Saco Headwaters Alliance

The Saco Headwaters Alliance is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the ground and surface waters of the Saco River Headwaters watershed, spanning across New Hampshire and Maine. The alliance covers a significant area of approximately 1,200 square miles, encompassing pristine natural environments, a robust tourism economy, and vibrant communities[2].

Mission

The mission of the Saco Headwaters Alliance is to safeguard the abundant, clean ground and surface waters of the Saco River Headwaters for purposes of drinking, recreation, and habitat conservation. This effort includes working across federal, state, municipal, and non-profit sectors to ensure comprehensive water quality monitoring and sustainability initiatives[1][2].

Formation and Activities

The Saco Headwaters Alliance was established in late 2019 by board members of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT). It continues the critical work initiated by USVLT's water initiative, which aimed to address pollution in the Mount Washington Valley watershed. The alliance collaborates with FB Environmental to identify pollution sources and conduct community outreach[3].

Key Initiatives

• Water Quality Monitoring: The alliance is involved in enhancing and expanding water quality monitoring efforts across the watershed.
• Floodplain Mapping and Analyses: It also focuses on filling key data gaps related to floodplain mapping and conducting trend analyses and forecasts.
• Partnerships and Community Engagement: Engaging with local leaders to promote water sustainability is a significant part of the alliance's activities[1].

Governance and Representation

The board of the Saco Headwaters Alliance includes representatives from conservation organizations, municipalities, service providers, and professionals, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded approach to its mission[5].