Great Works River

Watershed Description

The upper reaches of the watershed in Sanford and North Berwick are characterized by scattered agricultural land and large forest blocks interspersed with large areas of developed land. Downstream from Sanford, a series of small ponds form an area of significant habitat for inland waterfowl, wading birds, and the endangered Northern Black Racer.

The middle portion of the Great Works River Watershed includes areas of dense development, yet several large blocks of mixed forest and agricultural land surround two tributaries of the watershed.

In the Southern and Eastern portion of the watershed, a vast area of wetlands, forests, and agricultural land make up one of the most significant natural areas in the region. Several tracts of conservation land are located here, surrounding Mt. Agamenticus. These include private and state held preserves and easements which provide recreation and important resource protection. Vast exemplary natural communities of oak forests provide thousands of acres of significant habitat for wildlife including the endangered Northern Black Racer, the vulnerable Ringed Boghaunter, and the threatened Swamp Darter, as well as important deer wintering habitat and inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat. The final stretch of the watershed includes the developed area around Leighs Mill village in South Berwick. 

Resources

• Implementation of the Great Works River Non-point Source Pollution Watershed Management Plan