For generations, the remnants of the Edes Falls Dam in the Crooked River stood as both a physical barrier and a local concern. Located in Naples, Maine, the deteriorating structure obstructed access to vital upstream habitat for wild landlocked salmon and posed a safety hazard at a well‑used swimming hole. Once the heart of the village of Edes Falls—the birthplace of Naples—the site carried deep historical significance alongside its environmental impact.

In 2022, the Town of Naples convened a working group in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to envision a solution. Two members of the Naples Historical Society Board played key roles in shaping the scope of the project, ensuring that safety improvements and ecological restoration went hand in hand with preserving the rich history of Edes Falls.

The dam remnants were successfully removed in June 2024.

With limited fish spawning habitat remaining throughout Maine, barriers like Edes Falls place wild fish populations at serious risk. The Strength in Numbers explores the diverse perspectives of those involved in advocating for, planning, and carrying out this complex restoration effort. Through collaboration, persistence, and shared purpose, the project brought the Crooked River one step closer to becoming a fully free‑flowing, 62‑mile river—something that had not been possible for more than 200 years.

The Naples Historical Society remains committed to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of the Edes Falls site, honoring its role in the town’s past while supporting a restored river for future generations.