In 1998, with the passionate support of Senator John Chafee and thousands of Rhode Island residents, the Woonasquatucket River was listed with the Blackstone as one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers. The designation celebrates the river's status as an integral part of the community's history, natural environment, and modern development.

Status as an American Heritage River brings the Woonasquatucket a wealth of resources and recognition. The American Heritage River Navigator is responsible for facilitating partnerships between the river's state and local advocates and federal sources of funding and technical information.

For example, coordination with the U.S. Postal Service and local municipal officials resulted in a creative solution to a transportation and commercial development dilemma in North Providence. For details, read "Centredale Village-- An AHR Success Story" from the Fall/Winter 2000 WRWC newsletter.

This program is one example of how the watershed approach may be susceptible to political vacillations. Funding for the American Heritage Rivers program is dependent on support from the Executive branch and Administration and is subject to whatever sways may affect persons in power on the Federal level.