Public Swimming Beaches

Water District Drinking Water Source

The Little River Watershed is dominated by two tributaries; Branch Brook and the Merriland River, which together drain most of the 31.5 square mile watershed. Both tributaries begin in the sandy glacial outwash plains near the Sanford airport. They converge in the salt marshes of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge to form the Little River, which then flows for another mile before entering the Gulf of Maine. Within the watershed are several large blocks of undeveloped forestland. Many of these are within State and privately controlled conservation land and provide important habitat for rare and endangered species, including the endangered Black Racer. Much of this conservation land surrounds Branch Brook , which is a water source for the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells Water District. The Little River forms a large salt marsh estuary at its mouth, which is within the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This estuary provides significant habitat for wading birds and waterfowl including the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Two swimming beaches are located at the mouth of the Little River. The dunes on these beaches provide essential habitat for the endangered Piping Plover.

Laudholm Beach extends south from the mouth of the Little River, to the end of Island Beach Road. This beach is managed by the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Crescent Surf Beach extends north from the mouth of the Little River, to the end of Parsons Beach Road. This beach is managed by the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Development within the Little River Watershed is concentrated along Route 1, Sanford Road, and Branch Road, and is characterized by residences and farmland. This watershed is one of the least developed and most protected ones in Southern Maine with 4,428 (21%) acres either in permanent protection or owned by the Water District. Another 2,863 acres (13%) is Tree and Farm current use taxation programs, and another 8,575 acres (41%) is undeveloped.