AUGUSTA -- A national river advocacy group is calling Augusta one of the nation's top eight "water wise" communities.

American Rivers, in its report, "Natural Security: How Sustainable Water Strategies are Preparing Communities for a Changing Climate," lauds the removal of the Edwards Dam and recovery of the Kennebec River as preparing Augusta for the impacts of climate change on the environment.

"Augusta, with Edwards Dam, was one of the first major, high-profile dam removals, and you're seeing the results in improved ecology," said William Hewes, climate change policy coordinator for American Rivers and an author of the report. "We look at it as a way to both help the ecosystem and, in turn, help the community. By restoring it proactively, you have an ecosystem better able to absorb some of those impacts of climate change."

Perhaps ironically, city government at the time the dam removal debate began fought against removal of Edwards Dam. The city, at the time, received revenues from electricity production at the dam.

"As one of the first major dam removals in the country, there was naturally some resistance to the proposal," said Amy Kober, national communications director for American Rivers. "But sometimes it doesn't matter how you get there -- the point here is that Augusta has, and will continue to, benefit from the dam removal and river restoration, and other communities around the country can learn from Augusta, if not their initial response. These types of decisions are never simple and the process Augusta went through can be a lesson for other communities. The fact that the city ultimately embraced river renewal efforts and will be better equipped to handle a changing climate is the point."

Edwards Dam was removed 10 years ago.

"The city is proud to receive this national award," said Mayor Roger Katz, who took office in 2007. "Thanks go to dozens of people and organizations who worked over decades to clean up the Kennebec and remove Edwards Dam. This reminds those of us who live here that we live on a gem of a river, and all the potential it presents us."

Hewes said the dam removal process resulted in a healthier river and healthier community. The report notes Augusta has taken advantage of the renewed river after the dam was removed through the creation of Mill Park on the former site of the Edwards Mill, riverfront development projects, and participation of the creation of the Kennebec River Rail Trail.

The report was issued as Congress is gearing up to consider a climate bill including so-called "adaptation measures" that will help communities get ready for the floods, droughts, and waterborne diseases that come with global warming, according to American Rivers President Rebecca Wodder.

"We are at a transformational moment for our nation's rivers and water infrastructure, and Augusta is forging the path to a healthier, more secure future," Wodder said in a news release.

The other communities identified as "water wise" in the report are: Portland, Ore.; Boston; Clayton County, Ga.; Soldiers Grove, Wis.; Staten Island, N.Y.; Seattle; and Grand Junction, Colo.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com