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Maine's Rivers and Streams
A Comprehensive Guide to Waterfront Real Estate
Maine is surrounded by water. It's coastline stretches for thousands of miles. There are countless lakes and ponds, providing a multitude of real estate alternatives. The state also is blessed with over 5,000 rivers and streams that range from small tributaries to the mighty Penobscot, which has been tranformed over the years to its initial glory. At one time, in the early history of Maine, its rivers and streams were the primary forms of transportation throughout the region. In later years the rivers where used to generate power and stimulate economic activity. Today, Maine’s rivers and streams continue to be the life blood of our coexistence with nature. Through the hard work of many, most have been restored to their pristine condition of decades ago to be enjoyed by all. Maine's 6 Major Rivers | | | | | | | | Penobscot | | 350 | | Miles | | St John | | 211 | | Miles | | Androscoggin | | 175 | | Miles | | Kennebec | | 150 | | Miles | | Saco | | 104 | | Miles | | St. Croix | | 75 | | Miles |
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| | Rivers and Streams | | | | Rivers and streams are essential to life, from drinking water to generating power. They are also in constant state of flux. Changes in water temperature, volume, tides and the movement of wildlife all have a dramatic affect. Homes and camps along the banks of a river provide a dramatic vignette of Maine’s outdoors. |
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| Maine’s rivers also provide an excellent habitat for a wide range of wildlife, ranging from migrating salt water fish to nesting birds. |
| | Estuaries and Tidal Marshes | | | The Indians referred to an estuary as "Between-Land", meaning not quite land and not quite water.
Estuaries are places where fresh and salt water come together, typically along the coast. They are influenced by the ocean through tides, waves and salt water and from rivers through fresh water flow and sediment. |
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| In many cases estuaries are protected environments, and finding real estate within close proximity can be a challenging task. |
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| Additional Waterfront Real Estate Resources |
PEARL is supported through a collaboration of research, management, and citizen-volunteer organizations, and is a superb example of cooperative stewardship. It is a searchable data base for Maine lakes created in collaboration between the University of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
This resource will not only provide environmental information, but will be a place where you can search specific lakes by name and their exact location using interactive maps and tools. Visit The Maine Lake Authority for detailed Infomation. | 
Maine Lake
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Understanding Shoreland
Just what is considered a shoreland in Maine is important you are thinking about long-term options for your property.  | All land within 250 feet of the highwater line of any pond over 10 acres, any river that drains at least 25 square miles and all tidal water and saltwater marshes | | | | | All land with 250 feet of a freshwater wetland over 10 acres. | | | | | All land within 75 feet of streams that are outlet of great ponds or streams below the confluence of 2 perennial streams. |
Real Estate Values
Although not true in all cases, real estate prices tend to be less expensive the farther up the Maine coastline you go and the farther inland you travel. Maine has long been a destination for second homes either along the coast or one of our beautiful lakes or rivers.
Following several years of depressed pricing, the market is improving and it appears to be a good time to make a purchase. Customize Your Search
Our home search is very easy to use. Select your price range, location, waterfront type and home style. Receive email updates of all matching properties. You will have access to all properties for sale in the Maine MLS. By retaining the services of a qualified and professional Buyer's Agent, you have access to equal representation in the real estate transaction.
If you are thinking of buying a home, or are in the process of buying one, you can't afford to do it alone. Local knowledge can be hard to come by. While the Internet can be a good place to begin your search, there is no substitue for hands-on experience in the local market. Often times we'll meet a client for the first time and we'll have to spend a great deal of time unraveling all the myths and misconceptions that have accumulated before arrival. The Maine Waterfront | | | | | | |
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