The York River, located in southern Maine, holds a special designation as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River, recognizing its significant natural, cultural, and recreational value. This designation brings federal funding and support for preservation and educational efforts while maintaining local oversight. The river and its watershed, which span 33 square miles across York, Eliot, Kittery, and South Berwick, play a critical role in regional conservation. Efforts to protect this ecosystem also support climate resilience, providing natural buffers against rising sea levels and housing diverse species like the endangered salt marsh sparrow.
