Working Toward a Real Watershed Approach in Rhode Island

This website is currently in draft form and under development. (as of May 10, 2001)

Quick Reference
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Highest ranking topics
Do's and Don'ts in a Web Survey
Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council
A few nice links...
RI DEM Watersheds Partnership
EPA Surf Your Watershed
Clean Water Act Section 319
Watershed Approach
Government Endorsement: RI Pilot Projects

Two pilot projects began in Rhode Island to test the watershed approach in its natural environment. Incorporated into the work plan of RI DEM, the pilot projects would be the test of the watershed approach in action.

South County Watersheds Partnership
Woonasquatucket River Watershed
This project began in response to intense growth pressures in the southern portion of the state known as South County. Existing watershed associations in South County were doing work to help plan for growth, assess water use and water quality, and engage in public outreach. The partnership strives to coordinate efforts regionally, over 5 watersheds and a dozen or so towns.

This watershed presented a very different set of assets and challenges. Densely urban and suburban development in the southern communities contrast with the rural and suburban growth patterns of the northern communities. However, a history of public support from the American Heritage River designation, as well as current and promising redevelopment projects along the river made it an excellent candidate for a complementary (and contrasting) case study.

See About the Watershed for more information.

DEM Watershed Coordinator: jnield@dem.state.ri.us

DEM Watershed Coordinator: fpresley@dem.state.ri.us
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Project Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council
Rationale
Geographic
Public
Economic
Government endorsement
EPA adopts the watershed
RI adopts the watershed
RI Pilot Projects