roads were maintained and again it was all on the backs of the paper companies like St. Regis and Great Northern.

Now we are so restricted and the rules continue to grow, yet site improvements lack for attracting visitors and locals. The Machias is Maines longest free flowing river providing excellent camping and views.

As for the fishing - poor, lots of bass and river chub's. From spring to now, few trout, in fact bass are above the bridge at the west branch now. There are no salmon and doutbfull there will be again, yet we are spending millions to improve stream conditions for fish that don't exist.

Recently, a few weeks ago, an fire broke out at #10 on the island, so new lush green growth will be starting over the next few years.

From Third Machias to the Wigwams to Holmes Falls we can do much with site improvements. I so much would like to apply for grants to make the sites attractive and useable, but with all the paperwork, studies and regulations I would never see it completed.