One key question in this whole process is what the real role of the public is, and what it should be, in the Watershed Approach.

The rhetoric expounding on the virtues of grassroots participation and stakeholder consensus is bountiful, and yet it is still too early to say whether or not it will ultimately contribute to the goal of restoring a "fishable, swimmable river," under the mandate of the Clean Water Act. Case studies provide some isolated success stories, but it is difficult to compare the experiences of Oregon, Maryland, California and Massachusetts, to Rhode Island. There are certainly lessons to be learned from every watershed experience, but they are not necessarily replicable in this state or in the Woonasquatucket. (See Recommendations-- For other RI watersheds.)

Oftentimes when asked why public participation is important, state officials will simply talk about getting support for their projects. Clearly, the goal is not simply to coerce political and fiscal backing of state projects (although oftentimes that is the most beneficial option), but also to create a more informed civic body.

• A neighbor who cares about stormwater might be more inclined to report a violation at the construction site next door.
• A business owner who sits at a table with officials from the DEM might be more inclined to offer up free snacks at the next river event.
• A homeowner concerned about her septic system may might be more inclined to invest in a new one or fix it.

Listening to the public-- often an uninformed or reactive public-- may make a deal/regulation/project more complicated or delayed, even frustrating. If the experts know what is best, why stop to consult the lay public? Certainly there is a limit as to how much time one can feasibly spend in stakeholder meetings and negotiations and at some point, both parties may need to agree to disagree and move on to the compromise. However it is more than just civic duty or political maneuvering that make public participation a key part of the watershed approach.

In order to give the watershed approach a fair shake in Rhode Island and in order to see whether it can work for our waterways and our people, the role of the public must be explored with sincerity and commitment. This does not mean following the whims of an uninformed public-- but instead educating, consulting, and cooperating with stakeholder interests to work toward a real watershed approach.

*Whyte, William; Participatory Action Research, Sage Publications, Newbury Park: 1991.