Since its inception in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) has fostered a mission to preserve and protect the integrity of the lands and waters of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed for the benefit of our natural and human communities. WPWA is recognized as an outspoken voice working for those who use and enjoy the rivers. Many of WPWA’s activities are directed toward educating and informing residents, visitors, and public officials about the watershed’s pristine lands and water resources.

WPWA plays an ongoing role in public policy formulation within the watershed. As the designated council for the watershed, WPWA has legal standing to advocate on behalf of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed. When necessary to serve the best interest of the watershed resource and the general public, WPWA will take a position on significant matters of land use, surface and groundwater use, water quality, threats to habitat, growth issues, and river corridor concerns. WPWA works in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, to encourage the watershed approach to environmental management, and works on the local level with regard to specific aspects of watershed protection.

Our campus on the upper Wood River provides an administrative headquarters, conference and program facilities, and a handicapped-accessible public fishing and canoe access with parking. We serve our members with free use of our fleet of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, our newsletter “Watershed” and a host of other programs. With your generous donation, our facilities are available for your next private function, email [email protected] for more info. Funding for our campus was provided by Champlin Foundations, Horace Kimball Foundation, Ocean State Charities Trust, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other generous donors. The fishing pier, and informational kiosk, was constructed in partnership with RI DEM, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, and the Small Craft Access Trust (Press Release (PDF format)). The campus attracts thousands of visitors each year.

WPWA Bylaws (PDF Format)

WPWA CAMPUS