They received this prestigious designation based on their outstanding geology and hydrology, exceptional ecosystems, cultural significance, and scenic and recreational values.
The Stewardship Council is back with a new round of community grants, spreading care and building environmental awareness across the watershed! From October 1 through December 29, you can apply for a grant ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for projects that will protect, preserve, and enhance the outstanding and remarkable values of the 7 federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed.
For more information, see the Community Grants page.
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed is located in southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut, and drains to the common outlet of the Pawcatuck River and Little Narragansett Bay, covers a land area of more than 300 square miles (194,000 acres).
Since 2020 The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council has given out over $275,000 for local projects that benefit the Wild and Scenic Rivers.
There are 52+ miles of flat water canoe and kayaking in the watershed. The Wood, Pawcatuck and Chipuxet Rivers are popular destinations. There are also 13 lakes and ponds to enjoy. Be aware that Aquatic Invasive Species are easier to prevent than to treat, always wash and dry your boat and gear before paddling in a new location.
As someone with property along one of the Seven Wild and Scenic Rivers, or just someone who cares about taking care of the rivers, there are several things you can do to help.
The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council began meeting in May of 2019. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of almost every month from 5 pm to 7 pm virtually or at the Westerly Land Trust, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891. Meeting agendas and minutes from past meetings are available here. All meetings are open to the public. For information about upcoming meetings, contact the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinator at coordinator@wpwildrivers.org
Dragonfly Express is our semi-annual newsletter. Read the Winter 2026 Dragonfly Express for more about dragonfly nymphs and the national park service at mastuxet brook, community grants in action: improving trails in the westerly town forest, the sound of ice in Carolina Management Area, the big deal about riparian buffers, mudlarking and how it artist Mary Hendrickson uses what she finds in her art, meeting the Wood River, and meet council member Juliet Lamb. Read More
Richard Seager (Photos courtesy of the North Stonington Historical Society) The Shunock River flows out of Gallup Pond. Gallup Pond is fed by the Phelps Brook which runs into Hewitt Pond from the north and then on to Gallup Pond. Gallup Pond is formed by a large dam, the location of an early mill. As the Shunock flows south it is joined by Yawbucks Brook. Continuing southeast, the River flows into Lewis Pond, also known locally as Hewitt Pond. This pond is also formed by a dam and was the site of another mill. It is likely that this was Read More
Hydrilla is the common name and the genus name of an intensely unwanted invasive plant that threatens our Wild and Scenic Rivers. It has been found in two water bodies in South Kingstown, Indian Lake and Worden Pond, and in West Greenwich in Lake Mishnock. This aquatic invasive plant is extremely difficult to manage. Hydrilla can successfully reproduce by seeds or roots like most plants, but just a fragment of about an inch of stem with a few leaves can grow its own root system to generate a whole new plant. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, pH, salinity, Read More
Dragonfly Express is our semi-annual newsletter. Read the Winter 2026 Dragonfly Express for more about dragonfly nymphs and the national park service at mastuxet brook, community grants in action: improving trails in the westerly town forest, the sound of ice in Carolina Management Area, the big deal about riparian buffers,
Richard Seager (Photos courtesy of the North Stonington Historical Society) The Shunock River flows out of Gallup Pond. Gallup Pond is fed by the Phelps Brook which runs into Hewitt Pond from the north and then on to Gallup Pond. Gallup Pond is formed by a large dam, the location Read More
Hydrilla is the common name and the genus name of an intensely unwanted invasive plant that threatens our Wild and Scenic Rivers. It has been found in two water bodies in South Kingstown, Indian Lake and Worden Pond, and in West Greenwich in Lake Mishnock. This aquatic invasive plant is Read More
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The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers are part of is one of 228 rivers designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System that was established to preserve rivers for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
