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Portland celebrates River Access opening and local bird-count; Wampanoag leader addresses crowd
Summary
Town officials reported about 130 people attended the River Access grand opening; the board praised organizers, noted Wangunk Meadows as a key habitat after a 75-species bird count, and said a Wampanoag tribal leader offered remarks at the event.
Town officials told the Board of Selectmen on June 17 that roughly 130 people attended the recent River Access grand opening and that the site is already seeing daily public use for fishing and leisure.
First Selectman Michael A. Pelton thanked local volunteers and committee leaders for organizing the project and said the site could be a hub for visitors during upcoming fireworks. He called the project "amazing" and praised committee leaders Lou and Rick for their work.
Pelton also highlighted a nearby conservation achievement: a community bird-count organized by local photographers recorded more than 75 species, with many sightings at Wangunk Meadows. He said the event brought birders from across New England and Canada.
Board members noted the cultural significance of inviting a Wampanoag tribal leader to speak at the opening. Pelton said the speaker choked up while discussing the town and the meaning of the river bend; the board called the remarks a "very powerful" and appropriate welcome.
Why it matters: The River Access project represents completed local infrastructure intended to increase recreational access to the Connecticut River and to support local tourism; the bird-count and outreach point to conservation and ecological value in nearby Wangunk Meadows.
No formal board action was taken on the project during the meeting.
