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Stream Crossing Resources

Stream crossings are a long-term fixture in our environment and crossings that are too small, don't allow fish or wildlife passage, and flood or wash out roads pose great risks if not addressed. Upgrading these crossings to last longer, increase safety, reconnect stream habitats, decrease maintenance costs, and reduce flooding benefit municipalities and the local environment alike.

Maine DEP's Stream Crossing Grant Program helps to not only fund resilient and effective stream crossings, but also helps provide resources and other technical assistance to municipalities, road owners, and contractors in order to promote improved stream crossing design and installation. The goal of this webpage is to provide those resources in a single space to help restore fish and wildlife habitat while minimizing flooding and maintenance costs over time.

Visit the Grant Website for current grant opportunities and announcements, and contact John Maclaine, 207-615-3279 for more information.

Regulations & Permits

Maine DEP

NRPA – Natural Resources Protection Act
NRPA Chapter 305- Permit By Rule (see Section 10 for new stream crossings)
NRPA Exemptions (see #2-D for 'existing crossings')

Army Corps of Engineers

Maine Project Office ; (207) 623-8367
Maine General Permit Department of the Army General Permit State of Maine
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Info

Technical Assistance & Design Resources

Guides

USDA Forest Service Stream Simulation Manual
Maine Stream Smart Road Crossing Pocket Guide – This guide was developed to provide basic explanations for installing and replacing crossings in an effective and cost-efficient manner, meeting goals of restoring and maintaining stream habitat connectivity, and enhancing the stability of roads and the crossings. See Appendix A of this guide for worksheets to assist with assessing your crossing site, including bankfull width and stream slope measurements.
Maine Stream Smart program - Maine Audubon's training program and resource for anyone responsible for constructing road-stream crossings. The goals of Stream Smart are to connect fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety and to prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast.
Stream Smart Overview (video)
Field Stream Assessment (video)
Stream Smart Partners Technical Assistance for Road Crossings
How to Create Stream Smart Crossings
Stream Smart Project Planning and Management
Cost/Benefit of Stream Smart and Potential Funding
Maine CoastWise Approach to Tidal Crossings

Tools

Maine Stream Habitat Viewer - The Stream Habitat Viewer displays habitats for several stream-dependent species important to Maine’s economy, ecology, and way of life. It also provides locations and information about dams and road crossings, which can act as barriers to the movements of fish and wildlife.
StreamStats (USGS) - Stream Stats is a model developed by USGS. Allows you to calculate drainage area, estimate bankfull width, etc. just by clicking on a stream-road crossing.
Maine Stream Crossings poster (PDF)
Maine Tidal Restriction Atlas - Tidal crossings restrictions and barriers.
Comparison of Road-Stream Crossing Structures Handout - Maine Audubon's training program and resource for anyone responsible for constructing road-stream crossings.

Maine.gov

Maine Department of Environmental Protection