The Penobscot Ave boat launch is temporarily closed. We were notified by Brookfield Renewable that starting Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at approximately 3pm, the water level of the Penobscot River upstream of the West Enfield Dam will begin being increased to facilitate the opening of upstream fish passage for the spring migratory season. We expect the river to increase by approximately two feet from its current level. As the Howland dam’s flashboards were lost during this spring’s high water and the boat barriers are not yet in place at the dam, We were requested that the town close the Penobscot Avenue boat ramp to ensure the public’s safety during this event.

Assuming that the weather and river conditions cooperate, their plan is to install the dam’s flashboards and boater barriers before the Memorial Day weekend holiday.  

We know it is impossible to get this notice out to everyone, so we have scheduled the installation of concrete barriers to prevent access to the ramp. Again, we apologize for this inconvenience.