Maine DOT seeks input on interpretive panel for Blue Hill Falls

An interpretive panel focusing on the people who used Blue Hill Falls and the history of the area will be installed once the public has submitted feedback, which is due Dec. 26. Photo by Steele Hays.

By Steele Hays

BLUE HILL—The Maine Department of Transportation has unveiled a draft design for an “interpretive panel” documenting the history and significance of Blue Hill’s Reversing Falls, and is seeking feedback from the public on the content of the panel.  Comments must be submitted by Dec. 26.

The metal panel measuring roughly three feet across will be installed along Route 175 overlooking the falls. The panel is intended to educate the public about the falls, the bridges that have spanned the water below, and about the native peoples, early settlers and summer visitors who have used the area.  

The proposed design organizes the content into three sections, titled: 

• Gathering at the Falls

• Crossing the Falls

• Summering at the Falls

The DOT has a draft of the panel on its website, along with a separate page where the public may submit comments about the panel’s content. To submit comments by mail, write to Maine DOT Environmental Office, 16 SHS, 24 Child Street, Augusta, ME  04330

The proposed educational panel features six photographs and notes that Blue Hill Falls is one of eight tidal falls in Maine.  

The DOT was required by the state Historic Preservation Commission and the Federal Highway Department to develop the interpretive panel and produce a short video as mitigation for the loss of the historic 1926 Stevens Bridge, which was demolished in 2023 and replaced by a modern span. 

Andrew Gobiel, DOT communication director, said the video will be ready for review and public comment in January.  

The draft panel designed by the Maine DOT.