Dennys River Instream Flow Study
Maine Department of Conservation
Augusta, ME
Kleinschmidt performed a comprehensive instream
flow study and developed watershed management plan for the Dennys
River, home to one of Maine’s federally endangered populations of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Using Instream Flow
Incremental Methodology (IFIM) techniques, Kleinschmidt performed all field surveying and mapping of cross section geometry
and Atlantic salmon habitat for IFIM modeling, including measurements of depth, velocity, substrate and cover for spawning,
fry, parr, smolt and overwintering adult life stages. Kleinschmidt’s hydraulic and biologic computer modeling calculated the
relationship between river flows and optimal salmon habitat, and was used to make recommendations for flow management in the
watershed, including controlled releases from a dam at the outlet of Meddybemps Lake where Kleinschmidt developed outflow
rating tables for a gate and fish ladder.
Kleinschmidt performed a detailed hydrologic analysis of the watershed, preparing a water budget based on prorated streamgage information and flow frequency statistics. Kleinschmidt estimated lake storage and monthly inflow, prepared monthly flow targets and gate settings based on seasonally varying hydrologic and biological objectives. The results of the IFIM were used with historic flow data and the water budget to recommend a revised rule curve for Meddybemps Lake that would optimize flows for Atlantic salmon in the Dennys River and provide minimum flows even during drought. The hydrologic model results will also be used to manage water withdrawals in the Dennys River watershed.
Kleinschmidt’s instream flow and lake management study was summarized in a report that is publicly available through the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission website at http://www.maine.gov/asc/conservation/index.shtml. The report has been useful to natural resource agencies, non-profit organizations and private entities for managing instream flows and water withdrawals in a protected watershed.
For more information contact Brandon Kulik.