Winterville Salmon Hatchery (abandoned) – Winterville ME

Description

A former salmon hatchery in Aroostook County. One of many projects that have been neglected by the state. The March 11 1938 Bangor Daily News in an article “Aroostook WPA Crews Will Be Increased To 1200 by March 20” notes that “At Winterville, where a fish rearing pool is under construction under the sponsorship of the inland fish and game department the crew will be augmented by 40 men from Eagle Lake, Wallagrass, and Winterville.” A WPA job card notes that “Located on Birch River at Winterville – Salmon Fish Hatchery built by the WPA and sponsored by the Maine Fish and Game Department. Cost $93,000. – $23,000 by sponsor.”

Thanks to the assistance of NA Brent McKee, locating the project was relatively easy despite the fact that there is no existing documentation beyond the mention in the article. The local state Fish and Wildlife Dept staffer had no clue about its existance or when it was discontinued. Much like the abandoned hatchery near Moosehead lake, the faint outline of the rearing ponds was visible in the forest by google satelite view.

On arriving at the site, I was fortunate to meet the resident before she went to work. She said her house and garage were rebuilt from the facility buildings. A guest cabin was also left over from the hatchery. The rearing pools and dam themselves however have been badly neglected. It must be slightly popular with the locals because the resident has a fish mural at the entrance to her driveway and well worn pathways go through the area. For anyone visiting, please be aware that once you are off the paved road, the road is reserved for logging trucks and if any approach, you are required to get off to the side of the road.