I participated in a watershed hike this past Tuesday in the York and Kittery Water Districts. Not only did we see the beauty of the trails around Mount Agamenticus, but concepts about the larger context of the watersheds were discussed. Water district staff and operators attended along with watershed groups, land trusts, and other municipal staff involved with source water protection. After a quick introduciton and history talk on top of Mt. Agamenticus, the group embarked on a 1.5 mile hike through the York and Kittery Watersheds.

Along the hike, we stopped to catch our breath and discuss some of the issues the trails have been facing. This box culvert allows for fish passage while keeping hikers and mountain bikers out of the stream. Balancing the recreation needs of the public with source water protection is the greatest challenge for both water districts. Swimming and boating are strictly prohibited in the lakes and ponds, as these bodies of water are the sources of York and Kittery's drinking water. Environmental stewardship is an important action that should be followed by everyone; on a hike around Mt. A, this includes keeping your pets on leashes and picking up after them, leaving nothing behind, staying on the trails, and having no bodily contact with the water.

After a nice BBQ lunch at the York Water District's Josiah Chase Filtration Plant a tour of the facilitiy was given. These filters often run 24hours in the summer to supply the demand for those at the beaches of York.

If you would like to explore Mt. Agamenticus and the York and Kittery watershed districts you can visit the trails and rules at: http://www.agamenticus.org/recreation.html