Early last week, a unique partnership announced plans to revitalize the Penobscot River watershed with a project that would have a variety of spin-off effects.

The Penobscot River Restoration Project calls for the purchase and removal of two dams, the installation of a state-of-the-art fish bypass on another, and improved fish passage at four more dams.

The benefits:

. The restoration of sea-run fish.

. Improved water quality.

. Expansion of recreational activities including fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

. New opportunities for tourism and business.

. Tribal members may be able to utilize fishing rights.

. Gaining a balanced and cooperative dam relicensing process.

When the project was announced, I asked readers for their thoughts. As usual, it didn’t take long for the e-mail in-box to fill up.

I offer portions of several e-mails here, edited to fit in this limited space. Before you get to the end of this column and realize that opinion seems to be slanted in one direction, let me assure you that’s not my doing; every response I got told me what a great idea the Penobscot River Restoration Project is. I’m just the messenger.

Arthur Taylor of Lincoln checked in to say the variety of groups involved in the project was impressive.

Taylor wrote:

“The historic agreement on the future of the Penobscot River by so many diverse groups is truly phenomenal. Far from being a one-sided agreement, there is something beneficial for all concerned.

“The river itself will not only see vast improvements for migratory fish, also the recreational opportunities will be vastly improved for canoeists, rafting, sport fishing and tourism. All this should increase dramatically, bringing many economic opportunities to communities along the river.

“In the long run this agreement has the potential of being one of the most significant improvements to the environment in Maine history. Its success is something the entire country will be watching. It has the potential of becoming a trend-setter for many rivers nationally.”

Barbara Witham, the vice president of the Maine Council of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, offered a similar viewpoint.

“I grew up living on the banks of the East Branch of the Penobscot. The river was there every day of my life and I just loved it. To know that so many groups are willing to bring it back to a solid ecological self-sustaining system makes me feel very proud.

“I hope this gives hope and encouragement to other river watersheds throughout the country, that diverse groups can come together to work out projects in which everyone is a winner.

“My hat is off to all those who have worked so long and hard to bring this together.”

Mal Coulter of Eddington – another river community – offered this endorsement, with a warning:

“We are very enthusiastic and optimistic about the future prospects for this river. What a great project! And it has been developed by a broad coalition of interests including the power people.

“However, I do think we should be cautious about glowing guesstimates about salmon runs. It will take time if we can get fish returning from their stay in the ocean. That is an unknown that we do not yet understand.

“I hope you will keep the project in the forefront and inform the public as much as you can. Instead of fighting the power interests, we are willing collaborators on this project.”

John Dimond of Hampden pointed at the project as a worthy pursuit for Mainers.

“Last week’s news describing restoration of native fisheries on the Penobscot River is the happiest thing I’ve read in years.

“This strikes me as a much more worthy effort for the state of Maine than investing in gambling casinos.”

Finally, Lou Horvath, the president of the Penobscot Salmon Club, shared a few personal thoughts after having attended the announcement ceremony:

“The day was made in heaven. The mingling throng was in great spirits as people moved about, greeting one another as would only happen at a family reunion. Smiles prevailed, handshakes and hugs were noticeably genuine. Here were, assembled in one place, governmental employees, environmentalists, native Americans, non-governmental organizations, salmon club members, state and national wildlife groups, the media, politicians, and the new kid on the block – the hydro-electric company.

“As speaker followed speaker to the podium, special words filled the air. It became evident that something great was happening here and now. I’ve heard similar words spoken many times before at meetings from Madawaska to Augusta, but what made them special today was their collective presentation. Here were people representing a coalition of individuals from different interests willing to compromise their personal self-interests for the common good of all.

“Sitting in the audience, I believe we were privileged to be part of a true renaissance that will aggressively attack and solve many of the problems associated with the river. It’s been said in many ways, that good people working together can move mountains, and in this case cleanse the blood we call the Penobscot and make its body healthy again. Hopefully, we’re on the way.”

Thank you all for your input. It is sincerely appreciated.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.