AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Environmentalists in Maine say the removal of a dam on the Kennebec River remains a pivotal moment in the state’s conservation movement 20 years later.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine says supporters will gather in Augusta on Monday to celebrate the removal of the Edwards Dam. The group credits the dam removal with allowing fish to return to the river and improving habitat for birds such as bald eagles and ospreys.

Natural Resources Council of Maine says the removal of the dam was also the beginning of a movement toward river restoration around the country. It says 1,200 dams have been removed since.

The former dam site is now a park that includes a boat launch. The July 1 anniversary event will be held at the park.