In March 2019, after thousands of hours of community effort over a ten year period, Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut residents celebrated the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed receiving a National Wild and Scenic River designation. The watershed is now considered a Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers System under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Less than 1% of the 3.6 million miles of streams in the U.S can claim this designation!
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was enacted as a way to protect and preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed’s 300 square mile area includes seven major rivers as well as countless lakes, wetlands, and smaller streams. Although Rhode Island may be the smallest state and the second most densely populated state in the union, a total of 110 river miles within this watershed were found to be eligible for this prestigious recognition and protection!
Our Mission
A Stewardship Council was established in early 2019 with representatives from the twelve towns in the watershed, along with state agencies and other non-profit conservation organizations. The Council’s mission is to help preserve, protect and enhance the special environmental, cultural, and recreational values of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed and its Wild and Scenic Rivers and tributaries in Rhode Island and Connecticut for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Our Goals are…
- Improve and conserve water quality and water quantity.
- Conserve open space, woodlands, wetlands & geologic features.
- Protect native plant and animal species.
- Preserve cultural, historical and archaeological sites.
- Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Encourage environmental education and watershed awareness.
Learn more about the 7 Rivers…
- Wood River which supports the highest variety of plants and animals of any river in New England
- Beaver River which is 91% undeveloped and provides clean, cold habitat that supports a large number of invertebrate species
- Pawcatuck River system has been identified by the Nature Conservancy as one of the best examples of intact riverine habitat in the Lower New England ecoregion
- Green Fall-Ashaway River lies within one of the largest contiguous forests in southern New England and supports an exceptional number and variety of birds
- Chipuxet River is within the Great Swamp, which is designated as a National Natural Landmark
- Queen-Usquepaugh River supports a high biodiversity, especially dragonflies, mussels, brook trout and amphibians
- Shunock River supports populations of alewife and blueback herring, sea-run trout and American eel
Sign-up for the Dragonfly Express, our quarterly newsletter exploring the latest conservation and restoration success stories, actionable tips, upcoming events, grant opportunities, and captivating essays by our Stewardship Council. All local to the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed and our beloved seven Wild and Scenic Rivers!
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