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"Designated watershed councils are 'bodies
corporate and politic, having distinct legal existence
from the state and any municipality within the
watershed area in which the watershed is located'
(Section 46-28 of the R.I.G.L.) and are empowered
to advocate for and represent the interests of
the watershed."-- RI
Watershed Approach Framework
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The first real step in initiating the watershed approach
in the Woonasquatucket was formation of an official
Watershed Council. The Woonasquatucket
River Watershed Council first convened officially
in September 2000.
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The WRWC shall promote the watershed as an environmental,
recreational, cultural heritage and economic asset
of the state of Rhode Island. It shall:
- Promote programs and policies which preserve
and restore the natural and cultural resources
of the Watershed
- Support infrastructure improvement which enhance
the watershed as a natural asset contributing
to the economic growth of the communities and
the state
- Work to secure resources for communities to
enhance their economic, environmental, recreational,
housing, transportation, and heritage goals
- Maximize community awareness of and participation
in planning and implementation efforts for the
watershed.
--Woonasquatucket River Watershed
Council By-laws
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The Council is a collection
of community residents, town planners, government officials,
land trust administrators, scientists, and other interested
stakeholders. All community members and interested parties
are invited and encouraged to attend and participate.
Designation as a state-recognized
"official watershed council" by the Rhode
Island Rivers Council is the next step in the process.
The WRWC submitted its application in April and decisions
will be made in May or June. Designation will greatly
affect the Council's ability to testify, represent,
and garner financial support from legislative grants.
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